"Even before I got to school, I had heard about so many great things that were going to happen during the orientation week. I was really psyched about meeting all the talented students I would be attending school with. Orientation week really helped with this. I’ve met some awesome people and am looking forward to meeting everyone else." — Yoo-Sun Park, first-year violinist

Each of the 15 orientation leaders was responsible for 15 new students, who received a packet from the leader with a letter and a photo to introduce themselves to their charges and welcome them to the community. (Photo by John Velasco)

At Latin Night, a mariachi band played traditional Mexican music as students ate tacos, burritos, rice and beans, and drank alcohol-free margaritas. (Photo by John Velasco)

"My orientation experience at Juilliard was wonderful. Students and faculty welcomed me with open arms. Not only was I an incoming freshman, but my program—Jazz Studies—is in its first year as well. Even though our program hasn’t been a part of Juilliard for long, the faculty and students continue to embrace us, and this week has been an experience of a lifetime!" — Ulysses Owens, Jazz Studies, drums

"This school is the first one I’ve been to where orientation is geared towards making students comfortable with themselves, their colleagues, and just generally getting more relaxed. Hearing President Polisi was inspiring. It made me understand why the atmosphere here is so energized. Whatever ‘first-time’ nerves there were from my peers and myself were soon eradicated by plenty of friendly, happy faces of staff and returning students alike." — Maria Jooste, graduate student, voice, from South Africa

Tim Carter, Julietta Curenton, and Jhon Velasco gear up for Mardi Gras night, Aug. 30, in the cafeteria. In the spirit of the celebration, students wore beads, ate southern food, and danced to the music of Mark Rust, who led line dancing and other entertainment. (Photo by Jubal Battisti)

At orientation check-in, on Aug. 26, Mahira Kakkar, one of the 15 leaders, helps Carmen Intorre, a jazz student from Buffalo, get his bearings, using the pamphlet compiled for the incoming students by the Student Affairs Office. (Photo by John Velasco)

"Orientation 2001 was a great experience for me because relationships between students have been strong and a lot of experiences about various cultures, disciplines, and other student-related issues were explored. The R.A. staff was at its best and enabled people like myself who are first-timers in New York to be at ease and quickly adapt to the whole ‘J’ experience. I hope that, for the benefit of future freshman, such programs be encouraged; they are worth the price." — Gabuka Booi, graduate student, voice, from South Africa

"Everyone comes to his or her first year of college with the same fear: ‘What if I don’t know anyone? What if I can’t make any friends? Who will I sit with at lunch? What if there aren’t any cool people there?’ I can now say with the utmost confidence that there are cool people here at Juilliard, many of whom I met during the weeklong orientation. Whereas I worried people here would be uptight and antisocial, I was thankfully proven wrong. People have been incredibly warm and personable. The orientation week allowed students to pave the way for potentially lifelong friendships and I’m glad to have had the opportunity to make so many acquaintances." — Sonja Wangensteen, first-year harpist

On August 31, 15 students rose early to begin the day with a yoga class. Diane Dunkin-Corey, a professional yoga instructor, led the session. (Photo by Jubal Battisti)

One of orientation week’s favorite events, the annual Playfair gave new students a chance to run, yell, hold hands, and generally mingle with one another. (Photo by John Velasco)

"Orientation week was a blast! As a new student to the Drama Division and the whole college experience, it really helped me to adjust to the surroundings, other new students, and of course, to New York City. Our days were filled with treats, from going to see the smoldering talents of Jeffrey Wright and Don Cheadle in Suzan Lori Parks’ Top Dog/Underdog to jogging in Central Park. Thank you so much for the humongous welcome!" — Serena Reeder, first-year Drama Division