Kathy Gertson
Director, Evening Division

Montana native Kathy Gertson was born in Great Falls and grew up in Fort Benton and Helena, earning a B.A. in music from the University of Montana. Before arriving at Juilliard, she worked as an assistant tax director for a real estate law firm in Manhattan, where, she says, she had to "fill out many, many tax forms."

Kathy Gertson, age 9.

How long have you worked at Juilliard, and what do you remember about your first days?

I have worked here for more than 17 years. My first days were quite colorful, as I was trained by my boss's wife, Marguerite Wolfe. She was a Juilliard graduate who married a Juilliard graduate (Stanley Wolfe). So as I was being trained how to type transcripts and class rosters, I also heard a wonderful history about the School.

What are the most striking differences between Juilliard now and when you first started? How have they changed the School?

The most striking differences, for me, are the physical ones. When I began working here, we had this huge, cold marble lobby and staircase that went mostly unused. The entrance into the School was a long, dank walk to the security desk in the middle of that lobby. Smoking was allowed inside the building, and the cafeteria was on the second floor. (I must admit, I miss the second-floor cafeteria, but not the critters that accompanied it). The changes have made Juilliard much more inviting for the students and the public. But there is always room for improvement, and I know more changes are in the works!

How has your current position changed or evolved in the years you've been in it?

I began as a secretary for the Extension Division, and at that time, we had about 250 students a semester. I was put into the corner of the old 66th Street, cold marble lobby, with a desk, a typewriter, and a footlocker. The division evolved into the Evening Division, and now we have more than 700 students a semester. I also now have a real office, with a door, a computer, and a real closet. My position evolved from secretary, to assistant director, to associate director, to administrative director, and finally, just plain director.

What is one of your favorite memories from your years here?

At one time, there was a small group of staff members who would congregate at Margo Lamb's switchboard booth at 5 p.m. to tell jokes. One man, Bill Dance, used to laugh at his own jokes until he turned beet red. It was 15 minutes of pure laughter, and I miss those people dearly. We called ourselves the "After Five Club." Today, Margo and I are the only group members still here at Juilliard.

What is the strangest or most memorable job you've ever had and what made it so?

My first job in New York State was as a nanny. The kids were great, but the parents were strange. They expected me to wear only white clothing, scrub their bathrooms (floors and ceilings included) with rubbing alcohol, and iron their underwear. That was also my shortest job!

Many Juilliard staff members are also artists. If that applies to you, how do you balance your job and your artistic endeavors?

Performing as a singer will always be an important part of my life, but my job (and commute from Cold Spring, N.Y.) doesn't leave much time. However, I do perform occasionally—mostly as a soloist for community-based choral concerts and holiday services at churches and synagogues.

What was the best vacation you've had and what made that trip so special?

Our first family reunion on a cruise ship in 2002. It was very special, because the ship was big enough to run away from your family when you wanted, and yet have "family time" as well. I loved the moment when my born-again sister had too many sips of her drink and exclaimed loudly, "I think we should all go to the beach, take off our shoes, and have more sex on the beach!" (Sex on the Beach was the name of the cocktail she was drinking.)

What might people be surprised to know about you?

I'm addicted to the Sunday-morning political shows on TV. I also feel I have a spiritual connection with Ella Fitzgerald because she recorded my favorite album, Ella Swings Gently With Nelson, on the day I was born.