Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University’s Distinguished Master Artist Held Final Workshop

Marvin Hamlisch, Point Park University’s Distinguished Master Artist in Residence for fall 2011, held his last workshop on Friday, Jan. 27. This one focused on musical compositions he created for films.A legendary musical theater composer came to Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts last semester, bringing his insightfulness of the performing arts industry while sharing his skills and talents with students.Ronald Allan-Lindblom, associate vice president and artistic director of the Conservatory of Performing Arts and acting dean of the School of Communication, said in a phone interview last Friday afternoon that students can expect to see clips from different films Hamlisch has worked on.Lindblom also said Hamlisch would offer insight on the difference between scoring a composition for film versus a musical theater and the process of composing for a film.Lindblom said that the All-Star College Chorus, which includes Point Park students, would be a part of the show as well. Students were invited to attend a dessert reception following the Jan. 27 performance.During his residency as Point Park’s Master Artist, he has conducted two workshops in the past. At the first workshop, “The Art of the Audition,” four musical theater majors were selected to perform and were critiqued by Hamlisch on their performance.Jaron Frand, a senior musical theater major, was one of the four students who auditioned during the workshop.”Mr. Hamlisch really emphasized being simple. It all comes back to showing what you can do,” Frand said. “It was so valuable to hear a professional insight.”After performing his first song, Hamlisch had asked Frand to come back later in the show and perform a simpler, more contemporary song. After returning with a new audition selection, a Hamlisch composition, Frand was received more positively.While the four performers were reworking their songs based on Hamlisch’s suggestions, Hamlisch answered audience questions and offered stories about his career.During the second workshop, “The Works and Imagination of Marvin Hamlisch,” Hamlisch performed some of his most well-known songs on piano. He also told the audience stories from his journey through the industry.Cami Glauser, a senior musical theater major, also attended the first workshop.”As a theater major, I figured out how you get into the business and how it works,” Glauser said. “You kind of just make your own path by staying open to connections and what comes your way.”She also said the audience members who were not performance majors had the opportunity to take away a great message as well.”He encouraged following your heart and doing your passion instead of doing what people tell you to do,” Glauser said.The third and final workshop was held at the GRW Theatre, on Friday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. and focused on Hamlisch’s work with films.Hamlisch has received a large number of awards: four Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Oscars, three Golden Globe Awards, one Tony Award and one Pulitzer Prize for his music in “A Chorus Line.”His most notable scores include the films “The Way We Were,” “The Swimmer,” “Sophie’s Choice” and his adaption of Scott Joplin’s music for “The Sting.” His most recent film score is for “The Informant!” starring Matt Damon and directed bySteven Soderbergh, according to his personal website, www.marvinhamlisch.com.As for Broadway, Hamlisch has written the music for the hit show, “A Chorus Line,” which was performed by Point Park Conservatory Theatre Company in October 2011.Other compositions for Broadway shows include, “They’re Playing Our Song,” “The Goodbye Girl” and “Sweet Smell of Success.”

Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Comments (0)

All Point Park Globe Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *