![](https://exeter.edu/sites/default/files/styles/et_full_width_image/public/news/pittman-bowld.jpg?itok=A8JkHpA9)
Striking a chord
Inaugural music composition competition brings student-created music to center stage.
Peak performance
The Class of 1959 Music Center Addition makes an impact in its first year.
![The Wizard of Oz performed at Phillips Exeter Academy](https://exeter.edu/sites/default/files/styles/et_news_thumbnail/public/ET-Oz.jpg?itok=ZOYfXsBg)
Space that performs
The form and function of The David E. and Stacey L. Goel Center for Theater and Dance.
Poetic promise
The Lamont Younger Poets Prize program expands the Exeter tradition of excellence in writing.
Setting the stage for change
As part of Exeter's MLK Day 2019 programming, students performed "Hottentotted," a play written by Charly Simpson '04 and attended workshops led by alums.
![Julie Scolnik performing](https://exeter.edu/sites/default/files/styles/et_people_feed/public/news/juliescolnikoption2-1200.jpg-large.jpg?itok=YB7kHXtj)
![Hrishikesh Hirway Hrishikesh Hirway](https://exeter.edu/sites/default/files/styles/et_people_feed/public/news/Bulletin-writerslife-Hrishikesh.jpg?itok=J7C0pa9F)
"One of the things I really love is coming up with the framework for an idea and then seeing it through."
Hrishikesh Hirway ’96
Classical collaborations
Grammy-nominated string orchestra A Far Cry and Exeter’s Chamber Orchestra join forces on rehearsals and a transcendent concert.
![Jon Sakata, one of the "Clew" artists. Jon Sakata, one of the "Clew" artists.](https://exeter.edu/sites/default/files/styles/et_news_thumbnail/public/news/ART%20Clew%20Sakata-1200.jpg?itok=pmutgBhy)
Rich and rewarding disorientation at Lamont Gallery
Four PEA faculty members and a Boston-based painter explore sensory perception and meaning in "Clew: A Rich and Rewarding Disorientation."
![Cameron Najafi Cameron Najafi](https://exeter.edu/sites/default/files/styles/et_people_feed/public/news/EP-Najafi-3.jpg?itok=waVQASD0)
“At Exeter, I’ve been able to develop ideas with others, and that’s been a great experience.”
Cameron Najafi ’18
![Ivy Tran with dresses she designed and made, one from candy wrappers. Ivy Tran with dresses she designed and made, one from candy wrappers.](https://exeter.edu/sites/default/files/styles/et_people_feed/public/news/EP-Tran-2_0.jpg?itok=tMtESA6a)
![Michael Cerveris ’79](https://exeter.edu/sites/default/files/styles/et_people_feed/public/news/BUL-Cerveris.jpg?itok=SPAzZZG8)
"It’s that small lighted place in the darkness where I feel most at home to this day."
Michael Cerveris ’79
![Matt in front of the chalkboard in his Phillips Hall classroom. Matt in front of the chalkboard in his Phillips Hall classroom.](https://exeter.edu/sites/default/files/styles/et_people_feed/public/news/Bulletin-Winter-2018-ITWL-MattMiller-2400b.jpg?itok=-BhDNT3N)
"If you’re not doing the thing that you love, you start to die a little bit inside."
English Instructor Matt W. Miller
![Brown collaborated with poet Emily Wolahan on a piece of art they hope will inspire compassion. Side profile of owen blended with a portion of his painting the Fieldwork Scroll.](https://exeter.edu/sites/default/files/styles/et_people_feed/public/news/Bulletin-Winter-2018-OwenBrown-1200.jpg?itok=nEZBoSrE)
"Compassion is something that can be ignited by what you see in the world.”
Owen Brown '73
![Lydia Poolle, author of The Midnight Cool Lydia Poolle, author of The Midnight Cool](https://exeter.edu/sites/default/files/styles/et_people_feed/public/news/Bulletin-LydiaPeele-TheMidnightCool_0.jpg?itok=e6_poguq)
"I think there are perennial problems in the human heart, and this book looks at some of them."
Lydia Peelle ’96
The Goel Center
The David E. and Stacey L. Goel Center for Theater and Dance has elevated Exeter’s performing arts to a whole new level.