The Rocky Mountain Collegian

Strolling across Saint Louis University's campus, one is bound to notice that SLU has an affection for the humanities, especially the fine arts. A dozen fountains and more than 50 statues stand as testament to the Jesuits' love of beautiful things. The University contains not just one, but three, art museums. Signs across campus abound, advertising SLU's theater schedule. But there's something missing for a guy looking for music.

Yes, there is a music program here. Anyone can get involved if they have time to take a class or play in an ensemble. And yes, there are musical groups on campus; I've heard a couple of them before. I remember when Barenaked Statues sang at Make a Difference Day in the last few years, and I've seen an ample amount of posters advertising Beyond All Reason and Melody of Praise. SLU does have something, but it is lacking.

SLU has no resources for the individual who wants to play by him or herself or with a group of friends. There is nowhere to play to practice. Nowhere to play to relax. Nowhere to play just for fun.

SLU definitely recognizes this need in other areas of school life; the Jesuit mission is all about the development of the "whole person." That's why it's important that we have an intramural field as well as a library. And that's why we have sports teams, the Simon Recreation Center, and a whole lot of amenities that aren't directly related to academics.

But just like having an intramural field in addition to having a varsity soccer team, not everybody can be in Barenaked Statues or one of the school's ensembles. But they still like to play. I may not be a member of SLU's varsity basketball team. I wouldn't want anyone to see my lay-up--hat is something for the privacy of my own home (or maybe just the rec center). I know I definitely couldn't play trumpet for a group on campus, but I wouldn't mind practicing by myself somewhere.

I play the drums. They're really loud. Really really loud. I don't like to play in my room--he only place I have to play by myself--because I feel awkward disrupting my neighbors. Loud music is not conducive to study or sleep. But still I know others who play music in the dorms. My neighbor plays the guitar in his room and has gotten pretty good lately. He can play AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" just like Angus Young. I know...I heard it yesterday morning...at 8 a.m.

The dorms are a difficult place to play music by yourself because you're always afraid that your neighbors will hear you. But they're even trickier to play in with a group.

They're not quite big enough. There aren't quite enough plugs. And even if you do fit, the sound echoes so much that all of your music blends into a single ugly noise. Like mixing a bunch of bright beautiful colors until you get mud; and the neighbors dislike it even more than you do.

In an organized practice space provided by SLU, there would be a guaranteed place for musicians to play. There would be no disturbance to the school or students. Music would no longer cause distractions in rooms that are used for reading, writing and relaxing.

Providing a practice space would give music the opportunity to thrive on campus. The musicians who form groups and write music here would have opportunities to play at SLU events.

For example, KSLU has organized open-mic nights in the past. Wackadoo's has presented musical groups before. Having established music groups on campus could fill the stage there every week. And now having the Bean, our own on-campus coffee shop, there are many possible venues where musicians could play.

As part of a broad education, I think that music would make a great addition to our campus. For many, it's part of our lives and part of being a well-rounded person. Music is part of our culture, and it is part of our well-being. I play the drums, like I sometimes go to the gym, to relieve stress. I know a lot of people who do the same. Music on campus would benefit not only us, but those around us. SLU has helped send into the world great scientists, artists, businessmen, and athletes. With the right resources, SLU could contribute great musicians to the list of people it has helped form and shape. SLU could send into the world a new talent.

I know that deep down music trickles from some places here--I've heard it-- but it needs an outlet. If you want this too, make your voices heard.

Matt Rysavy is a junior studying biomedical engineering.

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