2008 Woodie Awards
Lower-level Clemens converted to rehearsal room
Bryan Giovannetti
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The empty space located in the lower level of Clemens Hall is now ready to send out beautiful notes. For the time being, the space will be used as a musical rehearsal room.
The idea was started recently by a group of students who are interested in having a place to play their musical instruments.
Chris Muether, a Saint Louis University freshman and a supporter of the idea said, "There are a lot of people who play instruments at SLU. There's really no place to practice. There are only small rooms in Xavier Hall. They're not big enough for more than one person, and they're only open to people who are in a music class." There is a reportedly large number of students who aren't enrolled in music classes, but still enjoy playing.
The room, while not elaborate, contains a piano and space for students to play their instruments.
"It's open to all residential students. The hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.," said Argyle Wade, director of the Department of Housing and Residence life.
To gain access to the practice space, students must leave an ID and check out the key at the Griesedieck Hall front desk. Students may even reserve a time slot via sign-up sheet.
This concept is not yet set in stone, however.
"This is a trial run. We don't have a space permit for it right now. We are just trying to gauge student interest. If there is enough interest, we will go to the University to try to make that idea permanent," Wade said. Even if the practice space doesn't remain in Clemens, res life plans to work with the University and students to find a more suitable location.
Res life has not put a lot of money into the room at this point, since they are still trying to see how many students are interested in this idea.
"There really is no budget for this. It's just a group of students that are interested. We are using the space because we have access to it right now. We are planning to put more in based on student interest."
So far, this idea has intrigued many students.
Many look forward to having a place to play their music and hang out with other musicians.
"The greatest thing about this thing, in my opinion, is that people could jam together," Muether said.
Musicians could also use this space to play in peace and quiet.
"The effective way to make this great idea work is the choice to have visitors or not," Muether said.
Thus, the room could be a place of social networking or a place of solitude, depending on which the musician chooses.
Students and res life are both optimistic about the idea.
"We're certainly open to other ideas and student input and input from faculty. I hope for people to take advantage of this," Wade said.