School of Music performances not just for music students

427

As a College of Liberal Arts student, I hear around campus from my peers that DePauw's School of Music students are not really part of the DePauw community. Their packed academic schedule and differing interests might be partly to blame for this.
Not only could this misconception be farther from the truth, but also College of Liberal students should take it upon themselves to integrate themselves with School of Music peers. They have more to offer than you might think.
The School of Music helps DePauw University broaden the academic experience on campus. The performers the University brings and DePauw's own student performances provide inspiration, community building and an incredible amount of entertainment. If you have not attended a show before, I highly recommend that you brave the wintry weather and enjoy what the School of Music offers.
It is also worth noting that the School of Music is not a second thought in terms of academic prestige. Everyone knows that DePauw's educational experience is incredibly competitive and rigorous, and the School of Music might be more competitive and rigorous than the College of Liberal Arts. Next time you see a School of Music student, ask them about the schedule they take. The amount of work required will probably shock you.
I enjoyed the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra on Sunday afternoon, and it was a wonderful show. The performance helped me realize all that the School of Music provides.
Most College of Liberal Arts students are not in-tune with the landscape of the modern classical music scene. As a liberal arts university, DePauw's mission is to sculpt its students into well-rounded, critical thinking leaders for the future. DePauw graduates cannot be considered 'well-rounded' without any appreciation for classical music, something that is part of traditional intellectual repertoire. Whether a student can play or read music is not important, but an appreciation for it is crucial.
As someone that is not musically inclined, I also realized while I sat in the crowd and listened how inspiring an orchestra can be. Members of a professional orchestra have spent their entire lives training to master their craft. That level of dedication and the practice they still put in on a daily basis reminds me that you can always get better at what you do.
By attending these performances, College of Liberal Arts students immerse themselves in the culture of music. The more performances College of Liberal Arts students attend, the closer the two schools will become.
Put down your Xbox controllers, turn off your television and take in some classical music.

-Jaeger is a conflicts studies major from Wyoming, Ohio