A Music School Novice

Last Friday was an evening of firsts for me. I saw my first opera during my first visit to the Musical Arts Center over at the Jacobs School of Music. I'm a little embarassed to admit that I haven't been taking advantage of our music school's impressive, and often free, performances until now. Last weekend I saw the Magic Flute; it was spectacular, and definitely a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. Not only was I taken by the opera, but by the architecture of the MAC itself. What a shame to have never before seen the cool, contemporary interior of what I had always known as "the round building."













So, tonight I returned to my new favorite place to see a free Philharmonic Orchestra concert. The music was wonderful, and I was glad to experience some relaxation amid the stress of studying. With a musical friend, I was able to go backstage and see things from the performers' perspective. I even saw some parts of the set for the Magic Flute, up close!











Above: part of The Magic Flute set

I am now officially on a music school kick. If you visit the MAC soon, you might see me there!

The History of Magic

This week at Collins is annual Hogwarts week, full of activities revolving around the beloved book series by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter. So far, these have included Harry Potter film screenings, book discussions, a special "Daily Prophet" edition of the Collins Columns, and fireside chats with experts on literature and history. Later in the week there will be performances by Wizard Rock bands, a musical, and a Quidditch tournament, among other things. To support my "house," Hillcrest, I decided to attend "The History of Magic," an informational talk about the history of Collins with alumna Kristen Murphy. After the talk, we got to ask questions and chat about the differences between Collins then and now.

I learned some really unusual things about Collins! Here are my favorite 5 facts I learned this evening:

1. The duty office in the formal lounge used to be an apartment where Ralph L. Collins lived during his years here.

2. The Collins dining hall used to have a waffle-maker.

3. The annual Collins Viennese Ball was started by a student of the Jacobs School of Music. Naturally, the first Viennese Ball had a 25-piece orchestra!

4. The Cheshire Cafe was started as a Q-199 project by a couple who met in Collins, and who are now married.

5. Before Collins was Collins, it was the MRC, Men's Residence Center. The guys had to wear formal attire to the dining hall every evening, including ties.

Touring Bands Perform at Collins

The Collins Coffeehouse was hopping this Tuesday night. Literally, people were hopping! The bands The Pomegranates and Enlou delivered fantastic performances for Collins residents and friends. We stood inches from their faces, bopping along to their up-beat and percussive tunes with sounds similar to bands like the more well-known Arcade Fire.

A Collins resident acquainted with members of the bands decided to bring them to Collins for his Q199 project. Q199 is a class that all Freshmen must take to help orient them with
the inner-workings of Collins and residence life, and requires the completion final project for which students have to find a way to benefit the Collins community. The bands weren’t free, however; their show was supported by the various councils at Collins, notably, Arts Council. Arts Council, Community Council, and other such groups are designated a particular amount of money coming from resident activity fees to spend each semester on programs like these.

The show was a huge success, worth every penny, and, I have to say, the best Tuesday night ever.