For the past few decades, there has been a lack of music programs and clubs on campus. SUNY Old Westbury once had a music major which catered to students who wanted to have a career in music. It was later disbanded. But as more students enrolled in the school, there has been more interest in music.
Honors College student Sharay Grosvenor voiced her concern: “I think that the lack of music in the school is really sad.” Grosvenor and other students believe that there was no music because nobody took the time to determine if students were interested in it.
When SUNY OW was founded, there was a music, dance, and theater program, according to Sociology Associate Professor Eileen Landy. “The musicians that were here were world-renowned. They had connections of Broadway as well as all over Europe. Students who went through the program often ended up playing in Broadway orchestras.” The program was later retrenched by the administration in the mid-1990s and the coordinators lost their jobs.
President Calvin O. Butts III had stated in his Town Hall meeting that during his presidency, he wanted to bring a performing arts program to the campus.
Recently, Honors College Director Dr. Anthony DeLuca came up with an idea of forming an Honors College band after learning that many of the Honors College students play musical instruments. Grosvenor and Brianna Williams were among the students who started the group. They worked along with Dr. Deluca and four instrumentalists from the Honors College to perform for the Synesthesia Release Party and at the end of the year picnic.
Accounting major Antoinette Riehl, a member of the band, expressed her thoughts on the lack of music. “The fact that the campus lacks any sort of music program or extracurricular activity is actually really saddening to me,” she said. “I have been a music student since I was very young and it played a large role in my college decision-making process back in high school. In fact, I almost decided to attend another school strictly because SUNY Old Westbury did not offer any sort of music program or activity. That’s how important I think music is. It is such a great skill, hobby, and learning experience that I strongly believe every school should offer something for its music-playing students. I’m sure that students from other artistic disciplines, like dance or theater, feel the same way. SUNY Old Westbury definitely needs to cater to more students in this aspect.”
Riehl also believes that investing in a music program would bring many more students to the school. Music brings pure happiness to those who listen to it, she believes. “I know that is how I will feel when I am playing. I and my fellow band members would be extremely happy if this small honors college band was the start of SUNY Old Westbury’s desperately needed music programs.”
“I’m hoping our small musical ensemble will encourage more students to step forward and hopefully inspire them to want to join the fun,” Williams said. Williams feels that a musical program would be a great addition because it is a fun and a unique way of self-expression while giving back to the diverse college community.
“Music blasts in the Campus Center every so often which is okay, I guess,” she said. “But there is nothing like live music. Overall, if SUNY OW’s campus was comprised of music, students would enjoy their days at the school more. Their days would be more memorable and even more substantial.”
Lord Sahagun, SGA vice president of communications, along with a friend used to perform for the Honors College. Another friend joined and they decided to expand the duo which led them to create a music club called the OW Music Society. They performed at many events and taught members how to play. Unfortunately, the club later became inactive.
What is needed to bring back music programs on campus, he said, “is student involvement. At the end of the day, it’s how many students are involved. That is what the administration notices. I think if we push hard enough for it, we can get it back. It’s just the matter of finding the professors and location to teach classes.”
