September 23, 2009 – Our Town – OWU

On the JAYwalk with a Random Act of Music.

Photo by Doug Thompson

Breaking Out of Sanborn
Music’s in the air

It’s easy to take music for granted. It’s in the car, in movies, elevators, waiting rooms, shopping malls, and stuck in our heads. That’s why Ohio Wesleyan Music Department’s 100 Random Acts of Music 2009-2010 will get the entire campus involved in music awareness as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of Sanborn Hall.

Sanborn Hall, constructed in 1909, is the home of the Music Department. It was funded by Anna Sanborn Clason, who graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with the class of 1859 as a Classics major, although she may have taken some instrumental music. To complete the serendipity of this auspicious 100th anniversary, over the summer a Sanborn descendant donated Anna’s piano to the music department. It is now on display in the entryway.

“There has been so much incredible music made in this building over the years, so why not take it outside?” says Dr. Cameron Bennett, instructor of piano, chamber music, and twentieth-century theoretical techniques as well as chairman of the music department. Dr. Bennett says part of his inspiration for this project came from a YouTube video of dancers performing “Do Re Mi” in a Belgian train station. The concept appealed to him because often music appears, becomes a part of people’s lives, and then “it finishes and it’s gone.” He thought, “Wow, that would be cool, but we’re not dancers.” Random Acts of Music highlights the importance of music outside a concert environment. Much of the campus will be involved, including students and faculty who are musical but never might have darkened the doors of Sanborn. It also provides an opportunity to showcase the many talented music majors, minors, and faculty.

For a Random Act to be successful, there must be people around: during a change in classes, at lunch time, or even during class if the instructor is willing. “You could walk into Chemistry to a serenade,” Dr. Bennett suggests. Music may happen on the JAYwalk, invade the sanctity of the library, or meet President Rock Jones in his office one morning. Several Acts already have occurred. The first took place in Hamilton-Williams Campus Center, with a number of music students playing Terry Riley’s “In C.” This piece seemed suited to a Random Act of Music, since it features a number of short musical phrases that can be repeated any number of times. When the musicians felt finished, they would pack up and go one by one. It was up to the last person playing to decide when the piece was over. Another Act took place at the recent faculty meeting. A group of music faculty sang the Alma Mater and were joined by the rest of the staff. Dr. Bennett called it a “bonding experience” for faculty.

Over the course of the year, Random Acts of Music will also display a “crescendo effect.” There is only a limited amount of time, and one hundred is a big number. As time goes on, Random Acts will occur more frequently. In between, the Ohio Wesleyan community can anticipate a surprise relief to routine, never knowing when music will be breaking out of Sanborn.

– Abby Dockter ’12