With over 100 years of experience, 200 yearly performances, 50 ensembles and nine majors, the Conservatory of Music has a clear presence at the university, but there is a disconnect between Conservatory students and the rest of the student body.
For many non-music majors, the Conservatory can feel like a separate entity. For those within the Conservatory, it can feel impossible to be a part of anything outside of it.
Bridging the gap between the Conservatory and the rest of the student population has been an ongoing discussion among both students and faculty. During their Sept. 29 meeting, Dr. Ishbah Cox, director of wind ensembles, spoke with the student government on the topic of bringing the student population together.
Cox attributes the gap between the Conservatory students and the rest of the student body with the lack of a marching band or band performances at athletic events.
“Athletic bands have a big venue,” he said. “It’s easy for somebody to go to a basketball game and connect with someone, ‘Hey you’re in my math class! I didn’t know you played trumpet!’ and then you have that connection.”
However, there remain no plans to start a marching band, or any athletic band in general.
Cox feels the way to overcome this particular shortcoming is through “work and sacrifice.” He said, “If you’re not inviting someone you know to your concert, you’re letting yourself down.”
Sophomore student senator, executive board member of Sigma Alpha Iota and music technology and performance major Ellyson Bolyard says, “Concerts are for everyone. We’ve been trying to get the word out, we don’t usually see a lot of people going to concerts besides Christmas Fest.”
Non-music students attending concerts helps bridge the gap between the Conservatory students and themselves by recognizing and supporting their peers. It helps non-music students get a better understanding and appreciation for everything the Conservatory students work so hard at.
Getting the word out about performances and improving attendance at concerts isn’t the only connection the Conservatory and student population needs.
Bolyard wants to see the Conservatory students get out of their shells, but recognizes the difficulty, “During my first year of college here at Capital, I noticed how sheltered and shut-in all the conservatory students were compared to everyone else on campus. It made me a little sad because I felt like the rest of the student population has a separate community from us,” she said.
“It’s really hard to see anything outside the Conservatory when all you’re doing for six to nine hours a day is music,” Bolyard said, “which is a dream for some, but it can be exhausting. By the time you’re done with your classes for the day you can be completely drained.”
These long hours of class and practice exclusively within the Conservatory often cut students off from any outside events or clubs.
First-year student senator and music performance major Elizabeth Corn said her days are almost completely absorbed by Conservatory classes and practice alone.
“I go in at 8 a.m. and my classes in the Conservatory don’t end until 1,” Corn said.
She also notes that she really only has classes in the Conservatory building, keeping her from meeting people of different majors.
Corn said, “I have never been in Ruff or Blackmore for a class. There are no Conservatory lectures outside the Conservatory. Everything takes place in that building.”
Bolyard sees this area of struggle as one that lies within the Conservatory students themselves.
“I think [music majors] who are really driven get involved in other aspects of student life, it just depends on what they’re looking to get out of college life,” Bolyard said.
While Conservatory students’ lives are packed full with their studies, their presence in other areas of campus life is still possible and beneficial to everyone involved.
Bridging the gap between the Conservatory and the rest of the student body here on campus is still a work in progress. However, it is still attainable when students work to support each other and branch out into areas they may have never explored.
Every student is essential in the effort of making the university a great place to be. Students should put themselves out there and support their fellow Comets whenever possible.
Students can check out future Conservatory events and concerts on Engage, or through their Instagram, @capuconservatory.
