EMU Under Friendly Attack
If you walk around EMU campus this week there is no way to escape the feeling that something is slightly out of the ordinary. Most noticeably, the sidewalks are covered with drawings and slogans done in bright shades of chalk. Every so often, you may hear distant strains of music on the breeze.
No, campus has not been invaded by crowds of schoolchildren armed with sidewalk chalk, nor are boom-boxes making a comeback. Instead, the music department is putting on a several-day event they call “Art Attacks”. At various places and times all around campus, groups of music students and instructors are performing for the general enjoyment of the EMU community.
Encounters of the Musical Kind
I came in to work in the admissions department yesterday afternoon only to be told that work could wait, we were being attacked! Occupants of the admissions office and registrar’s office gathered to hear several violin duets performed in our very own lounge. The surprise visit was made even better by the music selection; Christmas carols were the perfect way to enliven a bland Monday afternoon.
My second encounter with Art Attacks occurred at lunchtime today. As I approached the cafeteria, I could hear the smooth melodies of a piano. Right inside the caf doorway was a piano and a string bass performing jazz in the midst of the regular EMU diners. The group I sat with agreed: the atmosphere of the caf increased tenfold with the addition of two EMU musicians.
Thanks, Music Department!
As a lapsed French hornist myself, I find the current prominence of EMU’s music department refreshing. Aside from the major concerts of the semester, I rarely get to hear my classmates perform. There are noon recitals on Thursday, but I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never been to one, (to all of my music major friends: I hope you forgive me). The noon hour is my only slot to eat lunch, and food generally trumps my desire for music!
As the semester’s end draws ever nearer, I’m thankful for the smile that comes to my face as I come upon an unexpected performance. Where but at EMU would I get to enjoy such a unique, slightly bizarre event as Art Attacks?
