A few weeks ago, Brother's Bar and Grill owners Marc and Eric Fortney posted a full page message in many area news papers asking the anonymous donors to the new UW School of Music building what legacy they wished to leave behind. Last week, I believe both men made pretty apparent what legacy they hope to leave behind in the form of four foot tall letters plastered to the side of their establishment-
‘NO UW MUSIC SCHOOL.'
As to why these UW alumni wish to keep the UW School of Music in the crumbling doldrums of Humanities, I have no idea. As to why these men have chosen to take their anger against the Board of Regents against the students and faculty of the school of music, I also have no idea.
However, if any sensible person were to take a glance at the accolades and achievements of both the faculty and students within the UW School of Music, there would be no doubt that their talents deserve far better than the current facilities.
To gain a better perspective on the accomplishments and talent within the school, as well as the need for a new facility, I sat down with UW School of Music director Dr. John Schaffer.
We discussed the hiring of some of the top faculty in the world, who are in turn, able to attract some of the finest students to the university.
""We have a parade of students coming from all over the world who know these people and understand their value, and I think they see Wisconsin also as a great university.""
Although it's hard to describe the talent of these students and faculty without actually having heard a performance (of which the school produces over 350 annually at no cost), take this fact into account:
Dr. Schaffer estimates that about one third of the Madison Symphony Orchestra, a world class, professional ensemble, is composed of UW School of Music faculty and students. The level of talent and performances by these musicians is truly of professional caliber. This is why the UW School of Music is continually regarded as one of the finest in the nation.
""I think if you eliminate some of the private conservatories... you could probably say that we're within the top 10 to 15 music schools in the country, out of 700,"" Dr. Schaffer said.
However, when comparing this level of talent to the facilities in which the school operates, it becomes clear that this success has come despite the building.
""I would say that's a very good assessment, it's very much despite it. A violinist may look at the violin as an instrument but the concert hall is an instrument as well. Having opportunities and learning how and what it's like to make great music in a great space is really a critical part of the training experience.""
And while the violins may be creating magnificent sounds within Mills or Morphy Halls, the facilities are doing everything they can to prevent it. It has become a constant battle with the deteriorating structure to produce a quality sound. Additionally, despite even the finest faculty and reputations, there is no overlooking the state of decay that Humanities sits in when a perspective student visits the school.
But when will the decrepit facility begin to deter these students?
""It's already happening. We have people who come into the building and you can just see it in their eyes and their face and they ask the questions. Is this a safe building? Parents and kids are in fact concerned.""
Dr. Schaffer hopes that a new facility will also serve as a community space. Whereas the Overture Center might charge $10,000- $15,000 per night, the hope is that a new UW School of Music facility would be available for any community performance group at just the cost of maintenance and lighting- about $300 per night.
""What I would like to create out of this is have a point of synergy, that says almost every day of the week, almost every night, something, whether it's the school of music, whether it's community groups, something is going on in this space,"" Dr. Schaffer said.
So while I have many questions for the Fortney brothers, such as how they are able to pay for full page ads and giant 15-foot tall banners when they're apparently in, such financial confines, this isn't really about any bar or legal battles.
No, this is about the UW School of Music. This is about the finest students and faculty. This is about the performance facility that they and the university deserve. And no right-minded individual can deny that.
Mark Bennett is a freshman intending to major in journalism. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
