Students may no longer be able to experience live music on campus for free, but that wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing.
STAR is considering charging students a small ticket price for the formerly free fall and spring concerts so St. Thomas can afford to host bigger-name bands.
The annual fall and spring concerts are events I especially look forward to here at St. Thomas. I support the concept of on-campus concerts available exclusively to St. Thomas students. Even if the band or musician may not be my particular favorite, it is fun to attend these concerts with a group of friends simply to enjoy the atmosphere of live music.
There is something exhilarating about going to a show and feeling the rush of hearing a beloved band or musician play the opening chords of a favorite song. I enjoy attending a variety of concerts: both big-name bands as well as lesser-known and local musicians. I adore sitting (or standing) in a packed venue buzzing with the anticipation of experiencing quality musical talent.
When I received word STAR was considering scheduling bigger acts to perform on campus, my initial reaction was one of wary suspicion. Why mess with a good thing? Would this be yet another way for the university to charge students for campus-related activities?
The more I considered the idea, though, the more I realized this would be a positive change. STAR is considering booking more current bands that receive a lot of radio play. To book these bands requires additional funding, which would explain the necessary ticket sales. But if these ticket prices are only a fraction of regular ticket prices, I imagine St. Thomas students would welcome the change. Plus, students would be in closer proximity to the band on-campus than if they had attended a show at a large venue.
After talking to quite a few St. Thomas students, most seem more than willing to pay a small price in exchange for a popular band performing on campus. More students may also attend these concerts if the bands or musicians appeal to a wider audience.
STAR is still considering this decision carefully, which is smart since many students may still appreciate the complimentary aspect of the fall and spring concerts. If the organization decides to move in this direction with the annual concerts, I will support the decision by buying a ticket if the band or musician interests me.
Although students are able to enjoy live music at these annual concerts, why not book bands and musicians a wide variety of students are interested in seeing? As a strong appreciator of live music, I know booking more prominent bands and musicians will draw the best crowd. This is the option the university should go with.
Rebecca Omastiak can be reached at omas5009@stthomas.edu.