The University of Notre Dame is a premier university, with ample opportunities for success available to young people of all backgrounds. Arguably, no other institution offers the variety in academics, athletics, arts and leisure that is so accessible here on our campus. Notre Dame boasts the capacity to turn nearly any interest into regular practice with its wide array of facilities, faculty and student leadership.
Why then, is there a significant shortage of casual performance of popular music by Notre Dame's students? In comparison with many other colleges of varying sizes, Notre Dame lacks notably in this department.
This statement is not meant to be taken as a criticism of the musical inclinations of Notre Dame's student population. The talent is clearly there, evident in any special performances, talent shows, and the rare sunny-day drum circle. Rather, the claim is that there is a scarcity of opportunities and venues for Notre Dame musicians to display the soul, the chillness and the flow that is characteristic of college-age music.
Now, when compared to other student bodies, Notre Dame students may be slightly more preoccupied with their academic endeavors than with publicly mellowing out with an acoustic guitar strapped to their shoulders. The claim can be made that between difficult classes, the environmental club, applying for mission work in Uganda, and the co-rec ultimate Frisbee team (note the Notre Dame manifestation of the Jack Johnson stereotype), casual "jamming" is unfortunately pushed to the back burner.
Students, however, seem to have little difficulty involving themselves in ways that tailor to their interests and talents; go see any Notre Dame stage production and it is clear that students are willing and capable of producing performance masterpieces. The problem may then lie in the availability of casual performance opportunities, both on campus and in South Bend.
Weekly Acousticafé performances display the talent being discussed. But these unplugged sessions don't guarantee a full bill and thirst for a larger commitment. And how often do Notre Dame student performers climb onstage at Legends for exclusive shows, or even as opening acts for the many touring bands that pass through? Unless it's the case of very poor advertising, there exist virtually no student performances anywhere off campus.
What Notre Dame and South Bend need are more venues and opportunities to kick out a few jams. We're talking coffee shops, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs and other locations that would allow a college student to sit down, with or without accompaniment, and bust out a few popular covers, or even introduce the community to some original songwriting.Talented student musicians always seem to seep out of the woodwork at one-and-done events like talent shows or some of the various cultural festivals that sweep quickly across campus. Why not have a place where these valuable talents can stick around for a while.
Hopefully, what we as students will see, or more appropriately, hear, in the near future is the mellow musings of musicians during the quieter hours at Reckers. Perhaps a fellow student will preempt a touring artist with his own tunes at Legends. Maybe soon posters alerting passing students of upcoming off-campus performances will also adorn the walls of O'Shag.
Opportunities abound for students at Notre Dame. It's time that students' music was given the same chance.
