The Arts Service Council (ASC), soon to be an SGA approved and funded organization, is planning a fundraiser to benefit the music department.
"The idea behind the fundraiser is to remind the Board of Visitors and Governors that the lack of staff in the music department is still a pressing issue with the students," explained Mindy Beers, the event's head organizer.
The impending fundraiser is a way for the ASC to make a real difference in the music department's plight.
Beers went on to say that the fundraiser is "taking an active role by utilizing the talent of the students in a way that we can help the [music] department monetarily no matter what the Board's verdict may be."
"As students at a small liberal arts institution such as Washington College, it is the our right and responsibility to make our concerns known to the faculty and administration," said senior Donald Holdren, a drama and music major. "Unfortunately, Washington College is falling into a trend in which the needs of the students are subordinated to the elegance of a balanced budget."
Underfunding of the music department is one of the many concerns of the council.
"We're all about arts - but the most needy cause at the moment is the music department," said Tommy Robbins, Vice President of the ASC.
"Our overall plan for the semester and a major goal of the ASC is to increase awareness of arts issues on campus," said McDaniel.
Aside from the cuts in the music department, the ASC is concerned about the lack of a showcase for student visual art and the safety of performing at the Tawes Theater.
"After the art show last semester, it was suggested that it be made a regular event, but there just isn't space," said McDaniel. "The students wish there was a space in which their art could be displayed all the time.
"The floor of the theater from the past twenty years or so has been worn down and the holes in it have just been patched, not repaired," she said.
Said senior Renée Paquin, a member of the WC Dance Company, "We always have to be very careful rehearsing on the Tawes stage every year for the dance performance before we put down the marley floor [a protective covering]. There are lots of trap doors that we have to be careful not to trip over while dancing."
Paquin added, "The sound in the theater is also not the best. I remember one year during the performance, we could barely hear the music to one of our dances when it started."
Before these concerns are addressed and the music fundraiser is held, however, the ASC is looking forward to attaining status as an SGA club.
"We expect to turn in our club recognition form and budget proposal this Tuesday," said McDaniel.
She expressed her hope that the club would be accepted. "The SGA has been very supportive of us as a club in the past. They've said they would recognize us and authorize as much money as they could."
300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620 | 410-778-2800 | 800-422-1782