Earlier this month, the Tribune’s staff editorial “Support fine arts in Milwaukee, MU” did a nice job of highlighting the value of fine arts in our community. The creative industry (performing arts, design, visual arts, media and film, and culture and heritage) in Milwaukee has a labor pool of more than 65,000 (4.2 percent) and is predicted to grow, producing ample new employment opportunities for Marquette graduates.
Although Marquette currently lacks a unified performing arts college as the author describes, education in the arts has traditionally been an important focus at Marquette. Music at Marquette dates back to the early 1900s. In fact, throughout the 1920s, Marquette’s College of Music held the largest enrollment of any unit on campus.
Today, the music department is home to hundreds of future businesspeople, engineers, nurses and teachers who also happen to be talented musicians. These students can be found performing on campus, at State Honors events and in the pep band for men’s basketball games at the Bradley Center.
In addition, the Diederich College of Communication boasts an “exemplary” Department of Performing Arts. If you don’t believe me, please go see their presentation of “The Laramie Project” (beginning tonight) in the Helfaer Theatre. Students may also apply for performing arts scholarships and take coursework to earn a performing arts major, performing arts minor, fine arts minor or film minor.
Given all of this, students are asking for more.
Beginning in fall semester 2012, sophomores can participate in a program never before offered at Marquette: a Performing Arts Living/Learning Community (LLC) in Schroeder Hall.
This new program will utilize Milwaukee’s many festivals, exhibits, concerts and performance events to engage student interest in art, music, dance and theater. Accepted members will have the opportunity to present their art for the campus community, gain increased access to necessary campus resources and earn three credits through completion of an exclusive year-long course. Interested students will have to complete an application and advance through a selection process.
The Performing Arts LLC is an additional step toward providing adequate resources to artists and musicians attending Marquette. The persistent efforts of students and support of administrators over the past five years has resulted in many successes. Being witness to these changes is encouraging, but more can be done.
Dan Statter is a senior in the College of Business Administration, president of Marquette Chorus and a Performing Arts LLC Planning Committee member