We're getting there

"Not Enough Computers" -- We've all noticed the new terminals! The old CRT monitors--which don't fit in our spacially challenged NEC (or Boston, for that matter)--are slowly dying out. The flat screens are nice. Computer lab is great. Student lounge is much more usable. The E-mail terminals, recognizable by their anti-terrorism bomb shell and awkward keyboards are ok... I guess. Yea yea, more bandwidth would be nice too. Patience. And have faith.

There's no question NEC is concerned about providing some good technological doodads for us. Not sure who to thank but the important thing is, we're getting there! Get ready to cross off "Not Enough Computers"!

"No Ethernet Connection" -- According to rumor, well... it's only a rumor. Let's just say my hopes are up.

Bartok and Schoenberg

You could tell that the students who performed the Bartok String Quartets 1, 2, 5 and Schoenberg "Transfigured Night" all new their pieces inside and out. They probably spent the whole semester looking at those works and were coached by (I'd really love to know how) the members of the Borromeo String Quartet. Perhaps one of the best concerts I've been to this year.

I couldn't help but think of the great divide between musicology and the actual making of music. These kids studied the heck out of these works and at the end of the semester presented us with an unforgetable concert (accompanied by solid program notes.) That is, I think, an example of a genuine and sincere form of schoarlship that is undervalued. Sadly, AMS would never accept that concert as a form of scholarship. They're missing out.

Damn good burger!

I was skeptical. But I need to eat. A lot of the food just didn't look so great (though the All-Clad continues to steal the show.) Browsing the menu with a grim face I said to the friendly staff, "bacon and cheese. burger."

Dear Bistro 33, it was smashin'. I was very impressed by the texture of the meat, the combination of the bread and the veggies and the perfectly cooked patty. The pickle was nice too. Next time I'll just ask them to toast the bread just a tad more.

My credit card didn't mind the $3.19 either.

An unexpected battle

Wireless internet is no where to be found on NEC's campus. (The new computers in Spaulding are cool even though we're still suffering from the same low-bandwith. We'll survive. ) A letter urging for the implementation of wireless access points at NEC was circulated last semester. Many faculty and staff were extremely supportive.

Resistance did come, but from an unexpected source. My peer(s). His reason, "you don't need internet to study classical music." True, but the world is much more than sleeping, practicing and playing. It's not his fault. This young fellow was an upper-classman who seems to be having a good time at NEC. Pardon me but I'd like to call this a form of brain-washing. Nemo stuck in the fish tank comes to mind somehow... though he was able to return to sea in the end.

Here's my take though: internet accessibility is something that all of us will need sooner than later and there isn't a better place for a young mind to start making that a part of his/her routine than in college. It's one of those things that is good for you, only, if you don't use it, you won't know.

New England Conservatory of Florida

Every school has it--the popular teachers, the ones you remember even after many years, the ones you boast about when you think back on those days, the ones who's classes fill up faster than a good roadside burrito stand durning lunch hours. Mmm... burrito. Amen.

And then every school also has the teachers that everyone hates. They are boring, out-of-touch, conceited and ego-driven. You know, the ones that have been flushed so far down the stream of scholarly pursuit that they have unknowingly drowned in the oceanus academicus.

What is it? They are knowledgable. They have good resumes. They might have even contributed something substantial in their fields.

Do they want to help us? You hear one teacher complain about teaching in the hallway and in the office. According to herself, she's never prepared and wings most her classes with drivel about her favorite composer. That's helpful.

Where's the love? Consequently, they inspire no interest in the students who are, by force or madness or both, taking their classes.

Which leads me to believe that there is some kind of conspiracy.

There is foul play. Are we being required to take those classes to fill those seats so they can stay and get paid and to continue the cycle? How does an institution allow for those on top to stay on top if no one wanted them on top? Did someone say NEC meets Florida?