I’ve been waiting to write about this event for a few days now, mostly just to make sure that I had all my personal feelings in order before I went about writing a blog entry. For even more coverage, please visit the blog of my colleague Zack Ford (link after the jump), an IC-alum who has been covering the event in detail, and whose opinion I respect to the highest degree.

Early Sunday morning, the Whalen Center for Music at Ithaca College was subjected to a heinous act of vandalism. Nearly 70 pianos and percussion instruments were damaged in what can only be described as a hate crime against the school of music. For much of the day, students were unable to access their instruments, books, and other belongings stored in the building’s lockers.

The timing was perfect: one day before the beginning of finals and juries (performance exams). Unable to practice or study, students went most of the day relying on word of mouth for information. The entire building was locked down by police tape and security guards; only rumors hinted at the extent of the damage. The administration was quick to alert students of the situation, though they could not do much to help the hundreds unable to prepare for the important week ahead.

The rumors I heard about the monetary extent of the damage show just how far off word of mouth can be. At noon everyone I spoke with was saying $500,000. By night time, several teachers had disclosed to me that they had heard closer to $1 million.

That evening, Erik Kibelsbeck, Coordinator of Music Facilities and Publicity at the Whalen Center for Music, posted the following on Facebook:

All but a few Whalen pianos are playable; most damage was cosmetic. While definitely a serious and senseless act of vandalism that is being properly investigated, rumors of dozens of pianos “destroyed” are incorrect.

Around 6:30 pm, Dr. Keith Kaiser, Chair of the Music Education department and Interim Associate Dean sent an email to students and faculty:

Dear Students and Faculty,

We extend our sincere thank you for your patience today. While the 1st floor of JJWCM remains closed, we are hopeful that we might be able to open the first floor later in the evening. If not, at the latest, it will be open tomorrow morning.

JJWCM is planned to be opened until 2am this evening, regardless of the status of the 1st floor.

Once the 1st floor is open, you will be allowed access to all lockers and to the practice rooms and pianos that have been released by the investigators and piano technicians.

Final exams and juries will continue as planned.

Please continue to check your email. An email will be sent as soon as the 1st floor is reopen.

Again — thank you for patience and understanding. We have no doubt that the individual(s) responsible for this weekend’s act do not reflect that absolutely wonderful School of Music family.

Sincerely,

Keith Kaiser

Then around 8:00 pm, the following update:

Dear School of Music Students,

We are pleased to report that all of JJWCM is now open. The building will be open until 2am this evening, and we ask for your cooperation as everyone prepares for final exams and juries. Please be aware that JJWCM will have heightened security for the near future, and we continue to ask for your assistance regarding the care and security of our wonderful facilities, instruments, and equipment.

Many individuals have spent extensive hours completing the investigation and getting the area and pianos back into a condition where we can reopen the building, including staff, the IC and state police, and our terrific piano technicians. Please note that, although we have managed to reopen most of the spaces and pianos, there is still extensive work and repairs to be completed.

Again, we would like to express our appreciation for your patience and offers of assistance. We wish you the absolute best during the upcoming week of finals and juries.

Sincerely,

Keith Kaiser

Showing just how strong the community at IC is, students held a candlelight vigil that night. Personally in attendance, I was moved by the resiliency I witnessed in the faces and spirits of the IC students and community members present. To sing-alongs of “Silvie,” and, “Don’t Stop Believing,” it was evident that come Monday morning there would be little complaining about, “I didn’t have enough time to practice”, and “We shouldn’t have to take our finals.”

Students I spoke with were passionate about wanting justice served to those responsible. But, surprisingly, the majority of students made it clear they wanted not to express hate or seek vengeance. The IC community showed that they would not turn towards violence or other acts of aggression to take out their frustration for what had happened. They would not let them win.

The piano technicians at Ithaca College, including Don McKechnie, did a remarkable job at getting the instruments back in shape. I only noticed about 5 rooms or so which were completely closed Sunday night. Inquisitive students could easily see where hammers had been broken off, sound boards removed, and other cosmetic damage to instruments had been done. But, for the most part, it was like nothing ever happened.

On Monday morning, the halls of the practice floor were lined with large containers filled with holiday candy and a special message to the students from the administration. Every practice room was full, and I am proud to say that spirits were high.

Best of luck to all Ithaca College students on their juries and final exams. Stay strong and do not lose your sense of morality because of the actions of a few.

If you see them in the halls, please give a sincere thank you to Keith Kaiser, Erik Kibelsbeck, Don McKechnie, and all who have worked so hard to restore the pianos and student life at the Whalen Center for Music.

IC Pianogate, Blog entries by Zack Ford pertaining to the event

Posted on December 15th, 2009 at 1:06 pm | Filed under General |