LETTER: Performers need audience’s respect

To the editor:

On Feb. 7, the Fry Street Quartet gave a concert in honor of Dan C. and Manon Caine Russell’s Resident Quartet Endowment. Eighteen students and alumni accompanied the quartet. The purpose of this event was to thank the Russells and show appreciation for their transformative generosity. To have a professional quartet in residence, working regularly with students, is no small thing. Local interest and support was so strong that the concert sold out and many people were turned away. The music was excellent, and it was a fine evening.

   But this is a letter to the editor, and there is, of course, a fly in the ointment. While students attended the concert in large numbers, many left at intermission. This concert was given to show appreciation for supporters of a string program for USU students, and yet USU students publicly walked out. Most importantly, people who wanted to attend this concert, to hear this music and show their support, were denied the opportunity. This behavior was widely noticed. It is nothing new, nothing more than a continuance of the old routine. However, it is disrespectful, and as a student community, we may want to consider our behavior and its effects.

We are clearly part of a strong community that values art and music. On Feb. 7 we celebrated this commitment and showed our appreciation for its continuance. The support and hard work of everyone involved will continue to bring us together.

Ian Keller