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(February 22, 2001, Gazette)

Music to the ears

By Mary MacGillivray

A number of students, faculty and staff here at Memorial are enjoying what may be one of the best-kept secrets around. The Music Resource Centre, located in the school of music on the St. John’s campus, is a great place to relax and listen to music. From Rachmaninov and The Rolling Stones, to John Coltrane and Joni Mitchell, this library is well stocked with a large selection of sound recordings to explore. There is also sheet music and books about music in general available to the Memorial community. Access to an online catalogue is available through Webcat.

The Music Resource Centre is a branch of the QE II library, and library cardholders can use them at the music library. The collection spans from the middle ages up to modern and even pop music.

Many genres of music are available, such as blues, jazz, opera, solo song, orchestral, choral, concerto, soft and hard rock. There are musicals, ballets, and brass ensembles, a small collection of heavy metal, and a large collection of ethnic music to explore. Basically, there’s more than a lifetime of listening pleasure waiting there. One of the best parts is it’s free to alumni, students, faculty and staff of Memorial.

The approximate number of sound recordings available to members of the music library is over 10,000. There are over 2,400 CDs, and 3,500 LPs (records) in the general collection. There are also the gift collections to consider. These are donations from private citizens. As well as a lot of LPs, there are 1,100 CDs in the O.B. Sharp collection. There are 700 CDs in the George Adams collection. This does not include cassettes or laser discs that are also available. In keeping up with the technological tide, the centre plans to have videodiscs available in the future.

The environment of the music library is usually perfect for taking advantage of the listening facilities. There are CD, cassette, and record players on hand with big comfy headphones to listen through. Individual booths make the experience cozy and private. There is also an electric piano for people to come and play, headphones included.

Joy Tillotson and Gina Waclawek manage much of the functions of the Music Resource Centre, making sure that all is well organized. A collection of over 20 plants sit in the picture window, the private collection of Ms. Waclawek. There are also three student assistants working here, almost all of whom are students of music.

There are various courses offered to non-music majors through the School of Music. Popular American Music of the 20th Century is one example. Students of this course find it an advantage to become acquainted with the services of the music library. Whether you’re taking a course in music or just curious to know more about Rubenstein, the music library is an excellent resource here on campus and a snazzy place to spend an afternoon.

Hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday open at 7 p.m. close at 10 p.m. To further inquire about courses, call the School of Music at
737-7486.