Jazz Studies students push for better facility

A jazz studies student who is petitioning to renovate the Hales Gymnasium jazz studies facilities, senior Micha Patri thinks it's about time his hopes for change were put into action.

Though the jazz students have always had 24-hour access to the building and have historically played at night, at the end of September and after only one day's notice, Hales' closing time was changed to midnight, he said. Neighbors' complaints of noise were the decisive factor.

Patri was angered by the policy change because he and the other jazz musicians were not given the chance to find solutions to the situation.

The individuals who voiced complaints threatened to contact the police the next time they were disturbed by the noise, he said.

Patri said that no one, including those in the Conservatory and the Office of Safety and Security, really wanted to close Hales at midnight.

About two and a half weeks ago he began circulating a petition to keep Hales open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, adding other issues to the list of "demands." Some of the demands can be met immediately, while others will take longer, he said.

The petition, which Patri estimates has procured 250 signatures, lists 10 requests. The long-term requests are removable soundproofing for jazz studio windows, validine-operated doors, repairs to the outside walkway and climate controls in all studios to protect instruments. Requests for carpeting in various studios, fixing the rain gutter on the roof and new music stands, as well as use of the "College Drum Room," are already in the works, he said, following a meeting with Assistant Dean of the Conservatory John Jacobson on Wednesday.

Also, the students were again allowed late-night access to the building, provided that they monitor the noise.

Patri, for example, is using a sound-proofing panel in front of the window to block the sound from his drums.

Finally, Patri wants official recognition of Hales as a permanent area for the Jazz Studies department.

"We're really saying we want Hales to be a center for jazz," he said.

His emphasis is on improving Hales so that its quality is on the same level as the Conservatory's.

He sees the issue as "supporting the quality and strengthening of multicultural institutions at Oberlin."

"All of us wish and hope we have a better way to serve Jazz Studies than what we're currently doing. I have been concerned about them for some time," said Dean of the Conservatory Karen Wolff.

"I really want all this stuff to happen," Patri said.