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Blogs by Stephanie S. Sawyer
Old Main 2/15/2008 11:16:12 AM
In my opinion, the university has never been the same... I took a little trip yesterday up to the university where I started my music degree. Ah, it was nice to see Sam Houston State again in Huntsville, TX - But I can't see it without missing Old Main. The magnificent gothic structure overlooking the entire university sitting atop College Hill was devastated in a fire in 1982. In my opinion, the university has never been the same. Nevertheless, the academia has certainly improved through higher growth. And the university has served the name of Sam Houston, founder of Texas independence, well.
I went to Sam for other purposes than sentiment. For this trip I was taking one of my own --- students, that is. My children are up and grown, and now I have advanced students who are reaching college status. Several of them have their eyes on music school. How heartening it is to know that I have been part of their music heritage and development.
It was wonderful to be able to explain the ins and outs of the music department to my music student.... uh, oh! - now, I'm calling her my music student rather than my piano student! That means I'm already shifting her over.
Drilling her on the ins and outs of life as a music major was a new role to me, and one I endear. I have some highly talented students, and I hope and pray I do justice for them. Watching the evalutation taking place by the head of the keyboard department was a lesson in itself for me. It certainly inspired me as a teacher as well as showing me my own limitations. I came home and practiced up a storm.
And thanks to the Public Relations Department, I came home with that picture of Old Main that I've wanted for years and years - ever since I found out about that horrendous fire. Having passed the building every day, several times a day, for a number of years, the university just did not seem the same without the elite testimonial building. The students of the university today do not understand what was once there as they only celebrate a 'pit' there for concerts. Now, I can still see the grand building as it sits framed on my wall atop that green lush hill with the blue sky overlooking all. There really should be a display of this for the university. The heritage and treasure that Old Main gave should be known by all.
