Half full at the Gala

Yesterday, I went to one of the first Bravo Opera performances open to the public, "Concert Gala". There was no questioning the quality of the company's sound and overall performance; it was a truly magnificent sound, but I couldn't help but notice the people who were sitting in the audience.

About two-thirds of the SETB Lecture Hall was full, of that about well over half of the audience was people over the age of 50 and then the rest were younger. I couldn't help wondering why that latter group was doing there. I know from experience that the majority of Music Appreciation professors require students to attend at least four Patron of the Arts performances and my sister, who also attended yesterday, was one of them. So was the yonger crowd there for the credit? Judging from the line of these "younger" people getting their program stamped "Completed" at the end, I'd say it was a definite possibility.

Of course I completely understand how and why Music Appreciation professors require that students attend such performanes- to enhance their exposure and understanding of music and the arts, but at the same time I wish it didn't take a dependent grade to get people my age to these events. Then again, who knows? The said requirement might spark a new interest in a student and they might continue to attend even after they've fulfilled their degree plan obligation.

Whatever the case, I'm glad I was in attendance. I got to see and hear some of my closest friends do what they love to do, and aside from that, I was able to witness a quality performance, the kind that not many people are ever exposed to. It's a great organization for a young university to have- for both performers and the general student popluation.