Commons alive with sound of music

Penn Dining has jazzed up the experience of eating at 1920 Commons.

Diners can now listen to members of the Blutt College House Music Program’s jazz ensembles rehearse during dinner hours in the dining hall’s lower level several nights each week.

Co-sponsored by the Office of College Houses and Academic Services and the Music Department, the Blutt Music Program provides music lessons and ensemble coaching by professional musicians affiliated with designated college houses.

Director of Performance Michael Ketner, who is responsible for locating rehearsal and performance space for the ensembles, chose 1920 Commons as the rehearsal space for the jazz groups.

According to Ketner, the jazz groups had problems over the summer with their rehearsal venue and were interested in moving to 1920 Commons.

There are currently nine jazz ensembles that use 1920 Commons as their rehearsal space, although in the spring up to 11 jazz ensembles may rehearse there. The groups also plan to perform in the dining hall later this semester.

“We needed to find a place where we don’t have to cart all of our equipment back and forth. 1920 Commons ended up being a great fit,” said Ketner. “The fact that students get a chance to hear our groups is an added bonus, [but] we were initially just looking for a place to rehearse and perform.”

According to Ketner, the dining hall offers a lot of open space, allowing the sound to travel through the building.

Ketner expressed hopes that students will hear the groups rehearsing and be interested in attending other performances and events held by the Music Department.

Wade Dean, the jazz director for the College House Music Program, has found that diners’ feedback has been positive and that students enjoy the music with their meals.

The musicians also enjoy working in the dining hall and having an audience for their music, Dean said.

“We see our dining facilities as community gathering places to be used for a variety of purposes,” said Director of Business Services Laurie Cousart, who is in charge of Penn Dining. “We think bringing jazz to 1920’s Commons is a great use of the space and encourage our diners to stop by and enjoy the music.”

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