LET ‘EM ROCK: STUDENTS FOREIGNERS TO CHOATE’S OWN CONCERT?
By Max Mullen ’08
Editor
After purchasing my tickets to the Foreigner concert over alumni weekend a couple of nights ago, I was extremely disappointed to learn that admission will only be granted to those over 21. It does not make much sense to me how the administration would exclude students from such an event. I feel like this would be a great opportunity for a name-brand band to come to campus, energize the student body, as well as the alumni, and inspire the alumni to give back and/or stay connected to the school as they see how much fun we are having. Instead, the alumni will travel to the concert, as some students will probably gather outside, and others lament about missing the opportunity to see such a band in an intimate setting.
I understand the school hosting off-campus events to which students are not invited, but why bring the band to campus? Instead of tempting the students to sneak in or do something stupid to enter, if the school really doesn’t want students there, the concert should held off-site, in a way that Choaties don’t feel like they are left out.
I’m not sure of the validity of the school’s policy that students cannot be at settings where alcoholic beverages are served; this rule does not seem to be followed. At student-attended trustee dinners and admissions receptions, alcohol is served. Granted, the concert would be less of a controlled environment than the aforementioned events. However, students could rock out on the track of the athletic center, while alcohol could be served to alumni on the main floor.
Even if there is a significant lack of faith in the students restraint from alcohol, how about the advisers on duty utilize breathalyzers at check-in? Breathalyzers would reduce the awkwardness of advisers who may smell something on their advisees’ breath, and would be a deterrent to drinking with alumni, especially at the concert. Will the students be unable to see Mr. Yankus, Mr. Cobbett, and Dave Lighton ‘06 perform at the same time in the PMAC because beer and wine will be served there too?
If it truly is a benefit concert, the students and school could mutually benefit from their attendance, both in donating 25 dollars a pop and watching a concert from polished rock stars. I want to rock out to “Feels Like the First Time” and “Juke Box Hero.”
It is fantastic that Choate would do this much to bring a ‘headline’ band to campus; it is just unfortunate that the students aren’t going to reap the benefits. Now I have to find something to do with my tickets and something to do May 17th. SAC dance anyone?
