Say What? Music at RMU over the years
Alexandria Antonacci
Issue date: 2/26/10 Section: Features
Robert Morris University has always, no matter how inconsistent, inserted music programs on campus throughout the years. During back to back years of 2007 and 2008, RMU hosted national tours and bands such as: Taking Back Sunday, Underoath, Say Anything, Hello Goodbye, Young Love and Polysics. Who knew that our school was hip and up to date on the music scene? The truth is most of the sophomores and freshman of RMU never knew of these good times and really have only known the smaller bands that visited like hometown acts Instead of Sleeping and Identity X. Maureen Keefer of Student Life was obliged to inform The Sentry on the past, present and future music "happenings" on RMU campus.
"Many many years ago, prior to my time being here, we had a history of having some major kinds of concerts on campus and then we were not really involved in doing those kinds of programs until the last few years" expressed Keefer.
The tour of Taking Back Sunday, Underoath and Armor for Sleep was the first major concert program RMU had on campus. Then the following year they continued to bring the hype by booking the MySpace Music Tour which included Say Anything, Hello Goodbye, Young Love and Polsics.
Although RMU brought in those big acts over the years they also invited a number of local artists to perform on campus. For some of the Pittsburgh bands the campus has the ability to host these acts without fret because the university has the space for that type of venue. From a coffee house program in ROMO's to anywhere around campus, in a given year there is a decent number of smaller programs. Quite recently this past fall the Open Mic Series started, which brings together musicians and artists yet is not limited, anyone could join.
"We take a look at music as one of many different types of programs that we have to offer" explained Keefer.
The major concerts are not something the university can afford on a frequent basis. But what goes into making a concert available to the students is a lot more than you might think.
"Many many years ago, prior to my time being here, we had a history of having some major kinds of concerts on campus and then we were not really involved in doing those kinds of programs until the last few years" expressed Keefer.
The tour of Taking Back Sunday, Underoath and Armor for Sleep was the first major concert program RMU had on campus. Then the following year they continued to bring the hype by booking the MySpace Music Tour which included Say Anything, Hello Goodbye, Young Love and Polsics.
Although RMU brought in those big acts over the years they also invited a number of local artists to perform on campus. For some of the Pittsburgh bands the campus has the ability to host these acts without fret because the university has the space for that type of venue. From a coffee house program in ROMO's to anywhere around campus, in a given year there is a decent number of smaller programs. Quite recently this past fall the Open Mic Series started, which brings together musicians and artists yet is not limited, anyone could join.
"We take a look at music as one of many different types of programs that we have to offer" explained Keefer.
The major concerts are not something the university can afford on a frequent basis. But what goes into making a concert available to the students is a lot more than you might think.
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