The Meld

Colin A. D. Borck, Illinois Wesleyan University

Abstract

This piece, The Meld, consists of five movements, each tailored to specific aspects of the new Ames Library. Through this short journey of music, one can experience what the library embodies itself, a marriage of art and technology. Emotions arise from all different aspects of each movement, may it be mystery of this new building to the dignity and class of the "Great Room" on the fifth floor holding the stained glass windows from Oxford. Movement one, Introduction, a mysterious beginning to this piece for the new library is a mystery to us all. Yes, we have seen it being built, but what does it consist of, what is hidden within its walls? This movement reflects what we all know about the library before we step in it, wonderment. Movement two, Computer Stations, is the technological advances that the new library possesses. An entire floor full of computer stations at our disposal to do any research needed to help fulfill our liberal arts education. Movement three, Comfy Chairs, embodies the beauty of the new library. This realizes the vision of just sitting down for hours with a favorite book in a comfortable chair with a beautiful view, and just reading for the pleasure of reading. Movement four, The Collection, represents the collection of books that our school owns. This reflects the power of knowledge of the students and faculty of Illinois Wesleyan University. It is these books that have been a part of the lWU history and helped so many gain the knowledge they needed to succeed in their endeavors. Movement 5, The Great Room, shows the tradition of our past not only at IWU, but of education around the world. This room fosters an atmosphere of the highest intellectual tradition. The full wood panel walls surrounded by scores of books up to the ceiling. And then surrounding it, the foundation of the first college, actual stained glass windows from the original college of Oxford! With those hanging around, not only can we relate to the power of past educators, but we can almost feel a direct connection to them also. From these five short movements, the Ames Library is introduced, stated, and dignified by a piece of music. It is the realization of Ames that gave me inspiration to create this piece. And hopefully by this piece, I can inspire others to realize the full potential this library has to make the Wesleyan dream of Scientia et Sapientia a reality among all active learners.