Abbey Siegfried, Chair of the Music Department, emailed all students involved with private lessons or music ensembles with notes on the care of Falls Music Center. The email addressed messiness, specifically the prevalence of food waste being found in the building.
In response to the mess, the email announced that three classrooms would be closed on weekends effective immediately.
In an email to The Phillipian, Siegfried explained why this happened. She hoped that students would begin to take charge and accountability in keeping the space organized. Siegfried also discussed initiatives that would make it easier for students to clean up after themselves.
“[The closing of Falls classrooms] was prompted by an increase of us (and particularly our custodial staff) finding Uber Eats and other food waste, spills not cleaned up, and disorder (moved furniture, projectors and sound systems left on, covers removed from pianos and instruments moved to different places, etc.),” wrote Siegfried.
Siegfried continued, “[We hope to see] that students are responsible for themselves and each other, respectful of the space and serve as leaders of positive change. We also are going to set up a “cleaning station”, probably next to the Lost and Found for students so that if they do spill something or their snack leaves crumbs, etc, they are able to easily clean up after themselves.”
Some students agreed that the mess in Falls was getting to a point that necessitated intervention. Connor Chung ’29, a cellist, takes classes in these music classrooms. Although he noted students may not be able to use spaces that they prefer, he felt the policy was justified and would be effective.
“This email [closing the classrooms] was justified. The mess can be a major hazard for students and faculty that are in the classroom as it’s also very disgusting, especially when you’re trying to learn or play and practice. Also, the janitors are being put to even more work than they have to do, which is very unfair… By making sure that students can only go in there when teachers are also in there with them, the mess will decrease” said Chung.
Despite the relatively small impact of closing the classrooms over weekends, Philip Jeong ’27 felt that the email still was effective. Jeong saw Siegfried’s email as an extra reminder to take care of Falls in his daily life. He mentioned that more changes could help keep Falls clean.
“Maybe [the department could implement] better signs on places they found a lot of food in. Like in the tables downstairs, they could [indicate] ‘please clean up after your food.’ Oftentimes people don’t make a mess because they want to, they just forget about it. So putting signs like that will definitely help. That [would be] a good step in this process.” said Jeong.
In her email to the students, Siegfried also discussed further measures that the department would take should the situation not improve, including changing Fall’s hours and banning all foods from the building. Nathan Chun ’28 shared thoughts on these potential changes.
“Honestly it’s quite reasonable to ban foods in Falls. There are other places to be studying while eating, and for the primary purpose of Falls, which is practicing, food doesn’t really work very well with that anyway. I really do hope that they don’t change the Falls opening hours, because we need to practice as musicians on campus. I don’t think that’s going to really be a very direct solution to the cleanliness issue,” said Chun.
Siegfried emphasized her overall goals for the Andover music community. She felt hopeful that the situation could be improved and that students and faculty could together facilitate a more welcoming department atmosphere.
“Our goal for the music program at Andover and Falls Music Center is that it is a home for all. I want everyone to feel welcome, I want our program and beautiful building to be a space where students can come together and celebrate the arts and community. This situation is heartbreaking for all of us, yet we believe – especially if we can partner with student leaders – that it can be easily changed. Anyone who is involved in music understands the importance of working with others, the importance of respecting, listening to and honoring your music partners. We are asking everyone to live our values. We can do this!” wrote Siegfried.
