photo courtesy of Regan Gellerson gellerre21@bonaventure.edu
BY BIANCA BILLONI, STAFF WRITER
As I’m finishing up my second last semester here at Bonaventure, I’ve been thinking about why I love this place so much. I have so many reasons to be grateful for this school, but one of the main ones is the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Without this building, I wouldn’t have the amazing music department and reliable study space I’ve always been able to count on.
Coming to this school as a freshman, one thing I could carry over from my high school career was my participation in choir and piano lessons. Immediately, I was able to find a little family with the same love for music and the arts that I had. Not only did I get an immediate family, but I also found a group of people that really saw something in me. When I came to Bonaventure, I started as a journalism major, but by the end of my second semester, I had added music as a second major. The faculty and upperclassmen were so supportive of my love for music, and they wanted me to be a permanent member of their community.
Since starting, I have taken piano and vocal lessons participated in the chamber singers and concert choir and taken a multitude of music-based courses. Through all of these experiences, I have met some of my best friends and learned some of my most valuable lessons. More than that, I have had the opportunity to continue my passion for music in a judgment-free zone.
Along with the great people that utilize the building, I also have a love for the ample selection of study spaces in the Quick Center. Not only are there multiple options for where to get some work done, but it is also usually quiet. It’s even better when there are ensemble rehearsals going on, so there is a nice, soothing atmosphere. It is extremely valuable to have a place I can always rely on when everywhere else doesn’t fall into place. Knowing I spend a good portion of my class time in the building makes it a more comfortable place for me to get academic work done as well.
This is a place where I’ve sung some of my best pieces, I’ve improved so much as a pianist, and I’ve expanded my knowledge of music. I have so many memories of joking around in the choir room and spending upwards of 30 minutes chatting with my music major advisor. I could never look back on this building with a negative outlook. Although Bonaventure is already a second home to me, the Quick Center acts as a special space from that I can escape to. A big shoutout to the Quick Center for being there through good and bad times alike. I’m extremely grateful for all it has provided me.
billonbd19@bonaventure.edu
