SUNY Oneonta is historically known for being a teacher's college, but our arts and music programs are ever-growing, ever-changing, and full of some of the most talented students and professors I've ever met. In my years here, I've noticed a couple of things that tell me, "hey, that person is probably a fine arts major."
1. You make yourself quite at home in a building on campus that is so lovingly referred to as "Farts."
The Fine Arts building, more often called Farts, is located in the quad, and has a somewhat irregular shape to it. That's because our theater has a catwalk above the stage to work with the lights, and it has to be taller than the regular ceilings of the building!
2. You might have to pass on going out with your friends during the week because you have ensemble rehearsal -- and you need the credits to graduate.
Music industry is one of the biggest majors on our campus, and nine ensemble credits are required in order to graduate with the degree. Sometimes, it means missing out on happy hour or ladies night at the Sip, but at least you were able to spend the time making music.
3. If you're an art student, you know exactly where the vending machines are.
There are two vending machines in the building, both located in the art wing. Long nights in the drawing studios or the computer labs the night before an assignment is due means snacking and caffeine, so you know where both of the vending machines are located -- especially because they're not right next to each other!
4. You've spent some time in one of our three recording studios.
Whether it be to watch your friend's band record an album with our school's record label, Red Dragon Records, or to work on your latest Audio II project, you've spend some time behind the big heavy doors of either studio A, B or C, and you know which studio has the best space and equipment to properly suit the needs of your project!
5. You've hung out "on the bridge."
And you know that the bridge isn't really a bridge, per se. It's the part of the building right outside of the doors to the theater and the box office. It's a popular spot for theater, art, and music student to hang out or do homework in between classes.
6. You've daydreamed about staging a performance, or displaying an art show, in the roofless quad between the art wing and the theater.
It's the perfect space for vocals, instruments, or theatrics, amazing acoustics and enough room between performers and spectators. There's tons of natural light to display art. It's a shame that it doesn't get used very often! It's a beautiful spot to perform, watch someone perform, or even to just sit and have a quiet moment by yourself, which you don't come across too often in the world of fine art!
