Dunster Arts is Music to House Residents' Ears

Dunster is a little House that knows how to make a lot of noise.

True to its pre-randomization musical roots, Thursday nights in the House resonate with folk and funk as the Dunster Caf brings a little bit of West Bank cool to its patrons. And annual events such as the Dunster House Opera and Holiday Messiah Sing draw crowds of hundreds music enthusiasts to the wood-paneled dining room on the Charles.

"Living in Dunster is a pleasure to the ears," says Gila D. Jones '02, who adds that music also flows quite readily from raucous parties in Dunster's sprawling suites.

Although student talent is the force behind most of Dunster's musical events, the House's composer-in-residence, Charles Kletzch, says he is more than happy to perform for those whose simply love to listen--even if they can't tell a B from a C.

"I see music as a language which is technically perfect, but...that technique exists only to communicate ideas which are exalted and simple," Kletzch says in his House biography. "What is the most important thing I do? Once a week I give concerts in the [House] library."

What's more, the Dunster House Co-Masters go out of their way to help accommodate arts in the House.

Master Karel F. Liem, Bigelow professor of ichthyology, and Co-Master Hetty Liem open their residence each year to the company of the Dunster House Opera, which needs a place to change costumes between scenes.

Students say this extra effort from the masters and the kindness of House residents mean Dunster's students quickly become attached to the House and each other.

"Our House loyalty and friendliness make Dunster feel like a second home," says House resident Natalie N. Grant '02.

--Lauren E. Baer