Issue date: 11/17/09 Section: Opinions

I am extremely disappointed in myself. I would consider myself to be a rather cultured person.

Having lived around the world, I would do my best to learn about the culture of the natives and visit their museums and enjoy the arts whenever I would travel somewhere.

When I visit my parents, I try my hardest to make a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago and see whatever the newest exhibit is.

Not to mention I have been exposed to theater all my life.

You may not believe me when I say this, but I love Andrew Lloyd Webber. I have been to the Shakespeare Theater, but I have yet to go to the symphony.

Though, when I say I am disappointed in myself, I mean because I have not taken the slightest advantage of the arts here at Eastern.

And I am not quite sure why, either.

Before Doudna Fine Arts Center was completed, the art department was spread throughout campus and Charleston. However, they still functioned even though their facilities were less-than-perfect.

Now, they have amazing facilities befitting of the arts they perform. I will go through and peruse the student and faculty art shows every year, and I have taken a handful of studio art classes.

But I have not taken any theater classes, and only took The Evolution of Jazz and Rock for the seemingly easy grade (and to rock out to the greatest rock band ever - The Rolling Stones).

I have taken photos for The Daily Eastern News of the Wind Symphony and the Jazz Ensemble, but have never been able to stay the entire time because of deadlines.

And no photography is allowed during any other theater productions, so I have never been able to witness more than the occasional dress rehearsal.

What I am trying to get at is that, while I have been brought up exposed to the arts, and have continued to enjoy the arts; I have not taken advantage of what I have directly in front of me.

Up until Nov. 10, I have never stepped foot in the Dvorak Concert Hall, and even then it was only for five minutes.

I implore you readers. Do not make the mistakes I have made. Whenever there is a production or a concert, go to it.

Who knows when the next time you will be able to see a good production of Shakespeare for the cost of almost nothing? Or what about a performance of Mendelssohn?

I am really pissed at myself just thinking about all the opportunities I have wasted in the last four years for some true amazing performances.

And for some reason I haven't even gone to any performances outside the university. No plays at Charleston High School, no community band at Kiwanis Park, no Charleston Alley Theatre, no Little Theater on the Square in Sullivan.

There are just too many good things going on around here for me to miss out on any longer.

I am making an early New Year's resolution, and I suggest you do the same, to get out there and experience some of the arts that we have going on around us.

This just may be one resolution I keep.

Eric Hiltner is a senior journalism major and can be reached at DENopinions@gmail.com or 581-7942.

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