The Collegian

Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: Arts

While students said their final goodbyes to Curtiss Memorial Dining Hall this month, the Yamaha piano that provided ambient music for a generation of Sunday brunch-goers also made the move across campus to the Grewcock Student Union.

As students filed into the union for its inaugural Sunday brunch Jan. 20, the familiar music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Scott Joplin greeted their ears. Some students, including freshman Sharon Barrett, said they make it a point to sit next to the piano so they can hear.

"I especially like it when they play hymns and worship songs," Barrett said. "[The piano] is one of the reasons why I love Sunday brunch so much."

Live music is a Hillsdale College tradition dating back to when Tim Morrison took over as food service director in February 1988. Steve Casai has been in charge of hiring instrumentalists for Saga, Inc., since the fall of 1994.

Casai said the ranks of past piano players include History Lecturer Andrew Mitchell, who played both jazz and classical piano before graduating from the College in 2000.

"I suggest that they play what carries well, whether it's classical or popular," Casai said. "They're not playing for my preferences, they're playing for an audience."

The result is an aural potpourri ranging from improvised blues to Beethoven to popular movie soundtracks.

"I'm infamous for playing Disney songs," admitted sophomore pianist Emily Thiessen. "I'm also kind of infamous for playing Nora Jones."

For many Saga pianists, playing for Sunday brunch is a welcome break after a stressful week and, for some, a chance to improvise.

"I don't play other people's music per se," sophomore pianist Brandon Carmack said. "I just let my fingers do what I hear."

Though the majority of students hired to play for Saga have been pianists, all instrumentalists are welcome to apply. Violin and classical guitar are only two of the many other instruments sometimes heard over the din of Sunday brunch.

"If anyone happens to be in possession of a harp, that'd be perfect," junior pianist Fritz Nuffer said.

And the money in the tip jar? Players said cash donations are certainly welcome, though students sometimes express their gratitude to instrumentalists in other ways.

"I've also had donations of food items and wadded up napkins," Nuffer reflected wryly. "Those aren't appreciated as much."

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