I The Behrend Beacon Organist David Peckham shares music with Erie at Smith By T.J. Banns staff writer ijhs2l K a psu.edu Walking by the Smith Chapel on Tuesday may have seemed the same as it alvvavs is. but it was not. If you were to have walked into the Chapel around 12:IS p.m. your life might have been changed. The Chapel was filled with many people from the Erie com munity waiting to hear and see organist David Peckham per form. Peckham is a graduate of the Eastman Sehool of Music where he studied with Dr. David Craighead. Even during the Eastman years. Peckham was delving into the world of theatre Today. Peekham works both sides of the fence. His versatility has established him as one of a rare breed of 'Cross-over' Players equally at home with music ranging from Bach to Bacharach and beyond. His tour ing schedule takes him through out the United States and to international venues including Canada, the United Kingdom. Australia, and New Zealand. In an interview with Peckham. he said that traveling to Australia not too long ago was one of the best experiences aside his per STD TESTING - WALK IN CLINIC Monday 9:00 am-11:00 am Wednesday I,oopm * 3:00 pm Thursday 3.00 pm ♦ 5:00 pm Chapel formance there. It was part of his honeymoon as well. In Australia, he met many wonderful people and had a great time, even though it was about fifty degrees out. and heating systems were not believed in where he per formed. "If I could have worn gloves while performing, I would have.” said Peekham. Peekham has played for national and regional conven tions of the American Theatre Organ Society, the American Guild of Organists and the Theatre Organ Society of Australia. This event was the first at Penn State Behrend fea- turing the organist. "I really enjoy playing in this Chapel being that "Otto" the mighty organ is a nice, newer and smaller organ that produces each note, precise and clear,” said Peckham. "This organ is also a smaller one than I'm used to. which makes the music move faster around the smaller chapel with the great resident space. Also this specific organ is one that is mechanical, which is very nice to play." As he performed, the many people in the chapel had their eyes glued on him, his hands and his legs as they danced along the thin board in which he sat upon. "It's like dancing when your Free ♦ Confidential Erie County Department of Health 000 West Second Street (Corner of Weil 2nd & Cherry Streets) Questions? Call 451 -6700 Campus News sitting down," said Peckman. "I want to keep the crowd involved in the music, and not falling asleep - it's a goal of mine when performing." said Peckman. After his performance in the chapel, Peckham recieved great applause. One woman told Peckman that he "deserves a steak dinner after that perform- "Just delightful," said another. All in all, Peckman showed everyone in the Smith Chapel that the organ is not just a stuffy old thing, and that there is much that can be learned and brought out from his performances. He concluded, saying, “I will have to come back some time soon to perform once again, and hope for another turn out such as this one." “It truly was an eye opening performance,” said student Andrew Halmi. When not parked on an organ bench, Peckham will be found on the other side of the keys as a member of L.A. Peckham and Son Pipe Organ Service. The family firm cares for some sixty pipe organs in the Finger Lakes area of New York State Penn State football ticket program witnesses change .... over jr every game, there are still many problems for every student to go to each game. By Samantha Curti staff writer srcsl3@psu.edul The adrenaline rush, the colossal crowds that congest Beaver Stadium, tailgating, and of course, Joe Pa. Yes, it’s foot ball season, and because of the popularity of Nittany Lion foot ball, Penn State is taking steps to make purchasing tickets more convenient. According to The Daily Collegian Online, Greg Myford, assistant athletic director at Penn State University, stated that they will be progressively shifting toward a “web-based ticket management program” which will permit students to buy their football tickets online. This new prospectus will enable students to buy directly from the University, alleviating the bulk of scalping tickets. In an interview with Kevin Horan, a staff writer for The Daily Collegian Online, Myford stated, "We're gonna continue to evaluate ways to improve the Fall 2009 Housing Opportunities New Apartments Coming Fall 2009! University Gate Apartments has begun construction on additional apartments that will be available for FALL 2009! Groups are signing now to reserve apartments for next fall! -13- Great Location....directly across the street from campus! ways we put student season tick ets in the hands of our student body," Myford said. "I think technology will play a role in that." This is not the only altercation the University hopes to make. Penn State is negotiating an idea about how students will enter Beaver Stadium on game day. It has been projected that students may soon have to show their Student ID cards in order to gain access to the stadium. This is more efficient and it will keep track of how many games a stu dent attends each year. Students at Behrend wonder if they will be affected by these changes. In an interview with Stephanie Schomer, a collegian staff writer, Frank Keller, UPUA vice president said, “[hjowever, the opinion does not exclude Commonwealth Campus stu dents from purchasing tickets.” With that said, Penn State Behrend will not be affected in terms of buying and selling foot ball tickets. Pem State tried, out. their .new. iSt* Friday, October 10, 2008 ticket system this football sea son to see how things would work out. Overall, students were pleased with the change. Amanda Deßello, a student at Penn State Behrend said, “I think it’s a very good idea. I like it better.” Tickets were still divided among class, although seniors get precedence. Cameron Fry, a freshman at Penn State Behrend said of the new system, “it gives students flexibility to show support for their team. I did not get tickets for this football season, but I had a lot of friends buy tickets online and they liked it better.” A negative aspect people found with the internet-based purchasing is the number of tickets that are available. Because Penn State football tickets are in high demand, it is difficult to seize them. Some people ran into problems with their computers or internet con nections, which prevented them frp.m .acquiring .tickets
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