The VolanTe Trump Defeats Harris
THURSDAY,
Longtime Vermillion Business Owner Retires her Wedding Cake Services After Decades of Success
Elli.Kruse@coyotes.usd.edu
After 30 years, Monica Iverson is retiring from her wedding cake business to focus on her restaurant and family.
At an early age, Iverson’s mother used to make cakes for her as a child. This led to her wanting to find cakes like her’s, however, she was never able to. This led to the start of her cake making business. At first,
her career was kicked off by making specialty cakes for the surrounding community.
When making her first couple of cakes, she did a lot of trial and error to help her practice. She had watched her mom teach her many times, however, she eventually moved away. Iverson had attended a cake decorating class at JCPenney’s where she learned a lot. Overtime, she had enjoyed
working with customers to bring a vision alive.
“Making people happy with good flavored cakes, good products, and good design is my favorite part,” she said.
Iverson said the wedding cake business is stressful due to the time and delivery of the cakes, she has enjoyed every part. Regardless of the joy, she feels that it is time for her to step back from making wedding cakes.
“Growing up with young kids and a family, it is quite a sacrifice to not be able to do things like go on vacation and things like that. I used to do seven to eight weddings a weekend which is a lot,” she said.
During her career she had won multiple cake decorating competitions and got a lot of recognition for the work she had done.
“I will miss the fun part of the
wedding, seeing the reception, getting pictures back from the bride, and hearing the compliments on the cake. I felt a lot of satisfaction and to me it’s like creating an art piece,” Iverson said.
While Iverson may be retiring her part of the wedding cake business, Skye Bartlett has been training and helping Iverson for a little while. Iverson is going to continue to refer people to go to Bartlett for their cake needs.
“My name, I think I am going to remove so we can focus more on Skye building her business. I want to give her credit because she has worked really hard with making cakes under my name. I told her it is time for her to build her own name,” Iverson said.
Iverson will host a retirement party on November 22, at Cafe Brule. There will be free cupcakes all day followed by a celebratory event starting later that afternoon.
Elli Kruse
Anyston Henning | The Volante
Monica Iverson proudly showcases her cake designs at Cafe Brule downtown.
A wedding cake design that Iverson created with the help of Skye Bartlett.
Anyston Henning | The Volante
NOVEMBER 7,
Campus Facilities Prepare for Winter Weather
Elli Kruse Elli.Kruse@coyotes.usd.edu
As the weather is starting to change, USD has begun to turn on the heat system in the buildings on campus.
Starting in the 1930s through the 1970s, USD built underground tunnels that run throughout campus to store steam pipes. There are two types of heating systems that USD uses during the cooler months.
The central steam plant is located in the Davidson Building which is what goes into the underground tunnels. This allows for the majority of buildings on campus to share a heat system, making it easier for the heat to be turned on.
The other types of heating for buildings all have their own type of heat system. The buildings that use this system have to have a
worker turn the heat on individually.
Brian Limoges is the assistant vice president of Facilities Management. He has been working at USD since 2016. When it comes to deciding the best time to turn the heat on, they try to look out at least 30 days.
“We try to look at several different sites as far as the forecast goes. We typically know the end of October to the beginning of November is when we typically switch from cooling to heating.”
To prepare for the boilers to turn on, workers start to get the boilers ready during the summer months. In order for the boilers to start working, they have to fill the boilers with water to start making steam. Facility managers just started doing this on Monday, October 28.
“Right now the guys have the boilers
going and they have to walk all the tunnels. There are steam traps that they have to open up. So we have to heat those lines up before we can turn the steam on to the buildings,” Limoges said.
The residence halls are always the first to get the heat turned on, the buildings then follow. Buildings that have their own stand alone heating systems can be switched on automatically from a computer.
“On Monday we had a couple guys going to buildings to shut down the cooling systems. Another group of guys were working on getting the boiler plant started. It typically takes us about two weeks to get all the building’s heat turned on,” Limoges said.
There are three large boilers that are fairly new in the underground tunnels. All
buildings on campus are tied into a building automation system, which allows maintenance men to be continuously updated while running.
Mark Weyer is the director of Operations and Maintenance. Weyer has been working in this position for 3 years.
“Facilities are constantly monitoring the cooling and heating systems on campus,” Weyer said.
“Our building automation system, Metasys, alerts us to problem areas so we can address them promptly. Also, students, faculty, and staff can report temperature issues to the FM Work Order Desk if they feel they are not within normal ranges.”
Depending on the temperature’s in the spring semester, the heating system will be turned off by late April.
Career Fair’s Prove Helpful to Student’s Success
Anyston Henning Anyston.Henning@coyotes.usd.edu
Career fairs are commonly perceived as just another event thrown on campus, insead of as a beneficial way students can gain insight on jobs within their community. However, for many USD students, attending career fairs on-campus is viewed as a positive way to gain insight on one’s future.
A group of students were collectively interviewed on Oct. 28, at the Media and Marketing Career Fair, about their experience attending said career fair as well as their thoughts on how events such as these help them continue to work towards their goals.
“I think that there is an agreement on how several advising opportunities help provide students with more information on how to get their careers started,” USD student Parker Orr said.
While some students may have attended career fairs in the past, there were a lot of first-timers who when asked about their experience stated it proved to be helpful.
“So far, being here has been very informative, I’d honestly compare it to speed
Juliana Oltmanns Juliana.Oltmanns@coyotes.usd.edu
dating, since each conversation is straight to the point, but exactly what we need. I think it is beneficial in the sense that it’s like a real-world experience.”
“It lets you meet with real people and real brands and have authentic opportunities just to see life outside of college,” USD student Macy Stuber said.
Overall, there were several positive reports from students making it clear that they are confident that the school is helping them to achieve their goals.
“The school has done a pretty good job at allowing students the access to events that help broaden their futures. They offer career services where students can schedule appointments to get the advice or help they may need career wise. Those who work at the Career Planning Center will look over resumes, help you find jobs, and more. They provide students with career fairs every semester, even ones that are specific to certain departments. They also do internships through the university.”
For more information about USD career opportunities visit https://careers-usdcsm.symplicity.com/students/?signin_tab=0.
E R A L
N
2 0 2 4 G E
PRESIDENT
Former president and President-elect Donald Trump is on track to win 312 electoral votes and the popular vote
According to Decision Desk HQ, Trump has won the battleground states of Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan and Nevada
Trump has an edge in Arizona where votes are still being counted
The former president improved his vote share nearly everywhere across the nation
SENATE
Republicans win control of the United State Senate and will hold a minimum of 52 seats
Three seats have been flipped so far: West Virginia Governor Jim Justice easily won the open seat as Sen Joe Manchin will retire
Ohio businessman Bernie Moreno ousted three-term incumbent Sherrod Brown with 50 2% of the vote
ELECTION RESULTS
Tim Sheehy defeated three-term Montana Senator Jon Tester with 53 2% of the vote
HOUSE
No winner has been announced in the United States House of Representatives South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson wins re-election with 72% of the vote, defeating educator and small business owner Cheryl Johnson
Many races are left undecided, as votes are still left to count in Arizona and California, and some races facing possible recounts Decision Desk HQ gives Republicans a 88 7% chance of gaining control of the lowe chamber
STATE LEGISLATURE
Republicans will retain their supermajority in the State House of Representatives and State Senate Only one race remains subject to a possible recount In the Sioux Fallsbased District 15, Democrat Erik Muckey leads Republican Joni Tschetter by 9 votes
In central Rapid City District 32, Democrat Nicole Uhre-Balk won one of the two House seats alongside Republican Steve Duffy
In the north, Republican Jana Hunt flipped House District 28A, which was represented by House Minority Oren Lesmeister Lesmeister was ineligible to run due to term limits Democratic senator Shawn Bordeaux was defeated in District 26 by Republican Tamara Grove District 26 contains areas such as Chamberlain and the Rosebud Reservation
In Vermillion, Republican incumbents Chris Kassin and Bill Shorma won reelection to the State House, and Sydney Davis ran unopposed in the State Senate
CLAY COUNTY COMMISSION
The race for Clay County Commission is tight The preliminary vote shows that out of three Republican and three Democratic candidates, Republicans Travis Mockler and Glen Gilbertson and Democrat Kevin Brady have a slight edge Voters could vote for up to three of the six candidates Only 33 votes separate Gilbertson from Democrat Pat Flanigan
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024 THE
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Editor-In-Chief
Charles Streeter
Managing Editor
Jozie Kumm
News Editor
Juliana Oltmanns
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Charlie Prien
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Sara Mauszycki
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Ava Sevening
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Janet Davison
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South Dakota Ballot Measure Results
Jackrabbits Top Coyotes in First Ever Overtime Meeting
Charlie Prien Charles.Prien@coyotes.usd.edu
In the first-ever overtime showdown between state rivals, the No. 4 University of South Dakota Coyotes fell short, losing 2017 to the No. 3 South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.
The Coyotes battled in a back-and-forth duel that saw records broken, key defensive plays, and a late rally that nearly propelled the Coyotes to a victory.
South Dakota opened with a 65-yard, 10-play drive, capped by a touchdown run by Travis Theis. The Jackrabbits answered quickly with a drive of their own, led by
quarterback Mark Gronowski, leveling the score at 7-7 as the first quarter came to a close.
Defense set the tone for much of the second quarter, but SDSU managed to break through with a short touchdown drive, taking a 14-7 lead. Carter Bell’s record-breaking catch placing him atop USD’s all-time receptions list, and the Coyotes attempted to mount a drive at the end of the first half, but couldn’t capitalize, sending them into halftime trailing by a single score. USD’s defense took charge in the third quarter, stuffing a big SDSU fourth-down
attempt. The Coyotes’ offense looked for momentum with a trick play, as Bell connected with Jack Martens on a 39-yard pass, but the drive stalled, leaving both sides scoreless in a gritty third quarter.
SDSU aimed to seal the game early in the fourth but missed a 47-yard field goal. Following the missed field goal, USD mounted a drive, but committed the first turnover of the game on the promising drive. However, a forced fumble by SDSU was scooped up by Mi’Quise Grace, who returned it for a game-tying defensive touchdown, knotting the game at 14-14 with
under five minutes left.
Both teams had chances to win it in regulation. USD’s last-minute field goal attempt was unsuccessful, the game then went into overtime on a chilly October night
After SDSU won the toss, the Coyotes stalled and settled for a 40-yard field goal by Will Leyland to go up 17-14. SDSU kept their drive alive on a pivotal fourth-down run and found the end zone shortly after, claiming the 20-17 victory.
Following a bye this week, the Coyotes return to Vermillion on Nov. 9, hosting Indiana State.
Charlie Prien | The Volante
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024 THE
Former USD Women’s Basketball Player Bridget Schumacher Dies at 30
Abby Saylor Abigail.Saylor@coyotes.usd.edu
Bridget (Arens) Schumacher died on Oct. 25 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota. The South Dakota Women’s Basketball Facebook page made a post announcing her death on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Those who knew Schumacher have taken to social media to express their condolences. In a recent post on X, former USD coach Amy Williams said,
“Devastated by the loss of Bridget Arens Schumacher. I was blessed to coach her for three years at USD and she was the best of the best! An absolute Warrior on the court and the most amazing young lady off the court! She loved big and was loved even bigger!” said Williams.
Schumacher played for the Coyotes from 2013 to 2017.
She holds the program record for career games played, with 137 appearances,
according to the Coyote Athletics website.
In 2017, she was named South Dakota’s Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year. She helped USD win the Women’s National Invitation Tournament in 2016 and defend its Summit League title. Her sisters, Allison and Monica, also played for USD.
“Your stereotypical down-to-earth, gritty, farm girl, tough-nosed player,” said former teammate Margaret McCloud.
“There is a running joke that you did not want to be on the receiving end of one of Bridget’s screens because her elbows just were sharp, it was almost an automatic bruise.” she said.
Schumacher’s cause of death has not been released. She worked as an elementary guidance counselor in Crofton, Nebraska, according to her obituary. She is survived by her husband, Taylor, and children, Elijah, Briggs, Cooper, and Tia.
Carter Bell Breaks All-Time Receptions Record at USD
Charlie Prien
Charles.Prien@coyotes.usd.edu
Carter Bell broke a long-standing record for the University of South Dakota. Last Saturday against South Dakota State, Carter Bell broke the all-time record for receptions in a career at USD.
In the game against SDSU, Bell had five receptions, bringing him to 167 in his career. He broke the record of 165 receptions, previously held by Brooks Little, who played at USD from 2004-2007.
The record marks a key moment in the career of Carter Bell, as he now stands alone atop a key statistical category. However, Bell is approaching numerous other school records, including receiving yards and touchdowns.
The 5-foot-11 receiver from Bettendorf, Iowa began his career for USD in 2019, but he says he would not be where he is today without key former teammates, “Caleb Vander Esch and Kody Case were big leaders at that time. So I wanted to be like them and just grow into players and be able to lead my team.” Bell said.
While records carry meaning, the Coyote receiver says that records are not the main focus, “I think it’s cool. But I try to ignore that stuff for now. I’m just focused on winning and getting to Frisco.” he said.
The senior advises those looking up to him that it’s important to sit back, and observe those around you, “just be present in the moment, learn the game at a high level. Take your time. Don’t come in here and think you’re the top dog right away. Just come in here, work your butt off, stay silent, put your head down, and you’ll get to where you want to be.” Bell said.
Bell and the Coyotes have three regular season games remaining in the 2024 season, giving him further opportunities. Bell will be poised with the opportunity to stretch his records out, and break through in other categories.
However, the senior from Bettendorf, Iowa will go down in history after this season is complete. Bell will leave a legacy at USD as a role model and an athlete for
Univeristy of South Dakota Women’s Basketball| X
Abby Saylor| The Volante
Colleen Evans Marks Final Month as Director of Student-Athlete Success Center
Abby Saylor Abigail.Saylor@coyotes.usd.edu
October marked Director Colleen Evans’s last month as director of the Student-Athlete Success Center at USD.
Evans found the most rewarding part of her job to be helping student-athletes recognize their potential and achieve success beyond sports.
“I would say helping the students who didn’t necessarily believe in themselves as student-athletes, you know, the student part of that and seeing them graduate,” Evans said. “Sometimes they’re the first in their family to graduate from college, and so that is really gratifying to see that.”
During Evans’s time with the Coyotes, she contributed to an increase in graduation rates among student-athletes from 74% to 93%. She also helped improve other student-athletes’ academic metrics, such as GPAs.
“Super thoughtful, very caring, always there to help and wants to build a relationship outside of the classroom,” said sophomore Cole Witherow, an athlete advised by Evans. “Made me feel very welcome my freshman year and always put a smile on everyone’s face.”
Evans began her time with the Coyotes in 2012. Before working at USD, she served as the director of Student-Athlete Academic Support Services at San Diego State University.
“It was the first time I’d worked in a small-town atmosphere with a large athletics department and program,” Evans said regarding her move to Vermillion.
Evans said her role evolved to include much more than just scheduling classes. She provided resources spanning from healthy decision-making to career readiness. This included addressing topics such as financial planning, resume creation, and interview preparation.
“The landscape of college athletics has really changed a lot in the last few years, and I think moving forward over the next ten [years], it will be drastically different.”
Evans has been using her time in retirement to pursue personal interests. She plans to visit friends and enjoy her time off.
“I just want to take a couple of months to kind of settle in and relax, do what I want, when I want. So that’s what I’ve been doing: reading books, watching movies, and taking my dog for a lot of walks.”
“Redskin Rule” Revisited
Charles Streeter Charles.Streeter@coyotes.usd.edu
In the October 23 issue of The Volante, a preview was given of the “Redskin Rule,” which states that if the Washington Commanders win their last home game, the party in power wins the presidency. This rule did not hold true for the 2024 United States presidential election.
The Commanders beat the Chicago Bears 18-15 on Saturday, October 28, throwing a 52yard “Hail Mary” pass at the end of the game to win .
This is now the fourth consecutive election that the rule has not correctly predicted the election.
University of South Dakota Athletics
OpiniOn
EIC: Don’t Make Politics Into Religion
Charles Streeter Charles.Streeter@coyotes.usd.edu
As a political science major, elections are like a combination of Christmas and the Super Bowl. Stressful but fun. I enjoy watching the results come in and comparing them to previous elections.
I enjoy seeing how political coalitions change year after year.
The Hispanic/Latino vote exemplifies this best. Take a look at Trump’s win in the Rio Grande Valley (Starr County for example) and winning in Miami-Dade County in Florida by over 11 points. This would have been unthinkable eight years ago.
I could go on for days about the political trends and tidbits that we’re seeing now.
By now, election results are mostly in across the nation. There are some outstanding congressional races left to be called, but Donald Trump will be the 47th president, and Republicans are on track to hold a majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Locally, most every initiative fails with the exception of Amendment F and Republicans unsurprisingly win a supermajority in the state legislature again.
Some of you are happier than others about Tuesday, that’s understandable.
However, some people have made politics into a religion. That’s great, until your side loses. What do you do then?
I wouldn’t recommend having internet meltdowns as some people I know are having. It’s concerning on two fronts: first, in order to win you have to either turn out your base or change people’s minds. Ranting about how dumb the voters are doesn’t show you where you fell short, and it will certainly alienate the same people you need to win over.
Second, there’s simply more to life than politics. This isn’t to say that elections aren’t important, they absolutely are.
But perhaps this is the right time for us to regroup and focus on something else now.
tion is over, perhaps I could spend some time at the gym. And honestly, going to the gym would improve my life more than analyzing swings in Bucks County, Pennsylvania or ruminating on how many votes are out in Reno, Nevada.
As the cool Gen-Z kids would say, “go touch some grass.”
Would You Like to Advertise
VerVe
President Crossword
The
ten most recent
OVERHEARDS
Down
1. A screen test in 1937 won him a contract with Warner Brothers in Hollywood
3. Became the head cheerleader during his senior year of boarding school
5. Applied to the agency but never heard back about his application
7. Produced and hosted The Apprentice
9. First President to appear on Saturday Night Live (SNL)
Across
2. At 16 years old, he shook hands with President John F. Kennedy in 1963
4. Can speed-read at a rate of 2,000 words a minute
6. Grammy, Emmy and Nobel Peace Prize winner
8. The oldest person inaugurated president
10. Vomited into the lap of Japan’s prime minister, Kiichi Miyazawa
Here you’ll find the weirdest, funniest and stupidest things we’ve heard during the week. Context is for suckers.
“My back itches like Kentucky” - MUC
“It’s like a WeightWatchers before ad”
- Charlie’s Career Closet
“What’s it called again? The National Anthem?”
- Danforth Chapel
“If you put Duct Tape on your clothes, it sticks”
- Coyote Village
Vex And The Verm
Guess
the Apple Doesn’t Want to Fall Far From the Tree.
Nathan DeGreef nathan.degreef@coyotes.usd.edu
It’s that time of year. One doesn’t even have to look around to see that almost everyone is sick. I have just gotten over this after what felt like weeks of coughing and pain.
Unfortunately, I’m being plagued with a new sickness. Homesickness.
It all started after I watched a video commentary on Shel Silverstein’s book “The Giving Tree”, which left me feeling… feelings.
The video not only discussed the book but also the author, who has a pretty interesting background including illustrating adult comics and being a frequent visitor of the Playboy Mansion.
Despite all that though, he created this book. Which in itself has left most of the readers with questions about the meaning.
From what I understand, the book isn’t supposed to teach in any specific way. It’s up for interpretation. But most can agree that you seem to leave the story with a melancholy feeling.
I fell victim to this as well. I could see myself as both characters, the giver and the taker. Giving my time and self to friends and family. But also taking just as much if not more. It made me think of my parents. They are my tree. At least these were the thoughts going through my sleep-deprived brain at 1 in the morning.
The idea of calling my parents was prominent, but the least I could give to them was uninterrupted sleep.
Who knows what brought this sudden indent of drear on? Perhaps exhaustion, maybe from not seeing my counselor and avoiding contact with him after I slept through my appointment. I did see him at the Civic Council last weekend and went completely out of my way around the entire store to avoid confrontation. I should really email him. Set up an appointment. Because like the tree, I was unhappy… But not really.
VerVe
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024 THE
Quinn Gienapp quinn.gienapp@coyotes.usd.edu
The original “Smile” by Parker Finn movie was one I put off watching until just recently when I was preparing to see its anticipated sequel.
The movie focuses on a paranormal curse that causes those afflicted by it to experience visions of people smiling eerily at them causing their minds to question what is real or not. This setup led to a lot of moments of psychological horror that pulled a lot of narrative tricks leaving the audience to also question what was real or not.
While I did enjoy this first movie, I was hopeful that its sequel, “Smile 2”, would remedy some of the issues I had with the first movie. Finn is back to direct this sequel which now stars young pop idol, Skye Riley (Naomi Scott), as the lead who has become
Accessibility Updates to the Danforth Chapel Movie Review: A Smile is Contagious…
Ava Sevening ava.sevening@coyotes.usd.edu
The Opportunity Center has worked on making updates to the Danforth Chapel to improve accessibility for all students.
The chapel is open for student use and can be reserved through 25Live. Students can get a key from the University Police Department for the dedicated place on campus for religious or spiritual needs.
The Danforth Chapel, constructed in 1954, is one of 15 university chapels funded by the Danforth Foundation, founded by William H. Danforth.
The chapel has been in use since it was established on campus. Recently the Opportunity Center has made it more accessible by adding moveable benches and greater access to the facility. The Student Government Association promotes the updated chapel as a
afflicted with the curse. As we are now following a pop idol character, a lot of the psychological horror comments on the immense stress that comes from stardom as well as the struggles that come from dealing with mental illness.
While I do believe this to be a better film than the first one, it ultimately still has many of the same problems that I hoped were going to be fixed. For starters, one can argue that this is the same movie as the first one just with a different coat of paint which I would find hard to argue with. If you have seen the first movie, a lot of the tricks and story beats it uses are used again in the sequel making it not as surprising of a watch.
The film does have more style and flair than the first movie with many
visually interesting scenes that tie into pop stardom and spiraling out of control. The movie also has an incredible opening sequence that does a fantastic job of setting the tone of the film and just being incredibly innovative for the horror genre.
These positives do not outweigh the major negative I have with this film, that being that it is an exhausting movie to watch. For starters, the amount of jumpscares the film employs increases over the first movie and is used so frequently that I was becoming frustrated.
The story of the film is also deeply miserable with extended sequences of violence and traumatic imagery that will be uncomfortable for many people who watch it. By the time the film was
finished, I felt very drained from the entire experience. If you are someone who needs even the smallest ray of sunshine in your films, this is not the movie for you.
This is not a movie I could easily recommend to anyone as I would not say I had a good time watching it myself. I feel the movie slowly beats you down the same way it does its main character which is a feeling I know some might greatly enjoy from a movie, I have a harder time appreciating this feeling though.
What I can say is that if you really enjoyed the first movie you might have a better time with its sequel while those who were put off by it, might be better off just skipping this one.
place for all students.
“The Opportunity Center has already made it more accessible and moving forward we want to continue communicating to students about the chapel’s purpose so students know it’s available,” Mohammed Mohammed, SGA Senator, said.
With making updates to the chap el, the goal is to increase awareness as a multi-faith center and ensure stu dents know it’s available as a space for meditation, prayer and quiet reflection regardless of their religious or spiritu al background.
“We’re giving students a place to feel comfortable practicing their beliefs,” Mohammed said. “It’s a step towards creating a more inclusive cam pus environment, where students of all backgrounds feel supported.”
Sara Mauszycki | The Volante
VerVe
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024 THE
Keyboard Exhibit Features Rare Instruments
Charles Streeter charles.streeter@coyotes.usd.edu
Through the end of the year, students, faculty and community members can visit a unique and rare collection of keyboard instruments at the National Music Museum.
Home to over 15,000 instruments, the National Music Museum holds one of the largest instrument collections in the entire nation.
Darryl Martin, conservator of the National Music Museum, believes the collection is special. Originally from Western Australia, Martin moved to the United Kingdom as a young adult to build keyboard instruments.
Working as a curator for musical collections in the United Kingdom, Belgium and Denmark, he eventually found his way to Vermillion in 2022.
One focal point of the exhibition is a harpsichord dated, from 1520-1540 and was built in Naples. It is the oldest playable harpsichord in the world. Harpsichords are the predecessor to the piano, with the largest difference being the strings are plucked, while pianos have felt hammers that hit the strings.
Martin played the instrument briefly, showing the bright and clear tone of the harpsichord.
“It’s beautifully stable, we could have a concert on it tomorrow, no problems at all,” Martin said.
The exhibit also features an 1849 Erard grand piano. Made by the same manufacturer as Frederic Chopin’s personal piano, it was purchased in France by a professional pianist from New Orleans.
Over time, it eventually found itself in a brothel, according to Martin.
“The person who sold it to the museum found it in a barn, restored it and then offered it for sale,” said Martin.
Also belonging to the exhibit are a number of 16th and 17th century harpsichords with ornate designs and artwork.
Some instruments on display are not in playable condition, something very different from other muse ums. One harpsichord has it’s soundboard displayed on the wall.
“We thought we’re going to stick stuff on display we wouldn’t normally put on display,” Martin said. “Where else can you go to a museum and see inside a harpsichord?”
The National Music Museum owns all instru ments on display in the High Strung exhibit.
Martin says next year’s exhibition will feature historic brass instruments, expected to be available for public viewing in the new year.
Sara Mauszycki | The Volante
A double harpsichord featuring ornate paintings, not currently in playable condition.
A photo of the oldest playable harpsichord on earth, built in Naples, Italy in the 16th century.