Phi Mu Alpha Fundraiser:Piano Smashing brings stress relief to students

The Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity brought a new and exciting event to the Southern University campus with a piano smashing on March 17. Students were asked to meet in front of Stewart Hall to assist in the destruction of the piano, a small cost of one dollar for one swing, and three dollars for five.
“We have heard of other schools doing things like this, and we thought it would be a good idea to bring to Southern,” said Joseph Alexander, a senior Computer Science major and member of Phi Mu Alpha explained. “It helps to raise money for our chapter, while also giving students a new and fun way to relieve stress during a hectic midterm week.” Alexander finished.
Students who participated shared Alexander’s mindset about stress relief.
“This is a good way for me to recover from midterm stress and the pressure of performing for three separate events for Founders’ Week last week, while also giving to a good cause,” said Michael Bigham, a freshman Music Education major. Bigham also predicted how much of an impact he thought he would make on the actual piano.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to destroy the whole piano, but I should definitely be able to do a good amount of damage,” said Bigham.
Tevin Coleman, a Business Management major, also foreshadowed his swinging abilities.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to knock out the whole thing, but I’m pretty sure I can take out one of the piano’s legs,” guessed Coleman.
Despite the aggressive and novelty event of the piano smashing, not many students participated with the intent of being totally destructive. Senior Mass Communications major Justin Patterson claimed he was more focused on making noise instead.
“I didn’t really care about breaking the piano. I was more focused on aiming for the keys,” explained Patterson. “I was happy when it finally made a sound on my second swing.”
Though a lot of males were present at the event, quite a few women were in the mix as well, displaying their strength and support for Phi Mu Alpha.
“I’m glad I came out to this event to blow off some stress,” shared Davia Jenkins, a second year Biology major. “I thought it would be hard to swing the sledge hammer, but they made it pretty easy for me.”
Phi Mu Alpha not only used the piano smashing as a way to fundraise, but also to promote awareness of the organization around campus. Kenneth Collins, a third year Music Education major shed light on the organization.
“Phi Mu Alpha is a fraternity for men who have strong love for music and its advancement in America. Many people are attracted to Phi Mu Alpha because it was the first music fraternity ever founded, and has a history that dates all the way back to 1898,” explained Collins.
Collins also spoke about upcoming events that Phi Mu Alpha plan to bring to the SUBR campus.
“Phi Mu Alpha is planning a BBQ sale in April, a senior showcase, and our 50 Annual picnic is scheduled for May 16.” Collins stated.
All in all, the piano smashing can be looked at as a success and many anticipate the great things the fraternity has in store.