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 Expressing the InexpressibleBy MICHELLE GOTT
The day was clear and almost taunting for those of us locked away in windowless practice rooms or the alternative: studios with windows to the outside world, through which the sun calls and the bright blue sky beckons. Upon waking, it seemed like any normal weekday, though blessed with crisp pre-autumnal weather; a perfect day for a stroll in the park, a day strangely similar in description to one exactly two years prior, minus a few grave components: shocking destruction, chaos, and national grief.
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| Michelle Gott |
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Due to the power of mass media, it has become impossible for most of us to forget the meaning behind the date, September 11. Incomprehensible images of two planes virtually disappearing into buildings; innocent people tumbling down, down in a desperate, suicidal spiral; and finally, a list of more than 2,000 names … people gone forever from this world.No, 9/11 cannot be forgotten.But how is it to be remembered?Stepping onto the Milstein Plaza at 10:20 a.m. on that Thursday morning, one may have noticed the silent gathering of Juilliard faculty and students. Before the pause for reflection began, President Polisi briefly reminded attendees of the scar seared into American soil on that fateful day, and of our ability as artists to help soothe it. For some, it was rather disconcerting that an event of such horrific magnitude should be publicly remembered by only a small portion of the Juilliard population and for a matter of a few, simple minutes. There were several complaints about the lack of formality, the impromptu nature of the service, the relatively low turnout, and even the president's assertion that we, as students of Juilliard, can help heal the wound.However, the majority of students seemed content to face south together for a few moments of quiet observance. Inundated with horrifying scenes and heartrending ceremonies, a simple pause for reflection seemed most appropriate and sincere. In reality, remembrance of such an event does not require a tireless reading of names, an overly emotional performance of Barber's Adagio, or even a show of glitzy, brainless patriotism complete with table flags, stars-and-stripes toe socks, and sparkly shirt pins.
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9/11 cannot be forgotten.
But how is it to be remembered?
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A memorial, by definition, serves to promote remembrance. And in this day of rapid transfer of information and an equally quick tendency to forget our history, it is vital that we pause, if only once a year, to reflect upon the past and its consequences.I feel that Juilliard did indeed provide the right memorial opportunity. And to those who felt that the president's subtle connection between the realm of grief and the renewing power of the arts somehow trivialized the anniversary, I offer the following quote spoken by Aldous Huxley: "After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." Our silence serves to remember the innocent who perished on that day. Our art, be it dance, drama, or music, serves to help the living who still suffer.Michelle Gott is a first-year harp student.
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