A response from Miami University Fine Arts Dean

In response to an article about the uncertain future of the Oxford String Quartet that ran in the Enquirer on Jan. 8, Dean Jose Antonio Bowen sent this letter to the editor, which never ran. This morning, he sent me a copy, so here it is:

Editor, The Enquirer:

The Enquirer's story about the future of the Oxford String Quartet (Jan. 8) raised false concerns. Miami University's School of Fine Arts is completely committed to the quartet's continued existence. When the previous violinist departed, the music department was quickly authorized to find a part-time violinist to replace her in the string quartet. It is not unusual for this quartet to use part-time musicians.

The story also misled readers about Miami's commitment to Western music. Miami's music department, like virtually all music departments, has begun to diversify the cultures represented in its offerings, but this growth has not come at any expense to Western music.

I do believe students should be more aware of a global context for everything, and not just music. As an editor of Beethoven Forum, I encourage the study of Beethoven, but I also love Duke Ellington and play with Miami's Global Rhythms ensemble. If we want our future musicians to succeed, we need to teach them about entrepreneurship, technology, importance of community and diversity of musical styles.

The Oxford String Quartet has its next concert March 20. I encourage everyone concerned to come and support this cultural treasure and the other diverse music we celebrate at Miami.

José Antonio Bowen, Dean
School of Fine Arts
Miami University