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One of the school's newest and fastest-growing clubs, the Musician's Alliance, has become a force on Colby's music scene. Although the club only came into existence last year, this semester it opened a new practice facility for campus bands. Located in the Alfond Athletic Center, the room is an improvement over previous practice space.

"Bands used to practice in the basement of the chapel," said president Brian Moynihan `97. "The sound echoed and there were pipes sticking out everywhere. There were even special fans in there because of a radon gas problem."

One of the main reasons Moynihan and other musicians founded the club was to give bands a place to practice.

"In the old room, bands definitely did not have top priority," said Moynihan. "We figured if we became a club we would have some status and we could have some place to practice."

The Musician's Alliance worked with the Student Activities Office and Dean of the College Earl Smith to consider a few options before settling on the new room.

"At first we hoped to get a space in the new Pugh Center, but that didn't work out. We even thought about trying to soundproof the basement of the Chapel," said Moynihan.

In the end, the club was able to secure an old PPD room next to and under the swimming pool.

"There are actually two windows in the room where you can see underwater," said Moynihan.

The room was given new lighting, electrical outlets and carpeting in order to make it more comfortable for practicing. The room has mixed blessings.

"It is possibly the worst location on campus, but the noise doesn't disturb anyone there. It is also open 24 hours a day," said Moynihan.

The club is also trying to make it easier for musicians to find other people to play with. There are already 64 members with various musical interests.

"We posted a database in the Student Center with people's names and instruments," said Moynihan.

Moynihan stressed that the club in not only for rock musicians and is open to all musicians.

"There is a misconception that we are the rock band club but we have jazz groups and others styles as well," he said.

The Musicians Alliance is also working on other future ideas. "We'd like to do more things like Foss Arts and to maybe purchase a P.A.," said Moynihan.

Colby is already reaping the benefits of the organization. Campus bands are becoming more popular and are playing at local bars and off-campus houses as well as at the Spa and dorm parties. Live student bands bring a change of pace to any party, and the Musicians Alliance hopes to be around to support bands on campus for years to come.

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