Student brings community together through use of a musical instrument (Courtesy of Kenji Nagayoshi, Photo Editor).
As an early autumn sky fades into the epitome of a picturesque Geneseo sunset, the mystifying tune of a flute drifts through the wind. What could be a whimsical folktale of a graduate’s past is really just music education major freshman Anthony Pirrone making his musical debut on campus.
Within his first month at Geneseo, Pirrone has established a reputation for himself on campus as "flute guy" through consistent flute performances at the campus gazebo. Pirrone typically performs three or four times a week around 6 p.m., playing as if to musically accompany the setting sun.
Pirrone began these spontaneous performances out of the same root of most students' behaviors as of late: a lack of anything else to do.
"It's just something I do when I'm bored, and it's cool because I get to meet new people," Pirrone said.
In fact, these small concerts have created some buzz around campus. Developing somewhat of a following, Pirrone's performances typically attract dozens of wandering students and staff members. True to his major of music education, Pirrone teaches his audience members about the flute he plays: a handmade Native American style pentatonic flute, in the key of F.
"As of recently, I've found out that more people know what a Native American flute is now," Pirrone said. "I think some people want to buy one, and I just think that's pretty cool."
As if playing a wooden flute at sunset was not mystical enough, Pirrone has recently taken to playing in random trees and accessible ledges of various buildings; basically, "anywhere [he] can climb into without getting in trouble."
Pirrone's standard performance spot of the gazebo may soon be the location of his other gigs. A lover of making music, Pirrone is knowledgeable in the viola, violin, piano and standard flute, and may soon bring some of his other musical talents to the eyes and ears of Geneseo's campus.
"Once I get good enough at it, I might go over there with my viola occasionally," Pirrone said.
Regardless of what he plays, Pirrone demonstrates his musical talents and capabilities and plans to continue to play and entertain the general Geneseo public.