PULLMAN — It was like Christmas in spring at the School of Music and Theatre Arts at Washington State University as box after box of high-tech electronic equipment was unloaded at Kimbrough Music Building on Pullman’s campus.
“This gift by the Roland Corporation U.S. is tremendous and will have a significant impact in many areas, including jazz studies, performing ensembles, the recording studio and music library,” said Gerald Berthiaume, director of SMTA.
“The effect that this gift will have was evidenced in the excitement of the faculty and students who were present for the delivery of the equipment,” said Joshua Knudson, senior director of development and alumni relations for the College of Liberal Arts.
The donation inventory list included everything from digital recorders to digital drum sets and totaled tens of thousands of dollars.
The gift was delivered in March, and was arranged by Mark Malbon, a 1977 WSU graduate with degrees in business administration and accounting. Malbon serves as executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Roland Corporation U.S., a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of electronic musical instruments.
“I am delighted to help facilitate a partnership between Roland and the WSU School of Music,” said Malbon. “WSU gave so much to me as a student, and it was my desire to give something back.”
One of Roland’s goals is to inspire the enjoyment of creativity. “I’m pleased that this donation of Roland musical products will help current and future students expand their creative abilities at the WSU School of Music,” Roland said.
“This is a fantastic teaching tool!” said Dave Jarvis, associate professor of music and coordinator of percussion studies. “The V-Drum system provides many pattern styles of drumming which my students can play along to. The multiple drum kits that are installed help students understand drum tuning and sound environment. For example, students can get a feel for what it’s like to play a jazz drum set in an arena or stadium.”
Knudson said, “Corporations like Roland can have a huge impact on faculty effectiveness and student experience through the contribution of their technologies, products and patents.” “In this case, Roland Corporation significantly upgraded the quality of equipment used in the music school needed by both faculty and students.This gift will transform the experience of students studying jazz, percussion, composition, as well as many other disciplines in the school.”
Berthiaume said, “A gift of this magnitude, with state-of-the-art sound equipment, instruments and recording devices, raises the quality of performances and recordings immediately.” “Faculty, students and staff are very excited about this gift and most grateful to the Roland Corporation.”
