The Review

Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Editorial

Ever since my freshman year, I could not wait to move to the University Courtyards. I will never forget the first party I attended in one of the Courtyard apartments. I could not get over the fact each spacious unit was equipped with four bedrooms, four bathrooms and balconies. It seemed like a deal I could not resist.

Junior year rolled around and my chance finally came to move in to what I thought would be my dream apartment. No more cramped residence halls, bad food or sharing a bathroom with 20 other girls.

Well now I have it all, even background music each and every time I am in my apartment.

No, I am not talking about loud neighbors blasting awful CDs. What I am referring to is the Newark High School Marching Band and Color Guard, who seem to be practicing almost every point of the day. I wake up to it, I hear it in the afternoon and if I am lucky enough maybe I will catch them performing during a night game at the football field my room overlooks. Do not get me wrong, they sound great, but a girl can only listen to the same staple marching band beats so many times in a day.

Imagine construction work being done constantly for months at a time right outside your window, or a dog barking nearby. The band is a more pleasant sounding version of these annoyances. When practicing, their instruments boom throughout the complex. Then the Color Guard comes out, loud instructor and all, yelling out the counts to its dance on a ladder through a microphone. I understand a marching band has to look great and practice, but I think they should save it for the games - not for me to see and hear all week long.

The fact of the matter is Newark High School was there long before Courtyards. Technically they have the right to do whatever they want. So where does the responsibility lie?

I believe if an apartment complex landlord is going to charge such high rent, which has proven to be on a steady incline each year, he or she should consider such inconveniences to his or her tenants. I would never want the performance of the Newark High School band to suffer, nor would I ever expect it to. However I do not feel I should have to relocate in order to write a paper or read for class.

I am not suggesting the band scratch their routine - simply for it to be re-located. Newark High School has a gym, I am sure would be fitting for this type of a rehearsal. Instead, the performers chose to hone their skills next to the parking lot. Why?

Continued...

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