8.31.10 - 9:00AM
- by
Eliot Glazer

Iowa State University Bell Tower Plays 'Bad Romance'

topic:
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In Real Life
Music

On August 27, 2010, at Iowa State University, Tin-Shi Tam, an Associate Professor of Music and Theatre -- and, more importantly, the lady who makes the music in the bell tower -- performed "Bad Romance" at the strike of noon.

It's funny for me because my only reference for bell towers is basically The Hunchback of Notre Dame, so I get a real kick out of the idea of a hunchback in a bell tower downloading "The Fame" and being so inspired to spread the word of Lady Gaga that he creeps to the top of the tower in broad daylight to let the sound of Stefani Germanotta ring throughout the land.

But, sadly (again, just for me), it's actually a highly-regarded faculty member at Iowa State who played the tune. Tin-Shi Tam often "shakes things up" on Fridays and was inspired after Brad Riley, a Journalism and Mass Communications major started a Facebook group urging members to request Tam play the song. And it worked.

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9.01.10

By David Houvenagle

Highest Rank

I could tell that I am getting old because I didn't exactly get the music, but it was nice to see the old Central Campus and Beardshear hall and whatever the heck the name of the college of Agriculture building. But most of all the old Campanile. That was a cool memory of good old Iowa State.

9.01.10

By haellis49

Highest Rank

As a 1976 graduate it was nice to see the Campus and The Campanile still working its magic. I would have chosen a less complex piece to play but it is what this generation recognizes and once again ISU is still thinking outside the box

Go Cyclones!

9.01.10

By Jane

Highest Rank

That's cool!

9.01.10

By wonderwoman47575

Neutral

I have just a bit of constructive critism. You should consider putting "...hunchback in a bell tower downloading 'The Fame Monster'" instead of The Fame considering Bad Romance is, in fact, on The Fame Monster.

9.01.10

By Waz up Marni

Neutral

Good point. I didn't notice that at first. Very good criticism.

9.01.10

By Suzy

Neutral

Very Cool, Moo U.! Would have been even better if some of the very serious looking students had busted out in song and dance.
Nobody's studying for midterms just yet - let your inhibitions fly little midwesterners!

9.01.10

By Lucy

Neutral

Anytime people can just let loose and have some fun is fine with me....life's too short to be serious all the time.

9.01.10

By Gene

Highest Rank

The Campanile was played just before 8 o'clock classes - Boo!!! It was played again just before 1 o'clocks - Yea!!! I graduated over 40 years ago and am happy to hear the bells again, no matter the music. I think we all need to lighten up a bit, and I'm proud someone at my University is doing just that!

9.01.10

By al s

Lowest Rank

here are plenty of tunes suitable for-(and complimenting)- sthe bells, but this overly-complicated music monstrosity was not one of them.

9.01.10

By dkidsmama

Highest Rank

To al s; That's what makes this so funny. It is not appropriate for the very traditional style bell tower. You have to know the song to appreciate it and that's the point; it's directed at the students because they get it. I'm not a Lady Gaga fan but even I find this very funny! Shaking things up a bit adds spice to life. I love it!

9.01.10

By carrol

Highest Rank

What better way to start class than with a bit of music...brings a smile to your face...and jump starts the day. Hope they continue.

9.01.10

By Lynne

Lowest Rank

Oh, ho!! This woman has an adgenda. She's sending a message to somebody. It ain't about artistic expression.

9.01.10

By Gregory Schwartz

Highest Rank

The church I attended as a kid was an old cathedral that had a belltower. I don't know why they played music on special occasions only. It was so beautiful to hear Christmas carols emanating from that beautiful bell tower that seemed to touch the sky. Here in Florida, we have Bok Tower located near Lake Whales in the middle of the state. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and it is uplifting to stroll around the grounds and listen to the clarion play melodic sounds. Wish there was a singing belltower in every neighborhood! - gregg in Sarasota, FL

9.01.10

By John

Neutral

They do this at SUNY Albany

9.01.10

By Mick

Lowest Rank

an Associate Professor of Music playing Lady Gaga? it is sad what people consider "artistic expression" these days.

9.02.10

By Ken ISU campanile alum

Neutral

...and get off my lawn, kids!

I didn't recognize the song. I could barely pick out the tune. But this iss a terrific use for the bells.

9.01.10

By mom

Highest Rank

At Cornell University, you can actually go to the top of the belltower and request a song. It's one of the things on the Cornell
"things to do before you graduate" list.

9.01.10

By Lynne in California

Highest Rank

As a 1971 graduate of ISU, the music from the Campanile brought back cherished memories of my college days at this great university. Kuddos to Professor Tam for taking on the Facebook challenge to play a Lady Gaga tune. I recall a sorority sister, who was proposed to "under the Campanile." One of many, I'm sure at this traditional campus.

9.02.10

By Lee

Highest Rank

Wonderful! Much older today but still remember the campanile and of course, the music. Don't like indulging in sloppy bourgeois sentimentalism, but scenes of Iowa State still brings warm feelings to my heart, though I'm now at the other side of the Pacific.