By Emily Duncan, Staff Writer
Duke Anderson doesn’t need an iPod to help keep his steps on rhythm as he hurries to class. The music theater senior already has music in his walk.
The surrounding sounds that fill the air are what keep this singer’s internal soundtrack going.
The clock tower on the Quad Lawn lets out a chime and like a reflex Anderson fearlessly sings out harmony to its pitch. But this isn’t out of the ordinary for Anderson.
To him, these sounds are reminiscent of life and what helps get him through the day. Not acknowledging these sounds would be wasteful, Anderson said.
“Most people get annoyed by the clock tower, but I love it,” he said. “I just feel like if you have this song, or something to sing why keep it in.”
This perspective on life is the way Anderson has always viewed things.
“I’m an extroverted person and my perception of things is unique,” he said. “I don’t see things the way a lot of people see things because I try to find the good in a lot of situations.”
Piano and choir were instilled in Anderson from an early age, and are how he identifies himself.
“Music is always something that has been a part of my life and something that I have always felt comfortable in,” he said. “It’s like this overwhelming feeling of security I have when I sing or perform.”
This musicality that Anderson talks about is deeply rooted within his soul.
“I don’t think I could do anything else but sing,” Anderson said. “It’s a part of who I am.”
Dr. Herendeen, interim director of opera/ music theater, is aware of this passion Anderson illuminates to others on campus.
“Duke is an actor and musician with a great many skill sets and these things can’t be separated from him,” he said. “His musicality isn’t something he puts on like a pair of clothing. It is part of his self.”
Anderson said he not only sings for himself, but for the people passing by him he hopes that it brightens their day.
“Singing is my way of giving myself to others,” he said. “And if you decide not to take it then that’s ok, but there’s always someone else who is going to come along and enjoy it.”
Leave a Reply