To the Editor:

I am writing this letter to ask of the president of St. Lawrence University some consideration for the community of which his institution is a part.

One of the university’s mission statements includes being part of the community, and teaching its students to respect and be a part of the community of Canton.

On the evening of Oct. 8, however, this mission statement seems to have gone awry; one might even say it has been ignored.

There was a concert held on the quad that was so loud, it shook the windows of my house across town, almost 1 mile away.

I cannot imagine how loud it must have been closer to campus. (Is there any reason it has to be THAT loud, really?)

A college having 2 field houses on campus should have no trouble at all hosting a concert in one of them.

I am a musician and a music teacher. I know very well the benefits of music and the arts, and have a passionate love for music.

However, this was so loud that both my wife and I wanted to leave our house and go elsewhere on a night that we had been looking forward to spending together at home, quietly (a rarity for us).

Mr. President, I know that you value the community, and that you want St. Lawrence University to be a welcome and valued part of the community of Canton.

In the best interest of your college and in keeping with that vision, I would respectfully ask on behalf of the town residents of Canton that you host future events that are similar to this one in one of your field houses.

I ask that you consider the community and those of us who may not want to listen to your annual fall concert.

Glenn Roberts

Canton