Muhlenberg College is tuning up for an exciting new venture this year with the introduction of The Music Box, a student-led organization dedicated to celebrating and integrating music into everyday campus life. Founded by Megan Hansen ‘26, Amy Swartz ‘26 and Zoe Chasinoff ‘26, The Music Box aims to create a dynamic space for music lovers of all kinds.
The Music Box is a special interest housing for any and all musicians and lovers of music, no matter their instrument, level of knowledge or major. Chasinoff explains, “We wanted to create a space for people to share in music they love, whether that be through low stakes jam sessions or open mics or talking about their favorite album. The three of us came up with this idea last semester as we talked about our different experiences as musicians on this campus. I am a music major, and my place as a musician at Muhlenberg is pretty predetermined, but there are ways in which the events we have planned will broaden that predetermined role. Amy and Megan are not music majors, and have so much love and passion for music with no place on campus that feels like home to express that love. So, we created one!”
“Music is everywhere, and so are we” – Megan Hansen ’26
Swartz adds, “We want to cater our space towards everyone, especially people who love music, but don’t feel like the atmosphere of music that Muhlenberg already has is right for them. This idea stemmed from my experience with music, and transitioning from high school to college. From the time I was in elementary school up until I graduated high school, I was involved in concert band, jazz band, marching band, various choirs and the orchestra but knew I didn’t want to pursue music professionally. I tried out a few different spaces for musicians on campus, but none felt quite right for me. So, I wanted to help create something for people like me, who have a love and appreciation for music but don’t have an outlet to express where they can express this interest. Or, we can be a space for students who are more heavily involved with more structured music groups on campus but also want a musical outlet that is centered around just community and a mutual appreciation– not performances, auditions or evaluative events.”
Despite not majoring in music, Hansen’s love for the art is evident. She plays the guitar, writes poetry, sings and participates in musical theater, having grown up immersed in a variety of music thanks to her dad. For her, music is an integral part of her identity, even though it doesn’t dominate her academic or extracurricular life. She acknowledges that in the hustle and bustle of student life, it’s easy to lose sight of personal passions. However, being involved in The Music Box has helped her stay connected to music, encouraging her to pick up her guitar daily, enjoy music on walks and even compose new pieces.
This year marks the debut of The Music Box as part of Muhlenberg’s interest housing. “We’re located in South Hall but will also host events in various public spaces around campus,” Hansen notes. “We hope to grow and expand throughout the year.”
The Music Box is unique because it brings together diverse musical interests and backgrounds. “Zoe is a music major, I do theater and Amy doesn’t major in the arts at all. We all bring something different to the table and I think that’s really nice,” says Hansen. “We formed this organization because we all love music and practice it to varying degrees, but wanted to find something that intersects all of our needs within that.” Chasinoff expresses, “To me, The Music Box is so special because it provides a truly unique space. No matter what your musical interest or background, you are welcome at The Music Box!”
“To me, The Music Box is so special because it provides a truly unique space. No matter what your musical interest or background, you are welcome at The Music Box!”
This organization is also a reminder for students to always practice what they love. While The Music Box is specific to music, Hansen explains that the message translates over to any hobby or habit you may have. “You should always make time in your week for hobbies and simple pleasures like that no matter how busy your life gets. I have grown so much creatively in just the short time I have been involved in The Music Box, but I have also been more fulfilled and mentally grounded with my day to day because I am making time to do something I love that is outside my realm of responsibilities.”
The Music Box has a variety of exciting events planned for the upcoming semester. Students can look forward to record swaps, jam sessions, instrument and writing workshops and new artist exchanges. There will also be collaborative events such as a CPR seminar with EMS House and a plant experiment with the Tree House, the Pride House and other Themed Residential and Affinity Communities. Details about these events will be released soon.
As The Music Box starts its journey at Muhlenberg, it invites all students to join in the celebration of music and creativity. “We really want to emphasize that this is a place for ANYONE and EVERYONE that loves music! We want to be a place where music can be noncompetitive and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of other campus involvement, majors, prior experience, plans after graduation– anything! We just want to create an environment where everyone can feel comfortable expressing themselves through music,” says Swartz. The Music Box embodies the idea that music—and personal passions in general—should always have a place in our busy lives. “Music is everywhere, and so are we,” Hansen concludes. With a diverse range of activities and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s set to become a vibrant part of campus life. Keep an eye out for upcoming events,and find your rhythm with the Music Box this year.
