CSI Commencement
 "Harmony" - Michael F. Shugrue

29 May 2008

Congratulations, Winners!

Music not only expresses or symbolizes a transcendent moment, but it enacts one as the music unfolds.  And by the same token, listeners drawn into the musical process do more than contemplate a symbol of transcendence; they participate in its enactment.

All music is grounded in a balance between the physical nature of sounds and the work of the mind upon sounds.

I invite you to listen to six harmonies alive on the meadow today, six harmonies that together form a great and coherent melody at commencement.

The first and most audible is the vibrant string section of more than 2,000 CSI students who are today receiving their degrees.

A second is the wind section of parents, spouses, partners, children, and friends who express their joy as these graduates rise from their college experience.

A bass and bassoon rumble of satisfaction rise from administrators and counselors who have made the college experience a fine one and have burnished the quality and reputation of our dynamic institution and of all of CUNY.

Another, perhaps most joyous and melodic, is the mighty cello section of the faculty, who have inspired and conducted your education, sounded the standards for achievement and excellence, and send you forth with praise and encouragement.

A fifth harmony comes from the chorus of the Staten Island community, who look with pride and gratitude on all you bring to the Island.

Finally, there is my piccolo-like harmony, which encourages you to bring the cultural resources of New York and of the world to CSI. The New York Philharmonic Ensemble, for example, will be here on October 20th.

These harmonies rise on our meadow and make a joyous melody of pride and satisfaction, a melody worth singing and worth remembering.

Thank you.