We do use music in some of our gallery spaces but it's always related to the theme or subject matter of the exhibits. Like Dawn described, ours is also turned down or turned off when events or programs are taking place in those spaces. Music and other ambient sound can be effective in adding "life" to the museum, but we feel it should tie in to the topic being interpreted. Cristin J. Waterbury Curator National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium A Property of the Dubuque County Historical Society 350 East 3rd Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001 Ph: 563-557-9545, ext 204 Fax: 563-583-1241 Email: [log in to unmask] www.rivermuseum.com From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Lisa Chastain Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2012 11:47 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Music in exhibits Concerning the music in exhibits, our director has decided its just too quiet and wants to bring some 'life' inside. Lisa Curator From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Scher Thomae, Dawn Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2012 12:24 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Music in exhibits The Milwaukee Public Museum has had associated music in its African, Latin American, North American Indian, Pacific and Asian galleries since about 1964. If it's not too loud, our surveys have found that people enjoy it and some actually dance to the music, hum or tap their feet while in the galleries. If tours are given in the area where music will be playing, however, there should be an easy system for it to be turned on, off or placed at low volume. If, however, the music has nothing to do with the exhibit, not sure what the point is since music is usually placed in exhibits to create a mood. Is this the director's reasoning for adding music or is he concerned that its too quiet in the museum? Dawn Scher Thomae Milwaukee Public Museum From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Lisa Chastain Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2012 10:31 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Music in exhibits Listers, My director has put to me a request for 'regional music' in all of our exhibits. Now, as I curator I balked at the idea of breaking themes of my galleries with random music that has nothing to do with the exhibit ie. A military exhibit or a doctors exhibit. I was wondering of your opinions concerning music in galleries/exhibits, do you have music, have you rejected the idea and why? Any opinions would be helpful! Thank you! Lisa Curator of Collections and Exhibits _____ To unsubscribe from the MUSEUM-L list, click the following link: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L <http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L&A=1> &A=1 _____ To unsubscribe from the MUSEUM-L list, click the following link: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L <http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L&A=1> &A=1 _____ To unsubscribe from the MUSEUM-L list, click the following link: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L <http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L&A=1> &A=1 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).