A more than 100-year-old cello, valued at about $10,000, was stolen from Glidden Hall last Wednesday - sparking outrage among musicians at Ohio University.
Colin Lambert, an OU senior studying cello performance, discovered his instrument missing from his locker at about 6 p.m. Wednesday and reported the incident to the Ohio University Police Department. The theft occurred three days before Lambert was scheduled to play a recital and a week before an orchestra concert.
The combination locks for eight lockers were broken off when he arrived at Glidden, Lambert said, but his cello was the only item missing - other instruments, backpacks and wallets were not touched.
Whoever took my cello had to take my bookbag out
take my cello and then put my bookbag right back in there Lambert said.
Lambert had his cello for about 10 years. Although its specific origin was not known, a sticker on the instrument's body documented a repair that took place in 1880.
For music students and professional musicians, a quality instrument costs anywhere from $1,000 to five-digit prices, said Steven Huang, an assistant professor and orchestra director.
These instruments are not only property but an investment Huang said. A string instrument's value usually increases with age.
However, for a musician, the loss goes much deeper.
I've had this cello for so long; it's like an extension of me
Lambert said. On a more practical level
this is what I'm studying to make a living with. I'm pretty much screwed without it.
Huang has given Lambert the use of his personal cello for the time being.
For Colin
and any musician
this is a very devastating thing. It's their livelihood. They lose their instrument
and they can't replace it
Huang said. That might mean the end of their career.
Lambert said the support he has received has been overwhelming. Several students offered Lambert the use of their instruments. Within several hours of the theft, the news had spread far beyond Athens. Students and professors have notified instrument stores and pawnshops throughout the country about the theft so that instrument sales could be monitored.
Huang said this is the only instrument robbery he remembers in the past three or four years. Specific instances of past instrument theft are not readily available
OUPD Chief Andrew Powers said.
The incident revived past conversations about the need for better security in Glidden - which Lambert described as shoddy at best.
The lockers that house the cellos are constructed from flimsy plywood and are in an isolated area of the music building, Lambert said.
Students have suggested the installation of keycard locks at the building's entrances - a security measure that would be difficult to implement, Huang said, because of the large number of community members and non-music majors who use the music building for lessons, classes and concerts.
Despite those complications, students remain adamant that a change in security needs to take place.
I think this is just a really unfortunate demonstration of how poor the security is around that building and the campus in general. I think everyone should be outraged that this person got away with it so easily
Lambert said. This is just unforgivable. It shouldn't have happened.
