Use of Mayo Clinic Pianos in Mayo Clinic Spaces
Mayo Clinic policy silences Gonda Singers Post-Bulletin-Mar 18, 2016 The Gonda Singers perform in this October 2014 file photo. ... twice a week in the Landow Atrium of the Gonda Building for many years. shift in Mayo Clinic music policy soon will end the popular twice-weekly performances of the Gonda Singers.
... still plan to perform through the end of March. After that, however, they most likely will go silent.
Answer Man: Play us a quiet, short song, Piano Man Post-Bulletin-Mar 15, 2016 Singing and piano playing will be limited to 30 minutes. ... how the pianos are used in the Landow Atrium at Gonda and other public areas. I've seen a copy of a newly minted document by Mayo's Building Committee, authored ...
Gonda Building piano not going silent
March 22, 2016 • RST
Reports of the Gonda Building piano's demise have been greatly exaggerated.
News reports late in the week of March 14 in Rochester suggested that Mayo was taking action to silence the piano in the Landow Atrium of the Gonda Building and, in particular, a vocal group known as the Gonda Singers that has held regular performances in that space for several years.
In reality, Mayo has had a policy for many years against self-scheduled performances in the Landow Atrium. In recent months, Mayo has been in discussions internally and with performers to clarify the policy and resolve issues related to timing, noise and congestion arising from self-scheduled musical performances in the Gonda Building. A new standard addressing those issues will go into effect in April.
The Bosendorfer piano that graces the Landow Atrium was a gift from a grateful patient and is intended for spontaneous use — not as a scheduled performance venue. The piano's availability for use by patients, visitors and employees for such purposes will continue unchanged.
"Mayo Clinic continues to embrace the gift of music and the many benefits that music provides," says Jonathan Torrens-Burton, Administrative Services, who is chair of the Rochester Building Subcommittee. "These performances bring great joy to our patients and staff, and are balanced with ensuring the noise level and size of the group does not compromise patient care and staff activities in adjacent spaces."
Over time, Mayo has experienced challenges with noise levels, patient and visitor safety, navigation, and interference with adjacent videoconferences, business and patient functions. As the popularity and the publicizing of group musical performances in the Gonda Building have grown over the years, so have issues related to noise and congestion in the atrium and surrounding spaces. In some instances, performances have interfered with employee interactions with patients, and alternative venues have been offered.
The new standard was developed to more formally define the intended use of the space and mitigate these issues.
Mayo works with a variety of performance groups that share their gift of music across the campus. The institution works with these groups to find venues and performance times that ensure that performances are in the best interests of all patients, visitors and employees.
Mayo hopes to work with the Gonda Singers to identify ways to accommodate their performances within the new standard. This might include performances later in the day, when congestion would not be a significant issue, or noon-hour performances in other spaces.
"We applaud the many gifts the Gonda Singers have brought out our patients and staff over many years," Torrens-Burton says. "We are hopeful we can find a creative solution and keep the music at Mayo Clinic."
Overview: Mayo Clinic has provided pianos in several locations (Mathews Grand Lobby, Landow
Atrium, Lips Atrium, Hage Atrium, and Francis Tower Lobby), primarily for patient/visitor use.
On occasion, these spaces have been used as unauthorized performance venues and caused disruption to
adjacent Mayo Clinic business and patient functions. The Atrium spaces are relatively small with hard
surfaces allowing the sound to carry. Several unintended negative consequences have resulted:
Music has become loud and distracting, especially for adjacent business and patient functions
Crowds have gathered causing circulation and safety problems
Noise vibrations have interfered with videoconferences in Geffen Auditorium
This standard does not apply to performances that are part of Mayo-sponsored pre-approved events (for
example: Humanities in Medicine performances, Veterans’ Day program). These events will be exempt
from the new policy and music on a larger scale will be fully supported.
Purpose: The purpose of this standard is to define how the Mayo Clinic pianos are to be used in order to
create a positive patient, visitor and employee experience while minimizing the unintended negative
effects. The objective is to communicate with audiences, modify behaviors so the pianos can remain a
part of the Mayo Clinic culture.
Standard: Patients, visitors and employees may play the pianos for relaxation and the enjoyment of
themselves and others. The use of all Mayo Clinic pianos shall adhere to these guidelines:
Music is important; however the pianos are an amenity, not a requirement of care. Mayo Clinic
reserves the right to restrict piano use at any time based on patient/business needs or feedback.
The pianos are for individual, “drop-by” use of 30 minutes or less.
Mayo Clinic spaces are not performance venues. Exceptions will be made only for Mayosponsored,
pre-approved events.
Safety and patient traffic circulation must be maintained.
Because pianos are often adjacent to Mayo Clinic patient functions and because the volumes can
be distracting when a patient is interacting with an employee regarding their needs, other musical
instruments and vocal performances are not permitted.
Due to the adjacency to patient functions, music should be soothing, soft, and appropriate for the
environment.
To assist with reducing sound levels, the piano lid will remain closed while playing.
Author: Facilities Project Services
Approved by: Building Committee
Review Date: 2016
Mayo Clinic policy silences Gonda Singers Post-Bulletin-Mar 18, 2016 The Gonda Singers perform in this October 2014 file photo. ... twice a week in the Landow Atrium of the Gonda Building for many years. shift in Mayo Clinic music policy soon will end the popular twice-weekly performances of the Gonda Singers.
A group organized by Rochester pianist Jane Belau, the Gonda Singers have performed informal concerts twice a week in the Landow Atrium of the Gonda Building for many years.
Now, citing concerns about employee and patient comfort, as well as safety, Mayo Clinic has decided to not allow the Gonda piano or any other to be used "as a scheduled performance venue."
cited the "noise levels" and large crowds attracted by the singing as the major problems.
n April 1, people still will be allowed to play impromptu performances, but they are asked to try to limit them to 30 minutes. However, accompanying a pianist is discouraged.... "We would rather people would not sing.
comments:
Arthur Hu · Columnist at AsianWeek
As the violin player who has had the honor of playing with Jane and solo guitar guy, this will be greatly missed. The singing was one of the first things that stood out when we moved to Rochester for a new job at Mayo and while some airports and public markets have progams in place to encourage public music, Mayo has by far the most appreciative and grateful audiences, and I've never been to another medical clinic with anything comparable -- it is a big competitive advantage over other "destination" clinics. Perhaps they should add another piano to the cafeteria dome, there is more seating and sound does not travel to other business spaces, an upright grand will fit fine there. The atrium where they do the monday concerts also has more seating and does not cause a traffic jam, perhaps they should move there. Jane is a gift, she recently had a stroke, there should be a foundation that raises money to support what she is doing.
Like · Reply · Just now
Brenda Stowe · North Dakota State University
I am saddeden by the comment that they prefer no one sing. Singing is beautiful, relaxing, takes your mind off troubles, a stress reducer. It is therapeutic, medicinal.
I do understand why they cannot have "groups" planning performances because I heard they had groups from churches/schools, etc. just arriving to perform, and the area acoustics wasn't intended for a performing arts. I heard a music teacher showed had students/families show up to have a recital, etc. Registration & Pharmacy complained if instruments played; thus, we need to be respectful of the problems "groups" caused. Ja...See More
Like · Reply · 17 hrs
BarbJerome Schacherer · ILCC and Buena Vista University
Truly sad and such a mistake! It brought a good crowd? That means it helped many people!!!!
Like · Reply · 1 · 21 hrs
Mark Bauman
What a sad day for Mayo Clinic patients, staff and visitors April 1, 2016 will be when the music dies. At first, when reading the article, I thought that this must be an elaborate April Fool's joke. However, after reading thru the article and comments I realized that it is for real. Immediately I thought of lyrics from a song by Don McLean called American Pie, which seemed appropriate for this situation and I will paraphrase here:
Can music save your mortal soul?
I can still remember how
That Gonda music used to make me smile
And I knew if I had my chance
That I could make those sick p...See More
Like · Reply · 3 · 22 hrs
Bonnie Nemoede Denzer · Utica, Minnesota
Where are the rest of the posts to this artilcle, including mine from Saturday? If comments have been disabled by the PB, say so.
Like · Reply · 1 · Mar 22, 2016 9:54pm
Kay Kagada · Caracas, Venezuela
Well, its not called the Gonda Singer Clinic, is it?
Like · Reply · Mar 22, 2016 4:08pm
Elise Ostwald Vaske
April 1 will be a very sad day in the great & storied history of Mayo. I have spent many a day with my parents at Mayo & we always loved hearing both the solo piano music & the singing! My father loved sitting in the atrium just listening. It made him happy! Please reconsider your decision. It doesn't sound like it's in the best interest of the majority!
Like · Reply · 3 · Mar 22, 2016 3:40pm
Mary Sjoblom Hersom · Oskaloosa, Iowa
This "ministry" was so important to my parents while receiving treatments at Mayo. It saddens me they are doing away with this ministry as it touched so many and meant so much to so many... thus is why they had large crowds!!!!!!!!!!!!! I pray they will reconsider this decision!!!!!!!!!
Like · Reply · 4 · Mar 21, 2016 8:01pm
Gary Halling
Oh please, please don't pray. You might offend someone.
Like · Reply · 18 hrs
Andreas Erben
Is anybody at Mayo reading this and understanding the public sentiment about this? Who complained (not as a person - but as a demographic)?
I understand there are some patient demographics that do not like music - any numbers? 1%, 0.1%? Or are those who complained of strong economic power?
But it is easy to avoid listening if you don't like it.
And "unwieldly"? Seriously?
Like · Reply · 4 · Mar 21, 2016 11:17am · Edited
Karen Sabin
Seems like Mayo is stepping on a lot of toes lately. Not just at their Rochester facility, but several others as well...
Like · Reply · 5 · Mar 21, 2016 7:53am
Julie Farmakes George · College of St. Francis
Just another reason I am glad I no longer work for "Mother Mayo", the dictator.
Like · Reply · 3 · Mar 20, 2016 7:56pm
Constance Burnett Smith
Mayo controls all of Rochester, and it is truely a shame.
Like · Reply · 2 · Mar 23, 2016 10:05am
Pat Arnold
What a shame,the only thing I looked forward to while at the clinic.
Like · Reply · 6 · Mar 20, 2016 4:37pm
Debby Pauly Heins · Works at Retired
Pauly says - Two things: First, Mr. Torrens-Burton seems to want to have it both ways. He says Mayo encourages these spontaneous performances but wants them to stop. The performances are to stop but he offers that they could have the performances at a different time (scheduled) or in a different part of the complex. And in the last paragraph, he says that they would rather that people not sing but if one person "spontaneously" sang they wouldn't stop it. What if two people spontaneously sang? It seems the Mayo Clinic has forgotten that it is about healing. Second, I don't want to seem cynical, but I'll wager if Mayo could figure a way to make money off these performances they would be just fine with them. I firmly believe the Mayo Clinic has lost its vision and way.
Like · Reply · 15 · Mar 20, 2016 9:54am
Susan Myers Goettsch · Rochester, Minnesota
Secular choices by this group would have been more appropriate.
Like · Reply · Mar 20, 2016 9:45am
Gary Halling
What would be "appropriate" would be to keep liberal political ideology out of it.
Like · Reply · 22 hrs
John Thompson
I love music, especially good tear jerking music. However, being "moved to tears" may be the last thing people need in that place. But this clearly isn't about music. The word used (by friends or allies of the Gondo singers) is "ministry". I deeply resent it when somebody tries to minister unto me. This revolving performance is a ministry, and it should be treated as such. Would everybody be so shocked and saddened by a gymnastic performance no longer be allowed to take place? How about a performance of mimes with their creepy sad faces? Not so protective anymore are you? Music is highly intrusive, both auditorily and emotionally. Keep it to yourself - especially in a hospital setting.
Like · Reply · 1 · Mar 20, 2016 8:40am
Andreas Erben
Maybe I am missing something - but were the songs all church/faith type songs?
Like · Reply · 22 hrs
Donna Bublitz Marreel · Retired Nurse at Mitchell County Home Health & Public Health
What ever happened to majority rules??? Very sad to see the musicians have to stop because of a few complaints.
Like · Reply · 6 · Mar 19, 2016 9:40pm
Steve Finley · Shamrock High School
Majority rules? You must be thinking of decades ago, unfortunately...
Like · Reply · 3 · Mar 20, 2016 1:19am
Bennie Allen
The music in public places at Mayo is part of what made Mayo unique - the fusion of art, music, and state-of-the-art medicine to promote healing. Something is terribly wrong with this decision.
Like · Reply · 13 · Mar 19, 2016 9:28pm
Robin Alcala Saner · The University of Chicago
The statement is that some patients may be bothered by the music--is this a patient issue or an employee/business issue? During those times when I have had to visit the clinic weekly, it was always more uplifting to hear music than see an empty piano.
Like · Reply · 5 · Mar 19, 2016 8:56pm
Joe Rivard
In a quest to become tolerant of almost anything as a society we are slowly becoming intolerant of everything. The music in Gonda is one of the most notable things any patient or visitor will have a chance to experience, this is depressing news for the clinic.
Like · Reply · 19 · Mar 19, 2016 6:50pm
Steve Finley · Shamrock High School
Please run for the presidency on the strength of your first sentence alone.
Like · Reply · 5 · Mar 20, 2016 1:19am
Cynthia Schanno · Works at JC Av
Bad move Mayo. Have you not heard of Mucis Therapy? It's the last thing.
Like · Reply · 7 · Mar 19, 2016 6:27pm · Edited
Kay Kagada · Caracas, Venezuela
Some people don't enjoy music therapy.
Perhaps there are some people who work every day at the Gonda building who are quite tired of hearing the "self appointed" music ambassadors taking over private property and foisting their musical assault upon them twice a week?
Like · Reply · Mar 22, 2016 4:11pm
Ann Wazelle
So sorry this music ministry is ending because of a few disgruntled folks. To the author of the article, "when FEWER patients and employees are around" not "when LESS patients and employees are around."
Like · Reply · 2 · Mar 19, 2016 5:27pm
Janet Fedson Christiansen · Registered Nurse at Mayo Clinic
This is the message that was with a video that was shared by Jennifer Dukes Lee on February 26 and has been seen by over 79,900 people. "sometimes, you find happiness in places you never thought to look. That's how it happened for a whole lot of us today, in a lobby at Mayo Clinic. Here we were -- a bunch of patients and daughters and moms and grandpas and nurses and therapists -- all shuffling from place to place. A lot of us were lugging our heartache and our worry with us -- chins sort of pinned to our chests, eyes to the ground.
But then, up rose a song. When none of us could sing, someon...See More
Like · Reply · 18 · Mar 19, 2016 4:23pm
Jack Lester · Zumbrota - Mazeppa Senior High School
Terrible decision. Absolutely terrible. Very disappointed in the Mayo Clinic with this decision!!
Like · Reply · 7 · Mar 19, 2016 1:14pm
Carrie Pompeii · Promoter at Le-Vel
WOW. I have to say that this decision is very disappointing. To go through the clinic and listen to the music is nothing short of beauty and love at its finest. Sometimes it moves people to tears. To watch people stop, smile, and sing along to the music is the very thing that connects strangers to one another. Music is so powerful. I understand it may be difficult for people to work who are in close proximity to the area, however, what a great "problem" to work together and solve. Silencing people as they deliver music and connect to one another is NOT a solution, but a LOSS. Music and connection is part of HEALING. giving hope and happiness. PLEASE MAYO, reconsider your position and come together and create solutions.
Like · Reply · 14 · Mar 19, 2016 12:51pm
Bob Tapolow · Volunteer at Mayo Clinic
As a volunteer @the elevators at Mayo and Gonda,Janes playing Allways brightened the faces of visitors!
Like · Reply · 11 · Mar 19, 2016 12:01pm
Denise Abrath Davidson · Education Program Coordinator at Mayo Clinic
Very, very disappointing. Patients' faces light up to hear the music, and many join in. There are many other areas where patients can relax if they don't want to hear the music. What happened to "music is healing"?
Like · Reply · 8 · Mar 19, 2016 11:21am
Jerold Van Hooser · Works at Hy-Vee
It's sad but thats what Mayo is becoming sad to see the changes just for a few .
Like · Reply · 8 · Mar 19, 2016 10:49am
Gregory Vandemark · RCTC
Don't want to offend a minority
Like · Reply · 6 · Mar 19, 2016 10:18am
Kay Kagada · Caracas, Venezuela
Perhaps they don't want to offend a majority?
Like · Reply · Mar 22, 2016 4:13pm
John Hines
So then what they're really saying is that they don't want real music, and that the piano is there for unsupervised children to pound upon or, at best, the random passerby to try his or her hand at the latest variation of "Heart and Soul" or "Chopstix."
Like · Reply · 8 · Mar 19, 2016 10:06am
Rita Howe · Volunteer at Good Earth Village
Right. How is this any different from listening to elevator music or music while on hold with a call??
Like · Reply · 5 · Mar 19, 2016 3:32pm
Kay Kagada · Caracas, Venezuela
@John Hines: Never been to the Gonda building, huh?
Like · Reply · Mar 22, 2016 4:12pm
Cathie Hedrick Armstrong · Author of "The Edge of Nowhere" at Self-Employed
So incredibly disappointing and completely ridiculous! I have no words except complete irritation and disgust at this decision. We have MANY times hosted patients from out of town, and the one positive in their visits is oftentimes the music in Gonda. You ask them about their day and the first thing they mention is the music in the Gonda building and how it brightened the tedium. My own mother - an annual month-long visitor for appointments - looked forward to Tuesdays, in particular, because she knew Jane would be playing.
So disappointed in this decision.
Like · Reply · 14 · Mar 19, 2016 9:39am
Missy Haukom-Kostel · Paramedial Examiner at EMSI Mn
Most ridiculous thing I've heard, and mayo clinic has said and put into effect a ton of ridiculous ' policies ' so sad
Like · Reply · 13 · Mar 19, 2016 9:02am
Gary Halling
And they most likely will once again come begging the "majority" of the taxpayers to divvy up a half a billion dollars so they can buy Utah.
Like · Reply · 1 · 22 hrs
Facebook Comments Plugin
comments:
Arthur Hu · Columnist at AsianWeek
As the violin player who has had the honor of playing with Jane and solo guitar guy, this will be greatly missed. The singing was one of the first things that stood out when we moved to Rochester for a new job at Mayo and while some airports and public markets have progams in place to encourage public music, Mayo has by far the most appreciative and grateful audiences, and I've never been to another medical clinic with anything comparable -- it is a big competitive advantage over other "destination" clinics. Perhaps they should add another piano to the cafeteria dome, there is more seating and sound does not travel to other business spaces, an upright grand will fit fine there. The atrium where they do the monday concerts also has more seating and does not cause a traffic jam, perhaps they should move there. Jane is a gift, she recently had a stroke, there should be a foundation that raises money to support what she is doing.
Like · Reply · Just now
Brenda Stowe · North Dakota State University
I am saddeden by the comment that they prefer no one sing. Singing is beautiful, relaxing, takes your mind off troubles, a stress reducer. It is therapeutic, medicinal.
I do understand why they cannot have "groups" planning performances because I heard they had groups from churches/schools, etc. just arriving to perform, and the area acoustics wasn't intended for a performing arts. I heard a music teacher showed had students/families show up to have a recital, etc. Registration & Pharmacy complained if instruments played; thus, we need to be respectful of the problems "groups" caused. Ja...See More
Like · Reply · 17 hrs
BarbJerome Schacherer · ILCC and Buena Vista University
Truly sad and such a mistake! It brought a good crowd? That means it helped many people!!!!
Like · Reply · 1 · 21 hrs
Mark Bauman
What a sad day for Mayo Clinic patients, staff and visitors April 1, 2016 will be when the music dies. At first, when reading the article, I thought that this must be an elaborate April Fool's joke. However, after reading thru the article and comments I realized that it is for real. Immediately I thought of lyrics from a song by Don McLean called American Pie, which seemed appropriate for this situation and I will paraphrase here:
Can music save your mortal soul?
I can still remember how
That Gonda music used to make me smile
And I knew if I had my chance
That I could make those sick p...See More
Like · Reply · 3 · 22 hrs
Bonnie Nemoede Denzer · Utica, Minnesota
Where are the rest of the posts to this artilcle, including mine from Saturday? If comments have been disabled by the PB, say so.
Like · Reply · 1 · Mar 22, 2016 9:54pm
Kay Kagada · Caracas, Venezuela
Well, its not called the Gonda Singer Clinic, is it?
Like · Reply · Mar 22, 2016 4:08pm
Elise Ostwald Vaske
April 1 will be a very sad day in the great & storied history of Mayo. I have spent many a day with my parents at Mayo & we always loved hearing both the solo piano music & the singing! My father loved sitting in the atrium just listening. It made him happy! Please reconsider your decision. It doesn't sound like it's in the best interest of the majority!
Like · Reply · 3 · Mar 22, 2016 3:40pm
Mary Sjoblom Hersom · Oskaloosa, Iowa
This "ministry" was so important to my parents while receiving treatments at Mayo. It saddens me they are doing away with this ministry as it touched so many and meant so much to so many... thus is why they had large crowds!!!!!!!!!!!!! I pray they will reconsider this decision!!!!!!!!!
Like · Reply · 4 · Mar 21, 2016 8:01pm
Gary Halling
Oh please, please don't pray. You might offend someone.
Like · Reply · 18 hrs
Andreas Erben
Is anybody at Mayo reading this and understanding the public sentiment about this? Who complained (not as a person - but as a demographic)?
I understand there are some patient demographics that do not like music - any numbers? 1%, 0.1%? Or are those who complained of strong economic power?
But it is easy to avoid listening if you don't like it.
And "unwieldly"? Seriously?
Like · Reply · 4 · Mar 21, 2016 11:17am · Edited
Karen Sabin
Seems like Mayo is stepping on a lot of toes lately. Not just at their Rochester facility, but several others as well...
Like · Reply · 5 · Mar 21, 2016 7:53am
Julie Farmakes George · College of St. Francis
Just another reason I am glad I no longer work for "Mother Mayo", the dictator.
Like · Reply · 3 · Mar 20, 2016 7:56pm
Constance Burnett Smith
Mayo controls all of Rochester, and it is truely a shame.
Like · Reply · 2 · Mar 23, 2016 10:05am
Pat Arnold
What a shame,the only thing I looked forward to while at the clinic.
Like · Reply · 6 · Mar 20, 2016 4:37pm
Debby Pauly Heins · Works at Retired
Pauly says - Two things: First, Mr. Torrens-Burton seems to want to have it both ways. He says Mayo encourages these spontaneous performances but wants them to stop. The performances are to stop but he offers that they could have the performances at a different time (scheduled) or in a different part of the complex. And in the last paragraph, he says that they would rather that people not sing but if one person "spontaneously" sang they wouldn't stop it. What if two people spontaneously sang? It seems the Mayo Clinic has forgotten that it is about healing. Second, I don't want to seem cynical, but I'll wager if Mayo could figure a way to make money off these performances they would be just fine with them. I firmly believe the Mayo Clinic has lost its vision and way.
Like · Reply · 15 · Mar 20, 2016 9:54am
Susan Myers Goettsch · Rochester, Minnesota
Secular choices by this group would have been more appropriate.
Like · Reply · Mar 20, 2016 9:45am
Gary Halling
What would be "appropriate" would be to keep liberal political ideology out of it.
Like · Reply · 22 hrs
John Thompson
I love music, especially good tear jerking music. However, being "moved to tears" may be the last thing people need in that place. But this clearly isn't about music. The word used (by friends or allies of the Gondo singers) is "ministry". I deeply resent it when somebody tries to minister unto me. This revolving performance is a ministry, and it should be treated as such. Would everybody be so shocked and saddened by a gymnastic performance no longer be allowed to take place? How about a performance of mimes with their creepy sad faces? Not so protective anymore are you? Music is highly intrusive, both auditorily and emotionally. Keep it to yourself - especially in a hospital setting.
Like · Reply · 1 · Mar 20, 2016 8:40am
Andreas Erben
Maybe I am missing something - but were the songs all church/faith type songs?
Like · Reply · 22 hrs
Donna Bublitz Marreel · Retired Nurse at Mitchell County Home Health & Public Health
What ever happened to majority rules??? Very sad to see the musicians have to stop because of a few complaints.
Like · Reply · 6 · Mar 19, 2016 9:40pm
Steve Finley · Shamrock High School
Majority rules? You must be thinking of decades ago, unfortunately...
Like · Reply · 3 · Mar 20, 2016 1:19am
Bennie Allen
The music in public places at Mayo is part of what made Mayo unique - the fusion of art, music, and state-of-the-art medicine to promote healing. Something is terribly wrong with this decision.
Like · Reply · 13 · Mar 19, 2016 9:28pm
Robin Alcala Saner · The University of Chicago
The statement is that some patients may be bothered by the music--is this a patient issue or an employee/business issue? During those times when I have had to visit the clinic weekly, it was always more uplifting to hear music than see an empty piano.
Like · Reply · 5 · Mar 19, 2016 8:56pm
Joe Rivard
In a quest to become tolerant of almost anything as a society we are slowly becoming intolerant of everything. The music in Gonda is one of the most notable things any patient or visitor will have a chance to experience, this is depressing news for the clinic.
Like · Reply · 19 · Mar 19, 2016 6:50pm
Steve Finley · Shamrock High School
Please run for the presidency on the strength of your first sentence alone.
Like · Reply · 5 · Mar 20, 2016 1:19am
Cynthia Schanno · Works at JC Av
Bad move Mayo. Have you not heard of Mucis Therapy? It's the last thing.
Like · Reply · 7 · Mar 19, 2016 6:27pm · Edited
Kay Kagada · Caracas, Venezuela
Some people don't enjoy music therapy.
Perhaps there are some people who work every day at the Gonda building who are quite tired of hearing the "self appointed" music ambassadors taking over private property and foisting their musical assault upon them twice a week?
Like · Reply · Mar 22, 2016 4:11pm
Ann Wazelle
So sorry this music ministry is ending because of a few disgruntled folks. To the author of the article, "when FEWER patients and employees are around" not "when LESS patients and employees are around."
Like · Reply · 2 · Mar 19, 2016 5:27pm
Janet Fedson Christiansen · Registered Nurse at Mayo Clinic
This is the message that was with a video that was shared by Jennifer Dukes Lee on February 26 and has been seen by over 79,900 people. "sometimes, you find happiness in places you never thought to look. That's how it happened for a whole lot of us today, in a lobby at Mayo Clinic. Here we were -- a bunch of patients and daughters and moms and grandpas and nurses and therapists -- all shuffling from place to place. A lot of us were lugging our heartache and our worry with us -- chins sort of pinned to our chests, eyes to the ground.
But then, up rose a song. When none of us could sing, someon...See More
Like · Reply · 18 · Mar 19, 2016 4:23pm
Jack Lester · Zumbrota - Mazeppa Senior High School
Terrible decision. Absolutely terrible. Very disappointed in the Mayo Clinic with this decision!!
Like · Reply · 7 · Mar 19, 2016 1:14pm
Carrie Pompeii · Promoter at Le-Vel
WOW. I have to say that this decision is very disappointing. To go through the clinic and listen to the music is nothing short of beauty and love at its finest. Sometimes it moves people to tears. To watch people stop, smile, and sing along to the music is the very thing that connects strangers to one another. Music is so powerful. I understand it may be difficult for people to work who are in close proximity to the area, however, what a great "problem" to work together and solve. Silencing people as they deliver music and connect to one another is NOT a solution, but a LOSS. Music and connection is part of HEALING. giving hope and happiness. PLEASE MAYO, reconsider your position and come together and create solutions.
Like · Reply · 14 · Mar 19, 2016 12:51pm
Bob Tapolow · Volunteer at Mayo Clinic
As a volunteer @the elevators at Mayo and Gonda,Janes playing Allways brightened the faces of visitors!
Like · Reply · 11 · Mar 19, 2016 12:01pm
Denise Abrath Davidson · Education Program Coordinator at Mayo Clinic
Very, very disappointing. Patients' faces light up to hear the music, and many join in. There are many other areas where patients can relax if they don't want to hear the music. What happened to "music is healing"?
Like · Reply · 8 · Mar 19, 2016 11:21am
Jerold Van Hooser · Works at Hy-Vee
It's sad but thats what Mayo is becoming sad to see the changes just for a few .
Like · Reply · 8 · Mar 19, 2016 10:49am
Gregory Vandemark · RCTC
Don't want to offend a minority
Like · Reply · 6 · Mar 19, 2016 10:18am
Kay Kagada · Caracas, Venezuela
Perhaps they don't want to offend a majority?
Like · Reply · Mar 22, 2016 4:13pm
John Hines
So then what they're really saying is that they don't want real music, and that the piano is there for unsupervised children to pound upon or, at best, the random passerby to try his or her hand at the latest variation of "Heart and Soul" or "Chopstix."
Like · Reply · 8 · Mar 19, 2016 10:06am
Rita Howe · Volunteer at Good Earth Village
Right. How is this any different from listening to elevator music or music while on hold with a call??
Like · Reply · 5 · Mar 19, 2016 3:32pm
Kay Kagada · Caracas, Venezuela
@John Hines: Never been to the Gonda building, huh?
Like · Reply · Mar 22, 2016 4:12pm
Cathie Hedrick Armstrong · Author of "The Edge of Nowhere" at Self-Employed
So incredibly disappointing and completely ridiculous! I have no words except complete irritation and disgust at this decision. We have MANY times hosted patients from out of town, and the one positive in their visits is oftentimes the music in Gonda. You ask them about their day and the first thing they mention is the music in the Gonda building and how it brightened the tedium. My own mother - an annual month-long visitor for appointments - looked forward to Tuesdays, in particular, because she knew Jane would be playing.
So disappointed in this decision.
Like · Reply · 14 · Mar 19, 2016 9:39am
Missy Haukom-Kostel · Paramedial Examiner at EMSI Mn
Most ridiculous thing I've heard, and mayo clinic has said and put into effect a ton of ridiculous ' policies ' so sad
Like · Reply · 13 · Mar 19, 2016 9:02am
Gary Halling
And they most likely will once again come begging the "majority" of the taxpayers to divvy up a half a billion dollars so they can buy Utah.
Like · Reply · 1 · 22 hrs
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Answer Man: Play us a quiet, short song, Piano Man Post-Bulletin-Mar 15, 2016 Singing and piano playing will be limited to 30 minutes. ... how the pianos are used in the Landow Atrium at Gonda and other public areas. I've seen a copy of a newly minted document by Mayo's Building Committee, authored ...
Answer Man: Play us a quiet, short song, Piano Man
Posted: Tuesday, March 15, 2016 10:29 am | Updated: 12:26 pm, Tue Mar 15, 2016.
Dear Answer Man, I recently complimented someone on the wonderful music she provides in the pavilion of the Gonda Building at Mayo Clinic, and I thanked her. She said I should enjoy it while I could, because as of April 1, it's going to change. Singing and piano playing will be limited to 30 minutes. I asked why and she was vague but said there were issues of patient safety and noise.
I find this rather sad as there are often many patients and visitors sitting there singing and thoroughly enjoying the gifts the music provides. Music has been proven to be helpful and soothing, the benefits of which are many.
I prefer to remain anonymous and simply sing a sad song. Please say this isn't so. Thank you for looking into this.
Yes, this is a song sung blue: Mayo is planning to put a damper on how the pianos are used in the Landow Atrium at Gonda and other public areas. I've seen a copy of a newly minted document by Mayo's Building Committee, authored by Facilities Project Services, that lays out a very detailed plan for more limited use of the pianos. Whether it's been approved is unclear, but we may find out on April Fool's Day, when it's supposed to take effect.
This might seem like a tiny deal that only Mayo would get excited about, but if you've ever wandered through the Landow Atrium, the Lips Atrium in the Charlton Building, the Mathews Grand Lobby, the Hage Atrium or the Francis Tower Lobby at Saint Marys, you know what a day-brightener it is to hear talented patients, visitors and employees tickle the ivories.
Well, get ready for less tickling. According to the memo, Mayo authorities are not amused by how the pianos are being used. The music has become too loud and programmed, and horror of horrors, "crowds have gathered, causing circulation and safety problems." So they're going to restrict the pianos to drop-by use for 30 minutes or less. And keep the lid down!
This isn't the first time Mayo has offered a variation on the piano theme. I'll link online to my most recent bagatelle on the topic. I have a call into the clinic but am not hopeful about a timely response.
Gonda Building piano not going silent
March 22, 2016 • RST
Reports of the Gonda Building piano's demise have been greatly exaggerated.
News reports late in the week of March 14 in Rochester suggested that Mayo was taking action to silence the piano in the Landow Atrium of the Gonda Building and, in particular, a vocal group known as the Gonda Singers that has held regular performances in that space for several years.
In reality, Mayo has had a policy for many years against self-scheduled performances in the Landow Atrium. In recent months, Mayo has been in discussions internally and with performers to clarify the policy and resolve issues related to timing, noise and congestion arising from self-scheduled musical performances in the Gonda Building. A new standard addressing those issues will go into effect in April.
The Bosendorfer piano that graces the Landow Atrium was a gift from a grateful patient and is intended for spontaneous use — not as a scheduled performance venue. The piano's availability for use by patients, visitors and employees for such purposes will continue unchanged.
"Mayo Clinic continues to embrace the gift of music and the many benefits that music provides," says Jonathan Torrens-Burton, Administrative Services, who is chair of the Rochester Building Subcommittee. "These performances bring great joy to our patients and staff, and are balanced with ensuring the noise level and size of the group does not compromise patient care and staff activities in adjacent spaces."
Over time, Mayo has experienced challenges with noise levels, patient and visitor safety, navigation, and interference with adjacent videoconferences, business and patient functions. As the popularity and the publicizing of group musical performances in the Gonda Building have grown over the years, so have issues related to noise and congestion in the atrium and surrounding spaces. In some instances, performances have interfered with employee interactions with patients, and alternative venues have been offered.
The new standard was developed to more formally define the intended use of the space and mitigate these issues.
Mayo works with a variety of performance groups that share their gift of music across the campus. The institution works with these groups to find venues and performance times that ensure that performances are in the best interests of all patients, visitors and employees.
Mayo hopes to work with the Gonda Singers to identify ways to accommodate their performances within the new standard. This might include performances later in the day, when congestion would not be a significant issue, or noon-hour performances in other spaces.
"We applaud the many gifts the Gonda Singers have brought out our patients and staff over many years," Torrens-Burton says. "We are hopeful we can find a creative solution and keep the music at Mayo Clinic."
Overview: Mayo Clinic has provided pianos in several locations (Mathews Grand Lobby, Landow
Atrium, Lips Atrium, Hage Atrium, and Francis Tower Lobby), primarily for patient/visitor use.
On occasion, these spaces have been used as unauthorized performance venues and caused disruption to
adjacent Mayo Clinic business and patient functions. The Atrium spaces are relatively small with hard
surfaces allowing the sound to carry. Several unintended negative consequences have resulted:
Music has become loud and distracting, especially for adjacent business and patient functions
Crowds have gathered causing circulation and safety problems
Noise vibrations have interfered with videoconferences in Geffen Auditorium
This standard does not apply to performances that are part of Mayo-sponsored pre-approved events (for
example: Humanities in Medicine performances, Veterans’ Day program). These events will be exempt
from the new policy and music on a larger scale will be fully supported.
Purpose: The purpose of this standard is to define how the Mayo Clinic pianos are to be used in order to
create a positive patient, visitor and employee experience while minimizing the unintended negative
effects. The objective is to communicate with audiences, modify behaviors so the pianos can remain a
part of the Mayo Clinic culture.
Standard: Patients, visitors and employees may play the pianos for relaxation and the enjoyment of
themselves and others. The use of all Mayo Clinic pianos shall adhere to these guidelines:
Music is important; however the pianos are an amenity, not a requirement of care. Mayo Clinic
reserves the right to restrict piano use at any time based on patient/business needs or feedback.
The pianos are for individual, “drop-by” use of 30 minutes or less.
Mayo Clinic spaces are not performance venues. Exceptions will be made only for Mayosponsored,
pre-approved events.
Safety and patient traffic circulation must be maintained.
Because pianos are often adjacent to Mayo Clinic patient functions and because the volumes can
be distracting when a patient is interacting with an employee regarding their needs, other musical
instruments and vocal performances are not permitted.
Due to the adjacency to patient functions, music should be soothing, soft, and appropriate for the
environment.
To assist with reducing sound levels, the piano lid will remain closed while playing.
Author: Facilities Project Services
Approved by: Building Committee
Review Date: 2016
