The dress of a classical musician

What to wear when playing a French suite in G major by Bach; a sonata opus 10, No. 3 by Beethoven; "Daphnis et Chloe" by Ravel; or "Bolero"? This is the question many music school students are wrestling with as they prepare for their juries and senior recitals this month. IU is known for being one of the top music schools in the country, rivaling conservatories like Julliard, Oberlin and Eastman, so the pressure to dress for the occasion is high. \nMusic, which is derived from the word "muse" meaning "to inspire," brings an entirely different element to attire. Do you wear a flowing gown with painted music notes like the dress worn at the spring 2005 Donald Deal show? Or if you are singing a robust piece by Wagner, do you wear something with sparkling beads and sequins in an intense lavender like the dresses at the Lloyd Klein spring 2005 show? \nMichelle Sweeny, a music school senior, is preparing for her upcoming piano recital, and the question still goes unanswered. \n"For voice majors, their body is their instrument, so it matters what they are wearing," Sweeny said. "As a pianist, I don't want to draw too much attention to myself. You don't want to take attention away from the music." \nAs we looked through Sweeny's closet, she pulled out a striking knee-length, pink-and-purple-blocked Shantung silk dress. I immediately said she should wear it, but Sweeny had reservations. I assumed when you are performing a recital you would wear something you might wear to church or a fancy lunch, but I was soon corrected. Sweeny told me most people wear something like a bridesmaid dress, prom dress or fancy gown. \nI began to think to myself, "Let the music and inspiration decide." Everyone's recital is different, but what you wear is a personal decision. Michelle, being a pianist, would want to wear something "nice, dignified, but not too distracting," but a voice major would want to wear something that draws attention to her. Christopher Farrar, the IDS fashion photographer and a former concert pianist, said dressing for performances is much easier for men because all they have to wear is a black tuxedo. I guess they could spice it up with a paisley cummerbund or one in purple, blue or red, but ultimately the tough decisions are left to the women of the music school. \nI always imagined female violinists in something calypso red, long and gathered, and a flutist wearing something off the shoulders in a soft pink or yellow with layers of tulle or organza gently sweeping the floor. Depending on the piece, music can inspire vulnerability like Madame Butterfly, romance like Puccini or raw, intense emotion like the composers of the Italian renaissance, \nAccording to Susannah Cahn's "Top Ten Trends for Prom '05" article, dresses for the spring imitate birds and peacocks. \n"Elaborate embroidery, actual feathers and 'eye'-like patterns created with paillettes or sequins pay homage to the dramatic tail of the peacock. Also look for dresses with ostrich feathers or marabout trim -- bold fashion statements that are sure to cause a stir," she wrote.\nThis look is great for a voice major, but piano majors or harp players would wear something a little more subdued. Try a long skirt in spring colors or pastels paired with embroidered mules and a corset-like top and scarf. \nJewelry should stay at a minimum. Pearls or little diamonds add just enough sparkle and pizazz so the audience can focus on the beautiful music that might inspire someone to give you a job.