With the Internet as one of the main sources of information, school Web sites are places that provide valuable information for students, faculty, administrators and even prospective students. Those who have been to the Web site of the Eastman School of Music sometime during the past several months may have thought that the design looked a little old, maybe somewhat outdated. Last week, Eastman changed this by launching a new, updated version of their Web site.
The site, whose address of http://www.rochester.edu/eastman has not changed, was designed by the Office of Communications, with input from faculty, staff and administration members as well. It is designed to be easier to use and to present an even better side of Eastman to both the community and prospective students than the previous one did.
Among other improvements, readers will note increased information for everyone, better graphics and, perhaps most importantly, larger sections devoted to concerts and news taking place at Eastman. The site also offers “Sounds of Eastman,” where online visitors can listen to performances of student ensembles including the Eastman Wind Ensemble, the Eastman Jazz Ensemble and the Eastman Chorale.
“Our goal was to create an enhanced, forward-thinking site that captures the essence of the Eastman experience and community,” creative arts director Amy Vetter, who oversaw the changes, said in a press release.
The current site opens to an eye-catching page, where viewers can click on any of a variety of items.
The left-side column offers links to individual departments, faculty members and information about degrees and other programs, as well as information about applying to the school and contact information for different offices.
There are also links to information about alumni relations and about supporting the school.
Additionally, there is a link to Eastman’s Community Education Department. Should none of these be of interest, the site also offers direct links to recent news releases and the 2003-2004 season concert schedule.
For added ease of use, a new feature called “Inside Tracks” pulls down a tab with links to rehearsal schedules, the academic calendar and other pages of regular use to students.
The Web site promises to be a success with everyone. Students and faculty should expect to see more changes in the future as the Office of Communications continues to make the site as good as possible.
Jansen can be reached at cjansen@campustimes.org.
