Venice Graffiti Pit

Before the Venice Pavilion is finally demolished (Jan. 2), I hope one of its unique qualities will be considered. I have practiced my cornet in the so-called “graffiti pit” more or less daily since 1978. It’s about a mile-and-a-half walk from my house. I go to this trouble because the place has the best acoustics of any small outdoor arena I’ve ever been in. It was intended to be used as an alfresco concert hall.

When I play in there, there is a wonderful reflection of the sound off the walls, better than any stage monitor. The sound carries perfectly to every corner of the place. Ocean wind simply forms an invisible roof, which somehow contains the sound. I’ve practiced there in near-gale conditions and could still hear everything. Whoever designed it really understood acoustics. Tearing down all but two walls would destroy that quality. I, for one, would mourn the loss of this unique musical environment.

Even if the rest of Venice Pavilion is beyond salvation, the graffiti pit--stage and all walls included--should be preserved as a musical/cultural resource.

BRAD KAY

Venice