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Last updated 3:09AM ET
May 26, 2012
KPLU Local News
KPLU Local News
Artscape: Bastyr University Movie Soundtracks
KPLU's John Maynard (2010-07-18)
Bastyr University Chapel - Kenmore, WA Photo Courtesy of Camille Dohrn
KENMORE, WA (KPLU) - In the theater or on your couch you might not pay detailed attention to movie soundtracks, but they do at Bastyr University in Seattle (Kenmore).

You see, the naturopathic university campus is on the site of a former Catholic seminary. A part of the seminary featured a chapel built in 1958. The acoustics turned out to be gorgeous. Big, full, but with no echo.

A few small choirs began recording there and the word got out. Exceptional sound. Hollywood found out and fell in love with the venue.


Photos by Camille Dohrn
For the past 15 years soundtracks you may have heard have been recorded at Bastyr. "Brokeback Mountain" ... "Valkyrie" ... "About Schmidt" ... "Diehard With a Vengeance" ... "Mr. Holland's Opus". With a full orchestra, as many as 90 members, Bastyr is competitive with the world's main soundstages, Sony ... Abbey Road ... Skywalker.

Dave Matthews has recorded at Bastyr. His wife Ashley received her M.D. (Naturopathic Doctor) at Bastyr.

Myriad video game soundtracks have been recorded at Bastyr, such as "World of Warcraft", with 9 million online players worldwide.

Stained glass windows...a fifty foot ceiling...hand carved wood and terrazzo floors all create a warm full sound and puts the Bastyr stamp on music heard by millions.

Video Courtesy of Camille Dohrn

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