OCR Text |
Show Page 8 THE SIGNPOST Wednesday, November 1, 2000 4n Q LJ il D x OF MUSIC By Timothy Harlan features writer The Signpost Music has been proven to affect people in many different ways. A song that reminds one of feelings and treasured memories will likely pour strong emotions into the heart. Tear-filled eyes of a person emotionally moved by speak for themselves. Before a big game, a coach plays the theme song to "Rocky" to motivate his team to victory. The theory behind music therapy is that various music styles stimulate the mind and move people to behave differently. Although music therapy is not currently a major at Weber State University, Mark Henderson, a music professor at WSU, believes it won't be long until all universities have the program. "Weber is a logical place to carry the major because of its strong music and health science programs," Henderson said. Utah State University is currently the only college in Utah with music therapy as a major program. Many of the theories proposing benifits of music therapy have been proven to be true. One of these theories is based on the music of Mozart. 'The Mozart Effect," as it's commonly called, is the theory that listening to music composed by classical musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart will improve one's IQ. 'The hard evidence is not there, but it is scientifically verifiable," Henderson said. Gordon Shaw is credited with the discovery of 'The Mozart Effect." Shaw is the author of "Keeping Mozart in Mind", a book that presents the latest scientific findings on the effects of music on reasoning and learning and the real story behind 'The Mozart Effect" research. In the book, Shaw gives evidence that music enhances our ability to think and reason. 'There's no doubt about it," Henderson said. "Music enhances learning." Mozart's music has been proven to improve students' ACT scores, specifically in language and math. It may even enhance brain development in children. "Musical training, specifically piano instruction, enhances a child's abstract thinking skills," Dr. Frances Rauscher said. "Music has an obvious impact on the brain and should be supported and encouraged in early childhood education. Music not only builds and develops, it also heals." Music has been used to relieve symptoms and cure illness. Music intended for therapy is often used successfully in rest homes and psychological settings. Musical training given to elderly people has been proven to decrease anxiety, loneliness and depression. Other studies have shown that music therapy reduces pain, stimulates the immune system and helps people cope with stress. "Music Therapy," a book written by Juliette Alvin, says music therapy is the controlled use of music in the treatment, rehabilitation, education and training of children and adults suffering from physical, mental or emotional disorders. 88. V 6tifoB Sdlg By Carolina Gomez features writer The Signpost Weber State University's radio station. "The Edge" offers music of even' kind, as well as talk shows of different topics on Saturday mornings. "The Edge." is run by Weber State University students. 'This station gives the students a high quality experience within the radio." said Sami Rideout, sports director at the station. Rideout also said that students who have been working at 'The Edge" should not have a problem to getting jobs at the bigger stations around the nation. "The station has a good reputation, and companies are eager to hire students who have had an experience with the Weber State radio station." Rideout said, adding that "big names" at other stations have started their career at "The Edge." Students enrolled in the electronic media emphasis of the communmications major are the ones that often run the station. However, it is open for other communication students in general if they are qualified. Right now there are 13 staff work ers at the station, all students, and about 20 students who are taking the class to get the experience. "It is so much fun. I enjoy it a lot," Rideout said. Rideout thinks it is most fun for students to see that they are a part of the station and get the opportunity to see how everything flows. "It is more handsome than anything else." The target audience is WSU students, but younger people such as 14-year-olds are our listeners too. "High school kids tend to be the ones that listen to us the most." Rideout said. Brandon Metcalfee. who is currently working as a deejay at the station, agrees that working at the station is an awesome experience to have when it is time to go out and work at the bigger stations, which is in his plans. He plays is everything from soft music to techno, depending on the night. "There is sort of a music theme every night." he said. The format he is using for the program is "the top 44 format." - - 1 Ml Andrew Jackson (above) and April Marsh (right) are both Weber State University students that work at 88. 1. which is similar to the MTV style, where all kind of music is being played most of the hours. The radio station does not only play music. They also have talk show that ranges from everything from sports-talk topolitical-talk. These talk shows are mainly on Saturday mornings. Before the talk show goes into the air. it has to go through the news director of the station, who has to accept the show. Nila Glidden, WSU student does not listen to the radio too much, but when V - V w J-v v. - J "V" ' sjCt ;p II4 - s ? -. z she does, she tunes in the talk radio on Saturday mornings. "I like to listen to the talk; it is enjoyable." "The Edge" offers something foreveryone. |