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Show Opinion SOUTHERN UTAH STATE COLLEGE, CEDAR CITY LETS LET THE BAND MDies GET BACK TO MUSIC AND THE THUNDERBIRD MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 1990 PAGE 4 GeKTLeibeN-SviSC'- 5 VJoikLD' Rs?NOY'lNf) $cms.T AND A cacophony of discontent has created the misconception that the music department is in trouble and that the from Scarlet and Black to simply Band is symptomatic of this giACK name-chang- e malaise. As we see it, however, the few students taking it upon themselves to vigorously point out the music departments supposed flaws, are failing to hear the full complement of the band because theyve become too preoccupied with tooting their own discordant horns. SUSC recognizes the value of music and the unique donation it makes in fulfilling a liberal education. The decision to change the catalog designation doesnt mean that the Scarlet and Black, or marching unit of the band, has been eliminated; rather, it broadens the scope of the program to include the pep band, jazz band, concert band and the Scarlet and Black nothing more. A prime argument raised by a vocal few is that the diminished numbers within the ranks of the Scarlet and Black can be traced to the bands directorship. We feel such a statement not only smacks of tunnel vision, but is careless and without merit. A more likely culprit can be found in the national economy and the that, sadly, education has placed on music programs. The fact is, during the decade of the 80s, many high schools in Utah had to establish priorities in planning curricula. Unfortunately, the music department more often than not was the first to fall under the ax. Statistics bear this out. The most recent figures from the U.S. the to 1981-8Department of Education show that from 1972-7number of high school students enrolled in music courses fell from 3.4 million to 2.7 million nationwide. This has brought about a growing segment of society (baby boomers) who are stone-dea- f to the joys of orchestral music and seriously impacts the number of students who ultimately chair band programs in college. Granted, the success of any band hinges on the directors ability to sell the program. But moreso, the buyers of the bands productivity the band members themselves must work together to promulgate the programs success. Therefore, success can be thought of as a mixture of cooperation, accountability and planning; it goes without saying that students bear an equal responsibility in the vigor of the band. g g and Faculty members must also curb their and work for, not against, the success of the band. All points considered, we cant help but be dumbfounded that a few individuals feel justified in attempting to deliver the coup dmorte for an art form they claim to love. Unity, not dissonance, is what is needed if we are to see the program succeed. As the music department head, Stephen Brandon, puts it: Its time to make music. 3 name-callin- 2 finger-pointin- The Thunderbird VOLUME 84, NUMBER 28 Editor Rachel Talbot Associate Editor Kathleen Midgley Opinion Director James Spainhower Photo Editor Jeff Dower Arts &. Leisure Editor Jason North Sports and Outdoors Editor Brent Richey Senior Staff Writer Natalie Coombs Production Manager Lynn Dennett Ad Manager Todd Pendleton Faculty Adviser Larry Baker The Thunderbird is published each Monday and Thursday of the academic year by and for the student body of Southern Utah State College and is not affiliated in any way with the Colleges department of communication. The views and opinions expressed in The Thunderbird are the opinions of the publications individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the institution, faculty, staff or student body m general. The unsigned editorial directly above is the opinion of The Thunderbird as a single entity. Letters to the editor must be typed and include the name and phone number. Only the name will be printed. Names will not be withheld under any circumstances and the editor reserves editing privileges. Letters must be submitted by noon Fridays for Monday editions; 5 p.m. Tuesdays for Thursday editions. The Thunderbird editorial offices in SUSC Library 103; advertising m Library 102 Mail at SUSC Box 9384, Cedar City, UT 84720. Phone (801) or Health tips offered by college nurse TO THE EDITOR: aches and discomforts. Sometimes we have free samples of some cold medications for er As a director nurse and of SUSCs Student registered Health Services, I feel there are some health issues, that if the student were aware of, might avert the consequences that come with health problems that arent attended to in time. For this reason, I felt it important to share my knowledge with the student body with the hope that this information will avert unnecessary suffering and stave off the possibility of costly hospital stays. One of the most common complaints that brings the student to Health Services is characterized by a scratchy throat, sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion, muscle aches and pains and fever. Chances are the student is suffering from a common cold which will last from four to 20 days. When you have a cold come to Student Health Services, where we can verify that it is nothing more serious than a common cold; strep throat and mononucleosis, or mono, can oftentimes seem like a cold in the beginning stages. With a cold, the important thing is to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat nourishing foods, and take aspirin or Tylenol for the the aches and discomforts. Sympathy is always available. If you do all of the above and the cold hangs on after two weeks, or if you develop an earache, persistant fever, white spots on the throat or tonsils, deep cough, or swollen neck glands, return to the clinic. Bacterial infections like strep throat or bronchitis can be easily diagnosed and treated with antibiotics. Athletic injuries are also a common occurrence with more and more injuries seen due to sprained or strained muscles. It seems that in a effort to become fit, we try to do it all at once causing pain, injury and interruption of our fitness program. Wearing proper shoes for the activity you have chosen and increasing your stamina over a period of timp as well as proper will help you avoid warm-u- p injury. Some general rules for treatment are to apply cold packs in the form of wet, cold towels to the injured area. This will reduce swelling and ease the pain. You may use an ice bag, or ice in a pillow case, but dont apply ice directly to bare skin. Applying heat following an injury could complicate matters by encouraging bleeding from torn blood vessels. You should seek medical help as soon as possible to rule out serious injury and to help plan a course of treatment. Sometimes it is necessary to receive physical therapy for a short time, or to determine if the injured area is fractured. Another problem often encountered is bicycle hands. If you regularly ride a bicycle and experience numbness or weakness of one or both hands, the problem The severity of many ailments can be lessened if attended to early, says SUSC nurse Kay M esserly. may lie with handlebar pressure on a nerve m the palm. Installing foam handlebar covers, wearing cycling gloves, or at the very least, changing hand positions during cycling will alleviate the symptoms. Most importantly, wearing the right kind of protective equipment, including a helmet, will ensure against serious injury while youre getting into shape. Kay Messerly |