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Friday, January 30, 1998

Music strikes a major chord

MUSIC: Listening to song can raise spirits, bring sanity to our otherwise hectic lives

By Thanh Dang

Music. This word means something different to everybody. To some, it is that thing that they overplay in the school cafeteria. To others, it is that obnoxious racket coming from their roommate's stereo. To a few of us, it brings sanity to our otherwise stressful and chaotic lives.

We all have different views on how music affects us and what its meaning is. I, for one, am not an expert on music nor do I claim to be one. I would like to share with you my views on music and how it affects us. I would like to start with an assumption that most of us like music in some form or another. Whether it be rap, rock, pop, alternative, R&B, country or classical, most of us enjoy music.

Music is central to our spirituality and mental health. Most of us listen to a song that lifts our spirit up when we are down. Likewise, some of us cry when we listen to a really sad tune. Our emotions are directly attached to the music that we are listening to. If the music had no meaning to us, why would we listen to it? Music allows us to express ourselves. Music has the ability to strike a chord within us. Scientists are at a loss to explain this. Their theory is that it is somehow related to our pulse and brain waves.

We choose the music that best fits our ideas and feelings. We want it to stand for what we believe in. This explains why music is such a popular medium for the expression of new ideas. It reflects the views and values of its audience. It is how certain artists and groups appeal to us. Some of them use it as a way to speak out against the system or to change our present views. They try to start new trends and different ways of seeing things through their music.

Music plays a key role in our society and culture. You can see evidence of this in the Super Bowl halftime show and in Jewel's singing of the national anthem. A whole decade can be defined by their music. You can look at all the '70s music that is still popular today. Other than the fashion, it was one of the most characteristic things about that decade. I think that the same thing will be said about the '90s when it is all over with. Our very ideas and thoughts are embedded in it. It is a part of us. It defines what we are all about and our beliefs. For some, it is more than that. For them, it is part of their heritage. Thus, music is important to many Native American and African tribes. Music is also a very vital part of many religions.

Our essence can be defined by music. It is one of the things that separates us from the lower forms of life. For example, the Pioneer satellite contained a disc which contained information about the human race. And what do you think was included on it? Some of the works by Beethoven and Mozart of course. In case any extraterrestrial beings existed out there, they would be able to figure out that we are intelligent beings. Even the most primitive individuals of our species could recognize and appreciate music. The fact that we can create and comprehend music sets us apart. Therefore, music is a key to unlocking ourselves.

I have always loved music. As a little kid, I was very much into music. I tried to listen to any kind of music that I could get my hands on. Even though I didn't know what the song was about, I still listened to it until it was over. It didn't matter to me because I just enjoyed listening to it. As I grew older and my taste in music became more refined, my love of music flourished more. I appreciated music more because I learned that there was such a tremendous variety out there that I was never aware of. I noticed that each type had its own appeal. Even though my views on music have changed, I still get a great joy out of listening to a great song every now and then.

Music serves many purposes to me. It is an excellent motivator and stress reliever for me. Whenever I want to relax or get away from it, music provides a good way of calming me down. Music soothes even the most savage of souls. This is so true for me because I can count on it to lift me up when I am having a bad day or not feeling good. It brings peace and a sense of tranquility to me. It is a huge stabilizing force in my chaotic life. I use it to balance the highs and lows that I encounter everyday. Thus, music can bring harmony to a person's life. Many believe that classical music can help a person study or even think better. I would have to agree because it has been rather helpful to me.

Music can be fun too. Hey, it sure beats staring at a painting or watching mind-numbing television. Whether it be playing music, writing a song or just listening to the radio, music is a great hobby to take up. It doesn't take much effort and is a great way to spend your leisure time. Dang is a second-year chemical engineering student.

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