Saturday, September 09, 2006

Blast from the Past

Talking about school and music the past few weeks reminded
me of a short paper I wrote at Georgia Tech. The assignment
was to tell our fellow freshmen about something fun to do
around campus--but it had to be something they wouldn't
normally do.

I picked something that many of you don't normally do
either. But I hope you'll start soon: Listening
to Classical music.

I wrote about how music affects your emotions. Back then I
only knew that music could make you feel different. Now
I've learned more about the relationship between vibrations
and health, and how the higher frequencies found in
classical music can help balance and harmonize your own
internal rhythms--the vibration of every cell in your body.

You don't have to be a music nerd to get started. Start with
something familiar, like Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark
or Titanic soundtrack. Or get a "Best of Classical"
compilation CD. You may be surprised at how many songs you
recognize.

Use the time to and from work to discharge the static and
stress from your mind, and raise your vibration to a more
creative and productive state.

So, I dug around and found that paper. I must admit, since
it was one of my first attempts at "real" writing (what
about high school? Don't ask.) I feel a little funny sharing
it with you, but I have to listen to my own advice on this one:

"The effect of the performance depends on the willingness of
each group to be candid with each other, offering their true
feelings."

Thanks for Listening,

Dr. V


Why do we cheer for Rocky? Why do we "white-knuckle" our chairs just before Jaws attacks? Why do we get a head-to-toe chill when Indiana Jones finds the location of the Well of Souls? Simple. It's the music. Music has always been the most emotional, popular, and powerful way for man to communicate. Filmmakers use music to produce a desired reaction, because they know that music has the power to create emotions within us. The most powerful movie
soundtracks are done neither by rock, jazz, new wave, nor country groups. Symphony Orchestras are responsible for the majority of the tears jerked and the cheers cheered.

Orchestras are the source of a great deal of the music we hear today, but it is disguised so well that people who hear it do not realize that they are being "cultured". Two popular Bugs Bunny cartoons are based on operas. Walter Murphy's "A Fifth of Beethoven" is a popular disco tune. "Hooked on Classics," by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, is one of the best selling albums in the country. Despite the popularity of "altered" classical music, many still reject the pure art form. Most people feel that attending a symphony concert would turn out to be a bad experience. They don't understand that music does not intrude, it only enriches.

The only way to have an enriching musical experience is to approach it with an open mind. Music is notorious for making folks do strange things. While under its influence, people have been known to pat their feet, laugh, cry, or even begin conducting themselves. Performers emote through what they play, and that emotion sneaks into us as we listen. As the emotional charges accumulate, they must find an exit from our body. Our outward reactions are transferred back to the performers, thus creating an endless flow of emotion. The audience is just as necessary as the performers, because they rely on each other for support. The effect of the performance depends on the willingness of each group to be candid with each other, offering their true feelings.

A visit to the symphony can be one of the most memorable events of your life. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is an outstanding organization that is nationally recognized for its excellence. The conductor, Robert Shaw, is one of the best conductors in the Southeast. Atlantans are lucky to have such easy access to this premiere organization. The Symphony Hall is located at the corner of Peachtree and 15th Street, which is only a few blocks away from the coliseum. The student price is only $4.00, the price of many a C-grade movie.

When you go to the symphony, prepare to enjoy it. Forget anything negative you have heard about it, open your mind, and become a part of what is going on around you. The key to enjoying the symphony is to not just listen superficially, but open up and experience it.


P.S. If you want to know more about the true power of music
to make you healthy, happy and successful, scoot on over to
http://www.drvinceonline.com/secretpower.htm

P.P.S. I got an "A"