The Book of Mormon

Two weeks ago my roommate and I went to see "The book of Mormon" at Miller Auditorium. It was a very funny show. I can not believe that the creators of south park could come up with such an amazing show. The Book of Mormon is not your typical musical. It is not a love story and it does not follow the religious aspect like the title may imply. The show is very explicit so if you are not into that kind of thing I would not go. The music is very catchy but can also be very inappropriate. If you are interested I highly recommend this show. Some of my favorite songs are Hello, Turn it off, All American profit and so many more. This musical is a winner of nine tony awards in 2011.

Musical Theater

I am very involved in musical theater. I think you can gain a lot from being a part of a show or even just listening to this type of music. Most musicals you can relate to your own life and even learn some life lessons. I love being a part of musicals because I love the family that you form as a cast. By being around these people for at least three months you form great friendships and learn many new vocal skills. I have been in many productions such as Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory, Zombie Prom, Cinderella, High School Musical and The Addam's Family. I recommend that you try at least one show or see one. You may actually enjoy it.

Barbershop Quartets

This week I am taking a different approach on my blog and decided to tell you all about a style of music that is near and dear to my heart. One of my many favorite styles of music is singing in a barbershop quartet. Barbershop is a style of singing in a group of four people usually of the same sex. The difference between barbershop and choir is that choir you focus on blending with other singers. Barbershop you need to be more forward with your sound but blend in volume. You have to hear all parts when singing in this type of quartet. Barbershop has been one of my favorites every since I started to go to The Mountain Town Singers Harmony Camp. This camp specifically focuses on singing barbershop and you rehearse music for at least three days. On the last day you perform for your parents and members of the Mt. Pleasant Mountain Town Singers. Through this experience I have gained many friends and have strengthened my vocal technique. Here are two videos of some quartets the female quartet is "Shades of Jade." The guys quartet is "The Newfangled Four." Quartets all over the nation Sing at the Barbershop Harmony Society national competition every year. If you are interested in joining the Mountain Town Singers Harmony Camp in summers to come they allow campers as old as twenty five. The information is on their website.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MountainTown-Harmony-Explosion-196056300433210/
Website: http://www.mountaintownsingers.org/

Mozart makes people smarter?

People and students everyday listen to music to get work done but is there music people should listen to so that they can increase their performance? Studies show that if a person listens to Mozart 20-30 minutes before a test or exam they will be more focused and do better on tests. When people listen to Mozart it stimulates a large amount of brain activity which helps them focus and remember what they studied. This is called “The Mozart Effect.” “The Mozart Effect: Tapping the Power of Music to Heal the Body, Strengthen the Mind and Unlock the Creative Spirit.” (Anderson Thomas.) Mozart is not the only musician that people should listen to for good study habits. Even Bach or any type of classic music will have a very close result to Mozart. Folks can still study in silence, but to enhance their performance, try listening to the classics.

Work Made Easier

When we need our creative juices flowing or need to get some type of work done concentrating to music makes it seem less stressful. But listening to a person’s favorite type of music may not be the best thing for that person to accomplish that task. Like “The Mozart Effect” listening to classical music may improve that person’s focus. Studies show that individuals should listen to any kind of music without lyrics. For example if humans do not care for Bach or Mozart they can listen to ambient music. Ambient music is sounds and beats without lyrics it can be fast or slow tempo. People tend to concentrate better when it is quiet or when listening to calming music. This would be reasonable because the type of music humanity listens to affects a person’s mood, like explained in the topic above. Folks do not always need to listen to ambient music. For example, when people go to the gym more power to the fitness people to blast loud upbeat songs that will push them as hard as they can.