February 25, 2003 News Releases
Released 2/21/03 & 2/24/03
UTAH
STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC ANNUAL CONCERTO CONCERT
LOGAN — Student soloists will perform with the Utah
State University Symphony Orchestra Sunday, March 2, at 7:30
p.m. in the Kent Concert Hall of the Chase Fine Arts Center
as part of the Utah State music department’s annual Concerto
Concert.
While admission is free, donations will be accepted. A free
preview was held Thursday, Feb. 20, at noon in the International
Lounge in the Taggart Student Center.
Seven students earned the opportunity to perform in concert,
and the audience will be favored with solos on the piano, violin,
clarinet, trombone and by a lyrical mezzo-soprano. The soloists
competed with 22 other students and were selected by the orchestra’s
director to perform the concerto pieces.
Director and conductor of the Utah State University Symphony
Orchestra Sergio Bernal said the audience will hear all-time
favorite solo works, accompanied by the orchestra in works by
composers including Debussy, Saint-Saëns, MacDowell, David
and Tchaikovsky.
This year’s annual Concerto Concert will be conducted
by Bernal. A native of Columbia, he has directed the Utah State
Symphony Orchestra for the past two years as well as the string
program in the music department. Bernal studied with the Yale
University/Affiliate Artists Conducting Program, Queens College
and the University of Michigan.
“This concert is very important because it helps the music
department see where people are in their development,”
Bernal said. “This concert will be bright and lively,
but some of the pieces are more on the lyrical side.”
Bernal described several of the pieces on the program.
“The selection by Tamara Mumford is a passionate aria
— this is where Delila seduces Sampson,” he said.
“It is very beautiful music by a French composer and is
well portrayed. It is a sensuous selection but includes undertones
of insincerity. On the surface it is like a love song, but deep
down it is not completely sincere. I think it is very well put
together in that respect.”
Bernal said the “Trombone Concertino” will have
a very big sound — a sound of triumph to it. This is very
much in the character of the instrument, he added.
“The MacDowell ‘Piano Concerto’ is very virtuosic
but at the same time is very lyrical,” Bernal said. “In
a way it is similar to Chopin in that you find a lot of notes
but in long melodies. This piece has a very powerful voice.”
Bernal said the “Rhapsody for Clarinet and Orchestra”
is on the lyrical side, even though it has a fast ending. The
work is in the impressionistic style. It starts with a dreamy
character and then unfolds into a fast section and then into
an even faster ending.
“The orchestra players have very much enjoyed putting
together this program,” he said. “The orchestra,
however, will not be featured alone this year. The students
who entered the competition were such strong players that we
wanted to include as many as possible. With seven soloists this
year there isn’t time for the orchestra to perform along."
“I think the high level of the playing among the soloists
is greatly due to the teachers here in the music faculty,”
Bernal concluded. “It is exiting for me to be here in
the music department because we have a very good team.”
The winners of the 2002-2003 Concerto competition will play
the following pieces:
Aram Arakelyan will perform Saint-Saens’s “Piano
Concerto No.2,” third movement.
Erin Bagley will perform Tchaikovsky’s “Violin Concerto,”
third movement.
Ashley Christenson will perform MacDowell’s “Piano
Concerto No. 2,” first movement.
Jason Daane will perform Debussy’s “First Rhapsody
for Clarinet and Orchestra.”
Christopher Guerriero will perform Tchaikovsky’s “Piano
Concerto No. 1,” first movement.
Kirk Jones will perform David’s “Concertino for
Trombone and Orchestra,” third movement.
Tamara Mumford, a mezzo-soprano, will perform Saint-Saëns’s
“Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix” from the opera
“Sampson and Delila.”
February 24, 2003
Writer: Greg Hatch 435-797-1350
Contact: Sergio Bernal 435-797-0487
INCREASED PORTIONS LEAD TO INCREASED WAIST LINES
LOGAN — Are you trying to fulfill your New Year’s
resolution of shedding a few pounds before swimsuit season?
If so, it’s important to eat correct portions, said Kris
Saunders, director of the Family Nutrition Program.
“Eating more and cooking less has contributed to an obesity
epidemic among Americans,” Saunders said. “As a
result, people have forgotten the size of a portion.”
Today, 64.5 percent of adult Americans (about 127 million) are
overweight, according to the American Obesity Association (AOA).
And the food industry has contributed to the problem by increasing
portion sizes to increase profit margins, according to the National
Alliance for Nutrition and Activity (NANA). Many restaurants
now offer super-size and value meals.
According to NANA, customers are encouraged to spend a little
extra by purchasing larger portions and are leaving with the
feeling they have “gotten a deal.” These larger
portions not only lead to a larger intake of calories, but studies
show that when people are served more food they eat more.
Obesity is the second leading cause of unnecessary deaths. Each
year, obesity causes at least 300,000 excess deaths in the U.S.,
and healthcare costs of American adults with obesity amount
to approximately $100 billion, according to the AOA. Discrimination
and mistreatment of persons with obesity is widespread and often
considered socially acceptable.
Saunders said people are often intimidated by the food guide
pyramid because they do not understand the meaning of a “serving.”
For example, 6-11 servings of bread, cereal, rice and pasta
and 3-5 servings of vegetables can seem overwhelming to eat
in one day. Nutritionists have come up with some common guidelines
to help people learn the size of a serving. One cup of vegetables
is one serving; a meat portion the size of a deck of cards is
also one serving, she said.
High calorie foods pack more wallop, Saunders continued. An
Oreo cookie is two servings; the top and bottom are each one
serving. Bagels, donuts and hamburger buns are all two servings.
In fact, the bagel that many people eat for breakfast is actually
four servings.
“Eating is one of life’s great pleasures,”
said Saunders. “When we eat out, we want to get our money’s
worth as well as enjoy the food.”
Saunders shared some helpful tips that can be used when eating
out or eating at home.
“Spend 20 minutes eating and avoid too many sweetened
drinks, including soft drinks and juices,” Saunders said.
“These drinks are easily consumed and are packed full
of calories.
“When eating out, never super-size a meal unless sharing
it with someone else,” Saunders said. Request a to-go
box with the meal when the server brings the food, then immediately
put half the meal in the box. There is nothing wrong with having
dessert; eat half of the main meal and half of the dessert.
Save the other half for another meal, she said.
It’s easy to have the attitude, “I’m paying
for this food, I don’t want to waste my money,”
and keep eating until the food is gone, she added. The body
may not need any more food, but people will continue eating.
This mindset is often used when eating at buffets.
“Stay away from buffets,” Saunders said. “And
don’t feel like the plate needs to be completely cleaned
off. Take the extra food home.”
Obesity is a disease that affects nearly one-third of the adult
American population (approximately 60 million) according to
the AOA. The number of overweight and obese Americans has continued
to increase since 1960, a trend that is not slowing down.
The obesity epidemic has lead to increases in diabetes (type
2), high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, gallbladder
disease and cancer of the breast, prostate and colon. Type 2
diabetes has traditionally been known as a disease that affects
older people. Now, however, many children and young adults have
symptoms of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
“Modest weight loss through portion control would help
dramatically,” Saunders said.
It is important to take personal time each day Saunders said.
“The few minutes it takes to prepare a healthy meal and
stay active can make all the difference in a person’s
health.
“Many theories have been shared about why so many Americans
are overweight. The bottom line is Americans need to eat less
and be more active,” Saunders said.
February 24, 2003
Writer: Heather Butikofer, (435) 797-1650, hmbutikofer@cc.usu.edu
Contact: Kris Saunders (435) 797-3923, kriss@ext.usu.edu
MUSIC, DANCE AND SPEAKER TO LAUNCH AFRICAN STUDENT
ASSOCIATION
LOGAN — The African Students Association (AFSA) at Utah
State University will celebrate the official launch of their
new organization on Sat., March 1. UNESCO Comparative Human
Rights Chair Amii Omara-Otunnu will be the featured speaker.
The event will take place at 6 p.m. at the Logan Institute Cultural
Hall on the Utah State campus. Festivities will feature a fashion
parade of traditional African dress and African food, music
and dance.
Guest speaker Omara-Otunnu will address contemporary issues
and development in Africa. Omara-Otunnu is the UNESCO chair
in Comparative Human Rights and serves as director of the Institute
of Comparative Human Rights at the University of Connecticut.
Other guests will include Utah State President Kermit L. Hall,
AFSA faculty advisor Nick Eastmond, International Students and
Scholars Director Negar Davis and professor Jon Morris.
“AFSA is an organization formed by African students at
Utah State but with open membership to all,” said AFSA
President Stephen Abu.
The organization is affiliated with the Associated Students
of Utah State University and the International Students Council.
The association currently has a membership of more than 35 students
from Cameroon, Ghana, South Africa, Swaziland, Kenya, Malawi,
DR Congo, Niger, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Erethrea and the U.S.
“We want to better learn about the community and American
culture,” said African student Eric Tanifum. “We
also want to give people here the chance to know us better.
By the time we leave we should have gone through this place
and have this place go through us.”
The public is welcome and tickets are available at the Utah
State ticket office. The cost is $5 for students and $10 for
everyone else. For information, call Stephen Abu at 770-4140
or stepabu@cc.usu.edu
Date: Feb. 24, 2002
Writer: Nadene Steinhoff, 435-797-1429, nadene.Steinhoff@usu.edu
Contact: Stephen Abu, 770-4140, stepabu@cc.usu.eduDear editor
UTAH STATE NEWS RELEASES FOR 02-21-03
EXTENSION NAMES
ANR PROGRAM LEADER
LOGAN — Extension Vice President Jack Payne announced
that Dr. Clell Bagley, Extension veterinarian and Professor,
Dept. of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, has accepted
the additional responsibility of Agriculture and Natural Resources
program leader. The post was previously held by Dr. Phil Rasmussen.
The change was made to allow Rasmussen more time with his many
other responsibilities including being assistant director of
the Agriculture Experiment Station, Utah State’s NASA
Extension specialist and director of the Western Sustainable
Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program.
“We really appreciate Phil’s contributions on top
of all the other great work he is doing,” Payne said.
“Bagley is well know and respected around the state and
Extension faculty,” Payne said. “His connections
with the agricultural community have been invaluable in the
areas of animal health, productivity and well being.”
“I look forward to working primarily with the Extension
Specialists of the colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources,”
Bagley said. “But it will certainly involve a lot of coordination
with Extension Administration, the other program Leaders, Regional
Directors and Agricultural Agents throughout the state.
“It also will involve some mentoring of newer faculty
to aid in their orientation, introductions to key people and
program or funding opportunities.The mentoring also may extend
to other faculty who are changing programs or directions of
work efforts.”
Bagley said he hopes to serve as a facilitator to provide information
to both individuals and groups on funding or connecting points
on state or multi-state projects. The position also will entail
getting the right individuals and groups together to define
current issues and problems as well as develop plans and the
informational materials needed to aid in resolving these.
“I do not and cannot know all the people and issues that
are important, so will have to rely on input from groups and
individuals,” Bagley said.“That will aid us in identifying
the areas and issues where my influence and facilitation would
be of most help. I enjoy and appreciate Extension workers and
our mission and look forward to this increased involvement with
a variety of Extension personnel.”
February 21, 2003
Writer: Dennis Hinkamp 435-797-1392
Contact: Clell V. Bagley 435-7971882 [clellb@ext.usu.edu]
CHIEF FOREST SERVICE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT TO
VISIT UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
LOGAN — Ramiro Villalvazo, chief landscape architect
for the U.S. Forest Service, will speak at Utah State University
Wednesday, March 5, at 2:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Visual Building,
room 150, on the Utah State campus. The visit is hosted by the
department of landscape architecture and environmental planning
at Utah State. The event is free and all are invited.
Villalvazo’s presentation is titled “The U.S. Forest
Service Built Environment Image Guide.” This document
describes in detail the Forest Service’s guidelines for
context-sensitive development on and in various national forests,
said Utah State faculty member John Ellsworth. This is part
of a national effort by the U.S. Forest Service to provide facilities
— including visitor’s centers, campgrounds, interpretive
centers — that are designed and constructed with styles
and materials that are visually and functionally congruous with
their surroundings in any particular national forest, Ellsworth
continued.
A question and answer session will follow Villalvazo’s
one-hour presentation. A reception follows in the second floor
foyer area of the Fine Arts Visual building.
“Mr. Villalvazo’s visit supports the educational
programs in our department,” said
Ellsworth. “His visit will expose our students —
undergraduates and graduates alike — to a professional
landscape architect working at the highest level of the federal
government.”
Villalvazo can serve as a professional role model for the students,
he said.
“His presentation also highlights the innovative and exciting
work being done in support of good design and planning on federally
managed public lands,” Ellsworth continued.
As the chief landscape architect for the Recreation, Heritage
and Wilderness Resource staff of the USDA Forest Service, Villalvazo
is based in Washington, D.C. He is program manager for the Scenery
Management System (SMS) and the Build Environment Image Guide
(BEIG). His primary responsibilities include providing leadership
and direction in maintaining the integrity and quality of forest
landscape settings and in the design and development of public
facilities that demonstrate the agency’s concern for sustainability
and excellent land stewardship.
Villalvazo has worked on five national forests, including the
Caribbean National Forest in Puerto Rico and, most recently,
the Angeles National Forest in southern California. He has extensive
international experience in Latin America, including work in
Panama, Nicaragua and Mexico. He received his bachelor’s
degree in landscape architecture from California State Polytechnic
University, Pomona, in 1982 and obtained his professional registration
from the State of California in 1988. He is a member of the
American Society of Landscape Architects.
February 21, 2003
Contact: John Ellsworth (435) 797-0500
Writer: Patrick Williams (435) 797-1354
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR USES CONTEMPORARY
MUSIC TO TEACH ENGLISH
LOGAN — Many students would like to study English with
Neil Young, J-Lo and Chuck Berry, or at least study English
via their music. Utah State University English assistant professor
Brock Dethier has been doing it for years and will speak about
his unique classroom methods in his presentation “Music,
Metaphor, and Meaning,” Wednesday, March 5, at 12:30 p.m.
in the Utah State Haight Alumni Center. A light lunch will be
served during the free presentation, and everyone is invited.
The event is part of the Utah State Department of English Speakers
Series.
Dethier, a 27-year veteran of teaching writing, is also a music
lover. He takes advantage of students’ identification
with music and bridges the two disciplines by introducing music
with some aspect of each day’s lesson, he said.
“In the writing program we’re constantly looking
for ways to make lessons more fun, interesting, relevant and
productive and music can have all of those effects in a class,”
said Dethier. “Bridging English and music can wake up
the most bored and alienated students and make them eager to
read, write and rock.”
Dethier’s students agree. “Music makes for a very
honest experience,” said undergraduate
Olivia Lester. “It allows students to have opinions and
ideas and to feel emotions, and it makes us think.”
Graduate students echo her sentiments. “It is amazing
how much more efficient it is to show concepts with music rather
than to try to hammer writing theory in people’s minds,”
said Iren Bencze.
Dethier explained that music provides an effective way to introduce
and explain virtually everything about composition and literature.
The students’ musical enthusiasms become material for
learning and self-expression.
Dethier’s presentation includes information from a book
he authored. Though written for English teachers, Dethier believes
the methods found in his book benefit parents and students alike.
“Although music is everywhere, we pay little attention
to it in school, at home or in understanding ourselves,”
Dethier said. “I am interested in what we can learn by
making sense of our tastes and preferences and in the many metaphorical
uses of music in our lives.”
The Department of English Speakers Series was established to
promote the value of arts and humanities in American public
life. The series features faculty research accomplishments and
noted visiting authors sharing their work. For more information,
contact Marina Hall at (435) 797-3858.
February 21, 2003
Contact: Marina Hall (435) 797-3858
Writer: Andrew Bryan, abryan@cc.usu.edu
UTAH STATE THEATRE “TAMES” A SHAKESPEARE
CLASSIC
LOGAN — William Shakespeare’s name is synonymous
with theatrical works. Thoughts of classic stage pieces and
works of literature instantly come to mind — “Macbeth”
or perhaps “Hamlet,” to name a famous pair.
During the week of March 3-8, Utah State Theatre presents another
classic from the Bard, “The Taming of the Shrew.”
The production comes to the stage of the Caine Lyric Theatre
(28 West Center St., Logan) with a 7:30 p.m. curtain time. A
2 p.m. matinee performance joins the evening performance Saturday,
March 8.
Tickets for “The Taming of the Shrew” range from
$6 to $9, with Utah State students admitted free with a valid
ID and ticket. Children under the age of 6 will not be admitted.
For ticket information call (435) 797-0305. For general inquiries
call (435) 797-1500 or email gordonj@hass.usu.edu. Tickets can
also be purchased online at www.usu.edu/theatre.
Perhaps no play’s plot has ever been more neatly summed
up in its title than is the case of this broad, robust farce.
“The Taming of the Shrew” is a comedy of clamor,
with its portrayal of an adventurer, Petruchio, who meets his
kicking, biting, yowling bride on her own terms and bends her
toward submission. Advised in advance of her boiling tempers,
he boasts that he cannot be daunted by “a little din”
and leads her to the alter after a whirlwind courtship.
Director Adrianne Moore’s take on the play?
“I think the relationship between Kate and Petruchio is
often viewed in rather simplistic terms,” Moore said.
“Kate’s apparent conversion at the end of the play
is either seen as sincere, in which case Petruchio becomes a
monster and Kate a victim, or it’s completely tongue in
cheek, in which Kate is the winner and Petruchio the dupe.”
Moore has chosen to focus on the complexity of the relationship.
Kate is the victim of a rigid social code in regards to the
expected behavior of upper class women in the time period, and
Petruchio maintains all the advantages of his sex and social
position, Moore said. However, there is a connection between
them, based on their view of the world and their disdain for
the social expectations of society.
“At the heart of this comedy is a social system that is
very much about the owner and the owned, the tamer and the tamed,”
Moore added. “There is definitely a dark undercurrent
to this light comedy.”
Cory Castillo plays Petruchio, the man who weds a fiery wife
with his eyes open, confident he can draw her strings. Amy Lewis
is seen as Katharine, the spitfire wife who tests Petruchio
every way possible. Cassandra E. Orr (Bianca) is Katharine’s
supposedly sweeter sister who, after marriage, turns out to
need Katharine’s lesson as much as Katharine ever did.
Brian Bahr (Lucentio) is Bianca’s luckless groom who loses
a bet to Petruchio over which of them has the more (seemingly)
obedient wife. Baptista, the sister’s relieved father,
is played by Justin Berry.
Others in the cast of 13 are TJ Larsen, Mike Risk, Jeremy Kidd,
Richie Call, Quentin Sagers, Julianna Johnson, Vanessa Ballam
Brenchley and Brooklynn Pulver.
The mists of uncertainty surrounding exact dates of the first
performances of Shakespeare’s plays are even thicker with
“Shrew.” In the sequence of his plays, it is believed
that “Shrew” came in 1594, immediately following
“The Merchant of Venice.” Few records exist of a
production of the play as we know it until the comparatively
recent production by Arnold Daly in New York in 1887. That production
toured the United States, England, France, Germany and the Netherlands.
And after its slow starts, the play’s productions are
countless in number over the past century.
“I hope that our production will be very clear,”
Moore said. “I hope that the audience will know exactly
what’s going on, and that they will be entertained, perhaps
provoked, certainly not bored. I think they’ll see vibrant
performances from some very skilled actors.”
February 21, 2003
Contact: Jeremy Gordon (435) 797-1500
Adrianne Moore (435) 797-3023
STUDENT JAZZ BANDS PERFORM AT UTAH STATE
LOGAN — Utah State University’s Jazz Orchestra
and Jazz Ensemble’s third installment of big band swing
is Tuesday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. in the Morgan Theatre of the
Chase Fine Arts Center on campus. Tickets are available at the
door. Admission is $3 and Utah State students are admitted free.
“The Morgan is an intimate setting for jazz with the front
row within a few feet of the band,” Jazz Ensemble leader
Todd Fallis said. “We don’t get to play there often
but when we do it is always fun in the smaller venue.”
The Morgan Theatre seats approximately 700, compared to the
2,200-seat Kent Concert Hall where most of the concerts are
held. Fallis encourages an early arrival to assure a good seat.
The Jazz Ensemble, as always, offers a myriad of styles, Fallis
said. “My job is to help train the students in basic jazz
styles such as Latin and straight-ahead swing or even contemporary
jazz,” Fallis said. “With that in mind, I try to
program a variety of charts that reflect the various styles
being performed today and yesterday.”
Kicking things off is “Blues Doctor,” written by
Count Basie’s main composer, Sammy Nestico. Duke Ellington’s
classic “Blue Cellophane,” featuring trombonist
Kirk Jones, follows. Chick Corea’s “Electric City,”
a funk chart from his electric music period, is followed by
the Latin chart “Mambo Inn.” Oliver Nelson’s
“Emancipation Blues,” featuring Aaron Peck on alto
sax and Bryce Garey on trumpet, leads to the final piece of
the set, the upbeat and contemporary “Pullin’ Punches”
by Les Hooper.
Just back from the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow, Idaho,
the Jazz Orchestra, led by Larry Smith, will perform many of
the numbers it performed at the festival.
“Opus de Funk,” a piece by jazz pianist Horace Silver,
is offered. It features pianist Kate Proudfit Skinner, tenor
saxophonist David Omer, trombonist Andrew Watkins and guitarist
Jesse Schafer. “On the Other Hand,” a work by Latin
pianist Michel Camilo, highlights Josh Rasmussen’s trumpet
and Skinner’s piano.
Guitarist Jesse Schafer is soloist on “Round Midnight,”
a jazz classic by Thelonious Monk. Brazilian pianist Elaine
Elias composed “Just Kidding,” which showcases Skinner’s
piano talent again.
Several soloists who competed in the solo competition at the
jazz festival will also be presented, including Skinner, guitarist
David Newson, trombonists Roger Karren and Chris Olsen, bassist
Josh Skinner and trumpeter Rasmussen.
Many styles of music will be performed, including swing, bebop,
Latin and jazz-rock fusion, Smith said. He invites all to enjoy
an evening of jazz with Utah State’s student ensembles.
February 21, 2003
Contact: Larry Smith (435) 797-3003
Todd Fallis (435) 797-3005
Writer: Patrick Williams (435) 797-1354
JAZZ GUITARISTS ARE GUESTS AT UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
LOGAN — A concert featuring two jazz guitarists is planned
at Utah State University, and Mike Christiansen, head of the
university’s guitar program, could not be happier.
Joe Diorio and Sid Jacobs perform Thursday, March 6, at 7:30
p.m. in the Morgan Theatre of the Chase Fine Arts Center. Tickets
are available at the door. General admission tickets are $5,
and students with ID are admitted free.
“Joe and Sid are well known individually in jazz circles,”
Christiansen said. “Both are well up the reputation ladder
— they have amazing solo careers. To have them perform
here together is a rare treat.”
Christiansen said both guitarists have backed up the who’s
who in jazz and have impressive solo careers.
In addition to the concert, Diorio and Jacobs will present workshops
as well. Workshops are scheduled March 5 and 7, and anyone interested
in details should call Christiansen at (435) 797-3011.
“With two days of workshops and clinics, my students will
have learned enough to practice for the next four or five years,”
Christiansen said. “These guitarists have a lot to offer
young musicians.”
The concert program was not available, but Christiansen said
a general audience will appreciate the evening. Diorio and Jacobs
combine a mix of outstanding jazz music with humor and have
great interaction with the audience, Christiansen said.
“Joe and Sid will present a very user-friendly concert.”
Diorio is a guitarist and composer. He has 50 years experience
playing the guitar and more than 40 years experience as a performer
and recording artist. He teaches at the University of Southern
California and has conducted jazz guitar seminars throughout
the United States, Europe and Brazil. Additionally, he is one
of the three founding instructors for the Guitar Institute of
Technology (G.I.T.) in Hollywood, Calif. He is a respected educator
and has many books and an educational video to his name.
As a jazz guitarist, Diorio has worked with such jazz luminaries
as Sonny Stitt, Eddie Harris, Ira Sullivan, Stan Getz, Horace
Silver and Freddie Hubbard. He recently toured Italy with Riccardo
Del Fra (bass player with Chet Baker, Johnny Griffin, Toots
Thieleman). His most recent releases on CD with the new Italian
jazz label RAM Records include “I Remember Wes,”
a tribute to Wes Montgomery.
Jacobs grew up in Miami, Fla., and began guitar lessons at the
age of 7. As a teenager he became serious about jazz playing
and studied and practiced by day and sneaked into jazz clubs
at night. When the Jacobs family moved to Nevada, he became
a guitar instructor at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.
As such, at age 18 he became the youngest faculty member in
the school’s music department. While living in Nevada,
he found work in hotel pit orchestras and as touring accompanist
to a number of celebrity singers and jazz artists.
After moving to Los Angeles, Jacobs developed the cirriculum
for the jazz guitar elective at the Guitar Instutute of Technology
and the advanced bebop and jazz guitar course at the Dick Grove
School. He now divides his time among his pursuits as a GIT
instructor, musical equipment manufacturer’s consultant,
performance and recording artist and jazz clinician.
“This concert is a great ending to a season of great guest
performers,” said Christiansen. “We’ve had
the cream of the crop covering the spectrum, and it was made
possible by a grant from the Marie Eccles Caine Foundation.
We’ve had the best of Nashville, the best of jazz and
top-notch educators. It’s been a very good year, and I
hope our loyal guitar audience will come out and enjoy this
concert with Joe and Sid.”
The year isn’t quite over for the guitar program at Utah
State. Members of Christiansen’s student guitar ensembles
present a year-end concert April 14.
February 21, 2003
Contact: Mike Christiansen (435) 797-3011
Writer: Patrick Williams (435) 797-1354
ASK A SPECIALIST:DO YOU HAVE TIPS FOR DEALING
WITH ROAD RAGE?
We can blame the violent behavior some people exhibit with an
automobile on a lot of things, but if each of us monitored our
own behavior, the problem could certainly be reduced. Before
taking to the highways, consider the following suggestions:
• Start early enough in your preparations for work or
errand running that you have a few minutes to focus your thoughts
on something calming and relaxing before you leave. Tell those
around you how much you care for them prior to leaving. Your
day will go a lot better and so will theirs.
• Leave home with ample time to arrive at your destination.
If you are running behind, everything that slows you down will
become an irritant and a source of frustration to you. Recognize
that if you are leaving home under stress, you are much more
likely to act in an irresponsible fashion. Find ways to handle
your stress other than behaving irresponsibly behind the steering
wheel.
• If possible, arrange your commute at times when traffic
is light.
• Create a relaxing environment in your car. Select calming
music either from the radio, a tape or CD. Or, try singing songs
that make you happy.
• Do not take traffic problems personally. Pause and
marvel at how well most people obey the traffic rules. The majority
of people are very courteous in their driving behaviors.
• If someone is observed driving aggressively, avoid
eye contact and never make obscene gestures to show your frustration.
Use your horn very sparingly, if at all, and obey all traffic
laws. Slow down and get away from someone acting in an irresponsible
manner. Note a description of the car and a license plate number
and report the incident to the police. Take a big breath, then
go on with your business of driving.
• Be a courteous driver. Someone is much more likely
to treat you courteously if you are courteous. Think of the
damage that could be done to other drivers if you get someone
outraged because of your neglectful driving. Carpool whenever
possible. We all tend to act kinder to others when we are in
the presence of other people.
• Set a positive and responsible example to your children
and spouse while driving. This will help them avoid road rage
as well.
• Remember that being angry or frustrated is not healthy
for you or anyone else. Arriving at your destination with added
anger or frustration is not good for conducting whatever business
you are there to do.
* To see other "Ask A Specialist" columns, visit
http//extension.usu.edu/publica/news/aska/
________
Direct column topics to Julene Reese, Utah State University
Extension, Logan, UT 84322-4900; 435-797-1363; julener@sunrem.com
February 21, 2003
Answer by Glen O. Jenson, professor emeritus, Utah State
University Extension and Family and Human Development Department
utah
state today/archives/February
2003/archives
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