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30 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 13, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com Music does more than soothe the soul By Omar Othman Grade 8 HERITAGE GLEN PUBLIC SCHOOL Q uarter notes, half notes, and whole notes, melody, tempo, bars, staff lines and rhythm. What comes to mind when you think about this? To me it's music, and I would like to talk about how music affects kids' lives. Children who take music have a bet- ter chance in life, and it's not just because I play the guitar, well actually it might be. Nah. I'm just messin with ya. If you really think about it, music kids are actually smarter in a way because when they are producing music both sides of their brain are working. Take guitar for example. Usually the right hand is strumming while the left is playing either chords or notes. Two hands are doing opposing things. When my brother plays drums he uses his right hand to keep the rhythm on the hi-hat, his left hand hits the snare and his foot hits the bass drum to form the beat. While forming that drum beat he is using both the right and left side. Exercising both sides of your brain also helps you to make better decisions and choices in life. Secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reportedly have the lowest Halton Regional Chair Halton Region needs a strong Regional Chairman who not only understands the issues but who has a proven track record in providing strong leadership while forging and maintaining relationships to protect the interests of Halton and the quality of life we all enjoy. Eight years as Halton Region's Chief Administrative Officer Officer Strong alliances with Municipal, Regional, Provincial and Federal leaders Proven financial track record and innovative approaches to business and planning www.brentmarshall.ca Join us for Breakfast with Brent - $10.00 October 23rd, 8am - 9am at Le Dome, Oakville October 28th, 8am -10am at Springer House, Burlington lifetime and current use of all substances (alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs). Musical training can also improve brain function. The musician is constantly adjusting decisions on tempo, tone, style, rhythm, phrasing and feeling. Performing these tasks helps develop the brain's ability to organize and multi-task. Studying music encourages self-discipline and diligence -- traits that carry over into intellectual pursuits and that leads to effective study and work habits. For all these reasons, music deserves strong support in our educational system, along with the other arts, the sciences, and athletics. These are just a few examples, there are many more. For me, music fixes everything. I play guitar when I'm upset and it calms me down. I play when I'm sad and it helps me to feel better. I also play just because I enjoy it. It's really great to play with friends or to have people listen and tell me I sound good. Music works on a person's emotions in a way that nothing else does. Just imagine a movie without the soundtrack. A lot of the suspense we feel doesn't just happen because of the action. Your emo- tions are reacting to the sound of the music. Just at that moment, the music stops and we are glued to the screen. Moms put their babies to sleep with music, because it is soothing the what? The emotions! Then again, it can be used as torture, that's what some parents say about the music we listen to. Just last spring, I participated in a MusicFest in Ottawa. Our jazz band competed with some of the best musical talent in the country. What an incredible experience. I had the opportunity to listen to the Humber College Faculty Band. It must be the best in the world. As I listened the guitarist, I realize how much more I have to learn. He could do amazing things with his guitar. Everyone was impressed with the tenor sax and trumpets. It is difficult to describe in words what I felt while I was watching and listening to this amazing band. Again, it's that emotion thing. As a school, we didn't do too badly, we won Silver and proud of it. The best part of the trip was how we, as a band, came together. Music just has a way of bringing out the best in people. DO NOT PAY 1 YEAR FOR * $ 899* Super Hurry in for up to 50% Off* Full Reclining Sofa WENDELL Recliner 100% Leather Sale GAVIN 100% Leather $ Super financing. Super savings. Super selection. $ 1099* DESIGNER SERIES RECLINERS in leather and fabric MONTREAL Living Room Sofa $ 499* FERGUSON $ Hi-Leg Recliner 879 999 $* From SPIRIT * 1399* Fabric $ 1899* Leather Reclining Sofa THE FAMILY ROOM SuperStore * See store for details. Offer does not apply to dotted merchandise. Limited time offer. www.lazboytoronto.com www.lazboytoronto.com www.lazboy.com/toronto Monday - Friday 10 am - 9 pm Saturday 9:30 am - 6 pm Sunday 11 am - 5 pm Legendary Quality... Direct from The Source.