4/18/2007 - Belmont Vision

Feature
www.belmontvision.com
Spirituality and creativity
Though not many students on campus know about it, several Belmont students are finding a bridge between their
spiritual and artistic sides through a relatively new major.
p. 6-7
News
The student newspaper of Belmont University
Vol. 56, No. 14
April 18, 2007
1 break,
11 days
Spring, Easter
combined in ‘08
By Chansin Bird
Due to the early date of Easter and
Belmont’s hopes to host the Atlantic Sun
conference basketball tournament next year,
spring break ‘08 will come immediately
after Easter break. This reverses the usual
order of school holidays and will put spring
break – March 20-30 – two and a half weeks
later than it was this year.
Administrators moved spring break back
a week because they knew they were going
bid on the A-Sun tournament and wanted to
have the students on campus for the event.
“It’s a much better tournament if the students are here,” Athletic Director Mike
Strickland said.
Then they realized Easter break was
going to be earlier than usual.
“I think coming back from spring break
and turning around a week and a half later
for another break makes little sense,”
Provost Dan McAlexander said.
Instead of having two separate breaks
from school in the spring, students will have
a longer break.
“A fairly large percentage of our students
live a fairly significant distance away,”
McAlexander said. “They’re probably going
to be flying home. This gives them an
opportunity to be home, spend Easter with
their families, and extend their spring break.
They will not have to do double travel.”
This also means spring break will actually occur in the spring. Students can hope for
warmer weather, as the first day of spring is
officially March 20 in 2008.
As for the A-Sun tournament, Belmont
last hosted in 2004 and 2005.
“Spring break did start on the Friday we
were doing the semifinals, and students
were leaving campus,” Strickland said. “We
got some students to say they’d start their
spring break when the tournament was over.
We had a donor donate the tickets for
them.”
Belmont will submit a two-year bid in
May to host the tournament again, and the
decision will be made in June.
“The tournament committee makes a
selection,” Strickland said. “In the A-Sun,
they are looking for who puts the most
money on the table, who makes the highest
bid.”
The tournament dates will be March 5-8.
This coming year will be the first time the
conference will have a combined tournament for men’s and women’s basketball.
“I think we’ve got a really good chance,”
Strickland said. “I think the league would
like to have it here. Everyone likes to come
to Nashville. And they know we’ll do a
good job with it.”
Middle Tennessee State University and
Tennessee State University are going to be
on spring break March 3-7. Vanderbilt will
take its break March 5-11. Lipscomb
University and the Metropolitan Nashville
public school district will be away March
17-21. Belmont will be one of the last
schools in Nashville to go on holiday.
SENIOR WRITER
It’s a race!
Belmont hosted the Nashville Mayoral Forum on Apr. 13 at
the Massey Performing Arts Center (MPAC) for the upcoming race in August. Two Belmont student panelists quizzed
the six candidates on issues relevant to the Belmont student community.
p. 3
Sports
Flamethrowers
Summer’s close, which means things are starting to heat
up on the diamond for the Bruins’ baseball team, and
nobody brings the heat better than BU’s strikeout-hungry
trio of Charles Lee, Josh Moffitt and Carlo Testa, above.
Also, Wilson Tucker breaks the all-time hits record.
What record will fall next for Belmont’s consensus
A-Sun first-teamer?
p. 8
Entertainment
Best of the Best, baby!
It’s all come down to this: the outright champions of
Pop/Rock, Country, Christian, Urban and Other
Showcases, as well as five top songwriters from the
Writers’ Showcase, will be featured in the comprehensive
Best of the Best Showcase at 7 p.m. Saturday, Apr. 28.
p. 10
Online
Sports editor Jordan Drake’s NFL
mock draft
Check it out at:
www.belmontvision.com
Sing it Greek style
PHOTOS BY SIERRA MITCHELL
During Belmont’s annual Greek Week, sorority and fraternity members used “Greek Sing”
as an opportunity to raise their voices and encourage new members. Among the participants were, top, members of Phi Mu and, bottom, Alpha Tau Omega.
Students probe links
between art, grace
By Chansin Bird
For junior Lucas Cummins, “Religion
and music are two aspects of my life that
naturally coexist and complement one another.”
Belmont’s Religion and the Arts program
enables him to fully pursue both fields,
which he believes will prepare him for the
career he wants, working in the music industry with a strong background in religion.
Many Belmont students don’t know
much, if anything, about the Religion and
the Arts major. This Thursday they will have
the opportunity to not only learn about this
new major but also view some pieces created
by Religion and the Arts students.
Visual art, poetry, essays and musical
compositions will be on display in a convocation event, and there will be a brief presentation about the major as well.
The symposium class, made up of predominantly upperclass Religion and the Arts
majors, has organized the gallery exhibition
to share their work and introduce people to
the program, launched in the fall of 2005.
“It’s explicitly set up to be a forum where
students can reflect artistically on a theological theme,” professor Steve Guthrie said.
“This show isn’t claiming to be the five best
songwriters at Belmont or the 10 best photographers, but here are some attempts at
integration. Here are some students who are
trying to draw together who they are as
Christians and what they love to do as
artists.”
The event’s theme is “Overflow: profligate grace and reckless beauty.” Students in
the major consider the question, “What does
art do?” Guthrie said that contemporary
SENIOR WRITER
Getting There
WHO: For all students and faculty,
put on by the Religion and Arts
Symposium class
WHAT: Convocation with a
"gallery exhibition sort of feel,” featuring art, photography, writings and
music pieces by Religion and the
Arts students. Also, information
about the Religion and the Arts
major.
THEME: “Overflow: profligate
grace and reckless beauty”
WHEN: Thursday, April 19 from 79 p.m.
WHERE: Neely Dining Room
CONVO CREDIT: Christian Faith
Development
American culture tends to ask of everything,
“What’s this good for? What can I do with
this?”
“Art encourages us to look at an object –
not in terms of some benefit we derive from
it – but for it’s own sake,” Guthrie said.
That way of looking at things is not very
far removed from the Christian idea of grace,
he said.
“God looks at us and doesn’t say,
‘What’s this good for? What’s in it for
me?’” Guthrie said. “Rather, God pours out
love to creatures who don’t have very much
to offer.”
See RELIGION AND ARTS, page 2 Page 2
The Belmont Vision, April 18, 2007
Stars show up, but
students complain
about CMT show
By Rachel Allen
The Country Music Television Music Awards returned to Belmont’s
campus for a second year on Mon. April 16. For security reasons, the
Beaman Student Life Center and other parts of campus were shut down
for days around the event, creating more than a few frustrated students
and faculty. Here is what some of them had to say:
STAFF WRITER
"Parking is just
ridiculous...having the show
here is good publicity, but it
could be better planned." Christina Coomer, freshman
Religion and the Arts major
"I'm glad we can have it, it's
good publicity, I know, but seriously, don't shut down campus.
What is more important--academics or publicity?" - Megan
Gleckler, junior commercial
voice major who can't get her posters approved for a recital on Friday
because Beaman is closed.
"Don't forget the students." - Emily Bishop, junior medical imaging
technology major
"They don't benefit us much and they get in the way." - Ben Bryan,
sophomore political science major
"They need to work on their relationship with the students. We're trying to get an education here; we're not just hanging out, and they're hindering that education." - Krystal Long, sophomore media studies major
RELIGION AND ARTS, from page 1
The show is organized around this theme of overflow - a God who
pours out abundance and a world filled with good blessings.
All students are encouraged to come, particularly people who are interested in the Religion and the Arts major. Beyond that, Guthrie thinks anybody who is interested in this dialogue between religion and the arts
would benefit.
“The Religion and the Arts [classes] … put my art in the context of a
real and secular world, rather than relegating it to the corner of a church
building,” Jessica Brandhorst said.
Attendees will be able to take home a Religion and the Arts journal,
titled “Life Abundant”, which features many of the pieces from the
show.
Because the symposium class is offered every other year, this convo
event may only occur that often, but it’s possible a forum for Religion
and the Arts students will be organized to present their work annually.
“We have a lot of really gifted, creative people in this new major,”
Guthrie said. “It’s great for them to have this outlet to present some of the
things they’re working on.”
Stylin’
Models get dressed
up and take to the
runway for a fashion
show by Feedback
Clothing, Belmont’s
on-campus fashion
boutique. Among the
participants, clockwise from top, are
Megan Andrelski and
Lindsey Wagner;
Lindsay Timberlake;
and makeup models
Steven McWilliams
and Aubrie Wilson.
PHOTOS BY ZOLLIE WILSON
BURS presentations April 25
By Ameshia Cross
After months of hard work, stressful moments and
frequent visits with advisers, in the Honors Program,
College of Arts and Sciences and Education, Religion
and Business Schools will present their research theses
in front of professors, students and faculty as part of
Belmont Connections.
The presentations are for BURS – the 17th annual
Belmont Undergraduate Research Symposium – April
25.
“Over the years it has grown from a few students to
over hundreds,” Academic Outreach and
Undergraduate Research Coordinator Dr. Glenn Acree
said.
There are between 110-120 presentations this year.
Each student will have 20-30 minutes to present their
thesis and the groundwork of their research. But there
is a slight difference in BURS this year.
“We will have a poster session, it’s an opportunity
STAFF WRITER
for students to display the work they’ve done over the
past year,” Acree said. The posters will be on tri-fold
boards and students will be near them to explain their
significance to observers.
Belmont’s BURS keynote speaker this year is Dr.
Gary Wells, a psychology professor at Iowa State
University and an internationally recognized scholar in
scientific psychology and eyewitness memory. He was
a founding member of the U.S. Department of Justice
group that developed the first set of national guidelines
for eyewitness evidence.
Academic Lecture convocation credit will be given
for those students who attend BURS.
“For those who will have to present their research
in the future, it is important to know what it’s like,”
Acree said. “Even if you won’t have to present, it’s a
great learning experience. Undergraduate research is a
way of teaching what students can’t get in the classroom.”
1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville TN, 37212
Phone: (615) 460-6433
E-mail: vision@mail.belmont.edu
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Managing Editor:
Online Editor:
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Sports Editor:
Advertising:
Faculty Adviser:
Online/Graphics Adviser:
Henry Nichols
Melanie Bengtson
Joanna Larson
Sierra Mitchell
Andrew Cole
Jordan Drake
Karen Bennett
Linda Quigley
Angela Smith
Senior Staff: Adaeze Elechi, Chansin Bird, Chris
Speed, Eric Detweiler
Contributors: Lisa Johnston, Courtney Drake,
Rachel Allen, Ameshia Cross, Rachel Waller, Jessica
Walker, Matt Reynolds, Bethany Arthur, Meaghan
Mitchell, Ray Taylor, Sarah Mitchell, Jeanette Ceja,
Bland Clark, Chase Misenheimer, Lance Conzett,
Katie Ragsdale, Joseph Shelby, Danae Hutchinson
The Belmont Vision, April 18, 2007
Page 3
Mayoral candidates address local issues
By Ameshia Cross
Voting can be a difficult task - especially when there is a myriad of candidates. Where do
you start?
Belmont University hosted the Nashville Mayoral Forum April 13 in the Massey
Performing Arts Center. Harry Chapman, director of development for major gifts, moderated
the forum for Nashville mayoral candidates David Briley, Bob Clement, Karl Dean, Buck
Dozier, Kenneth Eaton and Howard Gentry. Chapman opened by saying, “six out of 10 students remain in Tennessee after they graduate,” although students are gradually moving to
bigger cities to find work.
Belmont Vision editor and senior journalism major Henry Nichols began questioning the
candidates about what their plans were in regard to keeping students in Tenn. “We need to
keep college graduates in Nashville,” Clement said. He believes that having a clean, green,
safe and affordable Nashville are the key elements in keeping students in Tenn. after they
have completed their studies.
Dean echoed this, saying, “Nashville is a city that is a perfect place to raise a family.”
“The economic, social and cultural diversity in Nashville make it a place where students
should want to stay,” Dozier said.
Briley actually went farther in his response, “I will make sure we have more neighborhoods where people can work and play. I will start a program where students can come and
work with the government and pay off their student loans within five years.”
James Madison Society Vice President Lauren Williams probed the candidates as well
with questions regarding environmental awareness and growth.
Dozier began by saying, “Environmental care is a moral issue.” Eaton was not so convinced that environmental initiatives would make a difference at all.
The candidates also expressed interest in the future of today’s college students. “Your generation will discover the new wealth,” Briley said.
Each candidate got a chance to say why he deserves to be the next mayor of Nashville. “I
believe in bridges. We need bridges to connect us culturally, ideologically and religiously,”
Briley said.
“Endowment for schools, hometown security, common sense, decency and accountability
will be brought to Nashville if I am elected,” Dozier said.
“I am running for mayor because Nashville can be a better place, diversity is its true treasure. We can have the best education systems and together we can keep Nashville flourishing,” Gentry said.
“I have a plan. A plan for the environment, community and the overall growth of
Nashville,” Briley said.
“I want to see Nashville reduce crime, increase job availability, build smarter transit systems and become more environmentally conscious. We need to match our resources with volunteerism,” said Clement.
STAFF WRITER
School of pharmacy
will open for ‘08-’09
By Lance Conzett
Belmont may be known primarily for its
music business school, but the university is
quickly attempting to establish itself as a
center for medical training. The latest
expansion of its health care programs –
including physical therapy, occupational
therapy and nursing – comes in the form of
a school of pharmacy, set to open in the
2008-09 school year.
Belmont isn’t the only university to institute a pharmacy program, however. When
the school opens, it will be the third new
pharmacy program in the Middle Tennessee
area. Cross-boulevard rival Lipscomb
University and Union University in Jackson,
Tenn., both plan to open similar programs in
the same time period. Both of these programs, as well as East Tennessee State
University’s program, which started in
January 2007, likely will vie for prospective
students in direct competition with Belmont.
According to Belmont’s initial
announcement, projections indicate 1,060
new pharmacy positions will be needed in
Tennessee alone; there will be an expected
shortage of 157,000 nationwide by 2020.
But despite this, some have seen the
increase as possible oversaturation.
Jennifer Athay, associate director of student development with the American
Pharmacists Association, was quoted in wire
service reports saying, “I know there have
been some discussions within the pharmacy
profession about, ‘OK. When is it going to
be too much?’”
Although the pharmacy school has been
formally announced, little is known about
STAFF WRITER
A growing need
The addition of a pharmacy school at
Belmont is expected to help meet the need –
and provide jobs – in a growing marketplace.
The American Foundation for Pharmaceutical
Education reports:
• A Jan. 2003 survey by the National
Association of Chain Drug Stores reported
5,499 vacant drug store pharmacist positions.
• Government and industry surveys point to
unprecedented increases in the volume of
prescriptions. Between 1992-99, the average
number of prescriptions each community
pharmacist filled rose 32 percent.
• Administrative time to handle third-party
payments for prescriptions now consumes
10- 20 percent of a pharmacist’s time.
how it will operate. It has been described as
a four-year graduate studies program, but
the university has not established a curriculum, and five of the seven jobs that have
been advertised in higher education listings
since Dec. 1 remain active. The position of
founding dean is no longer listed among the
openings, but the university has not revealed
if the post has been filled. These and other
details are expected to be finalized closer to
the scheduled opening.
In recent years, Belmont has focused
heavily on expanding its health care facilities. The Gordon E. Inman Health Services
Building was opened in August 2006 after a
similar situation was brought to light. A
nurse shortage in Tennessee caused the university to establish a “fast track” program
for nursing student graduates.
PHOTO BY SIERRA MITCHELL
Upcoming Nashville mayoral candidates David Briley, Bob Clement and Karl Dean push to gain
the vote of Belmont students as they listen to an opening statement from Harry Chapman,
Belmont director of development for major gifts. The six candidates in the August election participated in a forum at Belmont April 13.
Representatives of Belmont’s democrat and republican collegiate organizations were in
attendance, among other political groups.
The candidates left a lasting impression on senior Belmont Ambassador Molly Smith. “I
wasn’t familiar with the candidates before the forum,” she said.
Incentives to get students to attend the forum included class credit for some and convocation credit for all.
But Smith didn’t come for either of those reasons, “I wanted to hear each of them and see
what they were really like. They had their individual platforms but they were still relatable to
students,” she said.
Page 4
ideas
The Belmont Vision, April 18, 2007
Let us know what you think. Send a signed letter, 400
words maximum, with your local telephone number, to
The Editor, Belmont Vision, 1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville,
TN 37212. E-mail submissions are also accepted; send
them to vision@mail.belmont.edu.
E
Aday in the life U.S. v. China: piracy wars
It’s just another day in the life…except today’s unusual because you
pull into the Inman parking deck and there are a few more spaces than
usual. You exit your car with 10 minutes to spare, walk into class and head
towards the third row where your friends are already waiting.
“Did you hear what happened?” they ask in a tone of heightened wonder
and disbelief.
“No…”
“Some dude shot a girl to death in Thrailkill this morning.”
“No way!”
“I wonder if it was that same dude who stole stuff from people’s
dorms.”
“When did all this happen?”
“Like about an hour ago.”
“That gives new meaning to the name Thrailkill!”
A few minutes later, your professor comes in and everyone excitedly
asks what the deal is with the shootings and what has been done to take
care of it.
“Why are we still here when there’s a killer on campus?” you ask.
“What if he comes over here?”
somebody else asks.
HENRY NICHOLS
“Don’t worry guys,” the professor says. “The building supervisor
just got off the phone with the
provost and said it’s all being
taken care of. They’ll let us know
if there are any updates. Just stay
calm.”
Everyone keeps whispering to
each other as class begins. A few
people didn’t show, but no one
leaves. Everyone is calm as class
begins. Half an hour passes and
you’re almost asleep.
Late into the class period, you
open your eyes again, only this time they stay open. You hear a few very
audible cracks and stumble out of your chair in a state of surreal shock.
After a few seconds and more of the same, you begin to notice screaming
and blood near you.
It sounds like gunfire…it is gunfire.
You don’t know what to do because you don’t want to get shot. You
hide behind your chair in the auditorium. You can’t think. You freeze.
A few seconds later, though it seems like an eternity, the gunfire stops.
Your group on the far side of the room starts gasping and nervously sighing
a few seconds later, peering intently over the classroom towards the door to
make sure the assailant is gone. Now you and your friends are variably
cursing and rush to see what the damage is.
Immediately, you see familiar faces not moving. You pause and then
rush to their side, pulling them face-up to see what happened. In horror, you
find a couple pulses have stopped. Others are bleeding profusely, crying.
You whip out your cell to dial 911, only to find a few others are already
doing so. You call anyway and give a tone of utmost urgency to respond to
a shooting. You want to run to the bathroom to find some paper towels but
you’re too scared. Meanwhile, you do what you can to care for and comfort
people whose time may be finite.
You still expect to wake up at any moment. Life is playing a cruel trick
on you. What cruel soul could do something like this? This isn’t happening!
And you do eventually wake up…and thank God it wasn’t Belmont.
48 hours has passed since one of the darkest days in recent American
history. Monday morning on Virginia Tech’s campus, over 30 people (and
counting) were slain by an as-yet-unknown gunman whose senseless acts of
violence will forever be known as “Black Monday” in Blacksburg, Va. The
massacre marked the deadliest shooting rampage in U.S. history, only eight
years to the day after the Columbine High School shootings in Colorado.
No one knows at this point the full extent of why or how this tragedy
occurred. Nobody has any answers on how shootings like this can be prevented again. None know right now how this will affect school/national
security in the time to come.
The only thing anyone can do right now is pray for the families
involved, for the souls of the innocent slain, for the recovery of those
wounded in the hospital, and that we as a nation continue to be more compassionate towards each other and understanding to why things like this
happen.
After all, it was just another day in the life.
Henry Nichols, Vision editor, is a senior journalism major. E-mail: henroid83@gmail.com
seriously impact U.S.-China relations. First, the
After almost two years of trial-and-error, I have
United States announced that it would levy a 20.3
found the perfect places for Chinese food in
percent import tariff on coated paper from China.
Nashville. According to Citysearch.com, there are
Granted, there are defendable reaan astounding 146 Chinese
restaurants in the greater
MELANIE BENGTSON sons for the decision, however, I
don’t believe that they truly outNashville area and, while I
weigh the costs of posing such an
have not tried them all, many
unprecedented tariff.
of them deliver disappointing
Second, last week the United
fried rice – if they deliver at
States decided to file two piracy
all. Today, I know to order
suits against China through the
from Beijing (off of Trousdale
World Trade Organization.
Lane) for delivery and to go to
Piracy is a problem in China and
Chinatown (in Green Hills) if I
no one can dispute that fact. US
want a nicer meal.
companies – most of them proChinese restaurants are
ducing music, movies, books,
interesting places – a unique,
etc. – lose between $1-3 billion
often inauthentic meeting of
in business each year because of
East and West. Loaded with
Chinese piracy. Often, movies
calories and foreign appellaand CDs that have been illegally copied sell for
tions like “moo goo gai pan” and “General Tso’s
about $1 on the streets in China. The Chinese govchicken,” these dishes serve as a representation of
ernment has been working –though not incredibly
the impact of Chinese culture on the American way
successfully – to combat the piracy problem within
of life.
its borders. The United States took yet another sigChina’s impact, however, is much more farnificant risk in its relationship with the country when
reaching and intricate than many of us takeout-lovit filed these cases. Chinese officials have been quite
ing college students realize. However, in the past
clear – these actions will have serious consequences
few weeks, the fragility of the relationship between
on bilateral trade.
our country and China has resurfaced into the politiFinally, two Hollywood stars are beginning their
cal and economic spotlight.
own crusade against the Chinese government. Mia
In 2006, the United States imported more than
Farrow and Steven Spielberg have begun to call the
$287 billion worth of Chinese products, making
2008 Beijing Olympics the “Genocide Olympics”
them our second largest import-trading partner. In
and are urging a boycott because of the Chinese govturn, the United States exported $55 billion to China
ernment’s as-yet-unwavering support of the
in 2006. These economies are inextricably linked
Sudanese government. Because of the relationship,
and the United States has recently made a series of
the UN Security Council has been unable to pass
decisions that will seriously jeopardize further relasignificant sanctions against Sudan to punish them
tions between the two.
for their role in the Darfur genocide. Of course,
China holds a unique position in the world today.
when the campaign started and began to gain
It has a rapidly growing economy, an ever-stabilizmomentum in the press, China sent a representative
ing government, and a fierce amount of power in
to the Sudan to convince the government there to
global negotiations. It has veto power on the United
accept peacekeeping forces from the UN.
Nations Security Council, as well as a tremendous
If the “Genocide Olympics” serves as a preceamount of influence with both North Korea and
Sudan. The United States never could have success- dent, China will act decisively when its economic
interests are in danger. (A boycott of the Olympics
fully negotiated its deal with North Korea without
would cost the Chinese billions of dollars.) While
China’s help. China also has an incredibly strong
there has obviously not been an end to the Darfur
military that isn’t really being used much right now.
China is posed to take over the United States’ dimin- conflict, the Chinese are acting in a way that begs a
ishing role as the world superpower. Not to mention question: what will China’s reaction be to the recent
the tiny inconvenient fact that the US has a $232 bil- U.S. actions (which certainly pose an economic
threat to the Chinese)? The answer cannot possibly
lion trade deficit with China.
be a good one. The United States has already made
So why, in light of these important facts, is the
a good number of enemies in the international arena.
United States making decisions that will seriously
jeopardize our relationship with such a powerful eco- Can we really afford to tick off the world’s rising
superpower?
nomic and political power? Good question. I don’t
have an answer; I just know that I’m not quite comMelanie Bengtson, Vision managing editor, is a
fortable with the way things are going right now.
In the last two weeks, the United States has made sophomore developmental politics major. Email:
bengtsonm@pop.belmont.edu
a series of very uncomfortable decisions that will
Letter to the Editor
Show me the money ... for liberal arts
To the editor:
As a student with many loans I would like to
know just exactly how much money this school is
spending towards the liberal arts programs in this
university. I have to say that I am skeptical about
how much money this university is spending comparatively between the new sports complex, professor pay, building more practice rooms for music
majors, academic scholarships and athletic scholarships.
I would hope that the University Board of
Directors would have enough wisdom to not increase
tuition to pay for more athletic facilities as most students spend their spare time at concerts, internships
and campus organizations rather than participating in
athletic events.
If they are indeed raising tuition to pay for the
new athletic facilities let me express my utter disgust
with their unwise decision that will leave music business majors, nurses, musicians, entrepreneurs and,
yes, even religion majors with much larger debts
once they graduate.
Chris Balch
The Belmont Vision, April 18, 2007
Page 5
What is it we “so proudly hail”?
c
Like any good citizen of these United States, I often find
myself whistling “The Star-Spangled Banner” for no apparent reason. America, you have invaded me.
Especially considering the vast number of baseball
games I’ve attended over the years, it’s no surprise that the
national anthem has managed to wriggle into my subconscious. I’ve heard it jazzed up, stripped down, harmonized,
butchered, with trumpets, without trumpets, sung by
women, sung by men, sung by Grammy winners, and sung
by grandmothers. If I didn’t hear it once over the course of
the next 49 years, I’d probably still be able to whistle it at
my 70th birthday party.
This makes me wonder what other bits of Americana
have made their stealthy way into my being over the past
two decades. This is partially spurred on by the subtle
assumptions I made about the world based on time spent in
New Jersey (where I was born), Louisville, Ky., (where I
was raised), and Nashville (obvious).
My family moved from Summit, N.J., to the Louisville
suburbs a few months before Kindergarten Cop hit theaters.
One of the first conversations I had with my mother after
we moved took place during a ride to the grocery store. We
were on a rural Kentucky highway, and the dialogue went
something like this:
“Where are all the cars?”
“There aren’t as many people here as there were in
Summit, Sweetie. We’re farther from the city here, so
there’s not as much traffic.”
“Okay. But Mom, where are all the cars?”
The lack of gridlock was beyond my comprehension.
Thirteen years later, the subsequent switch from Kentucky
to Tennessee forced me to recognize one of Louisville’s
regional peculiarities that I’d learned to take for granted. In
a couple of days, the city of my upbringing will be slowly
overtaken by outsiders. There will be a fireworks display, a
boat race, hot air balloons, a parade, and a marathon.
Women will begin wearing hats that Dr. Seuss would prob-
ERIC DETWEILER
“Welcome to the USA, where we constantly lament the sexual promiscuity of
the teen-age population and constantly
send songs like “Fergalicious” to the top
of the charts.”
Rock’s “The Great American Melting Pot” in an elementary school that was roughly 104 percent white. Welcome
to the USA, where we constantly lament the sexual promiscuity of the teen-age population and constantly send songs
like “Fergalicious” to the top of the charts. (In a similar
vein, the American obsession with education hasn’t prevented a song entitled “Buy U a Drank” from stumbling
onto iTunes’ top sellers list.) This is the land of the free,
the Hardee’s Thickburger, and more diets than a fast food
restaurant’s got calories.
Do I sound pretentious? It’s only because I’m a
deserved citizen of the best country in the world. Do I
sound cynical? Affluence certainly never stopped us from
acting like the world was falling apart. Do I hate America?
No, although Bill O’Reilly might argue otherwise. Do I
worry? Yes.
I think I need to step out for a bit.
ably dismiss as excessively bizarre. And on May 4, the
schools in Louisville and the surrounding counties will be
closed.
Why?
Because of a horse race that lasts approximately two
minutes. Perhaps you’re familiar with the Kentucky Derby,
perhaps not. Either way, during the years I spent in
Kentucky’s public education system, I didn’t think it the
least bit odd that we got the first Friday in May off every
year. After all, there was betting to be done. I’ve finally
adjusted to the idea that people in Nashville, only three
hours down I-65, care more about Sara Evans than
Secretariat, but the beginning of May still seems a little too
quiet.
Despite traveling a good bit within the States, the only
foreign country I’ve ever visited is Canada. I’ve never been
to Mexico, much less Spain (though I kind of like the
music). I remain saddled with an American perspective. I
am a citizen of the world’s wealthiest nation, a nation
whose dominant religious text contains the line “Woe to
you who are rich.” I grew up listening to Schoolhouse
Senior writer Eric Detweiler is a senior English major.
E-mail: detweilere@pop.belmont.edu
Friday
YOUR FUTURE IS WITHIN REACH
APRIL 20
APRIL 21
Wolfmother
The Roots
Drive-By Truckers
Keller Williams
Mat Kearney
Amos Lee
The Whigs
Rocco DeLuca & The Burden
Brett Dennen
BANG BANG BANG
The Dynamites
featuring Charles Walker
Naughty By Nature
JYPSI
The Old Silver Band
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Page 6
The Belmont Vision, April 18, 2007
Religion and the
“This major prepares the student to be
an effective interpreter of Christianity
in contemporary culture. An interdisciplinary degree that allows the student
to combine the study of religion with
the study of music, art, or theater, the
degree creates opportunities for students to prepare for ministry in a wide
variety of fields where faith intersects
with culture.”
-Belmont University Catalog
Facts
Major was created: Fall 2005
36 Religion and the Arts majors
13 Freshmen
10 Sophomores
8 Juniors
5 Seniors
16 Guys
20 Girls
5 Honors students
Possible Emphasis Choices:
Music, Art, Theater, English
Emphasis breakdown:
14 Music
9 Art
0 Theater
7 English
6 unaccounted for
4 Religion and the Arts minors
*Approximate figures*
Classes
General Education Core
Requirements for B.A.
Prerequisites:
New Testament and Exegesis
Christian Doctrine
Core Emphasis
Vocation and Christian Life
Spiritual Formation
Christian Ethics
Colloquium
Area Emphasis Courses:
Faith and Beauty
Faith and Popular Culture
Theology and the Arts
Religion and the Arts Symposium
Arts Focused Electives
(Three courses from one art area)
Total in Major: 30 credit hours
Minor Requirements: 18 credit hours
Electives: 15 credit hours
Total: 128 credit hours
Major more than job preparation
By Chansin Bird
When senior Clint Hamm explains to
questioners what his Religion and the Arts
major is, people often ask him, “What are
you going to do with that?”
“I don’t typically have an answer they
expect to hear,” he said. “They expect
some sort of profession, or they’ll hear
‘music’ and ‘Bible’ and so they assume
I’ll lead worship in church or be a choir
director. For me, the realm of possibilities
is a lot bigger so it’s hard to relate that to
people. So I say, ‘I don’t really know.
We’ll see.’”
Hailing from Largo, Fla., Hamm chose
to come to Belmont to study music and
run track. He spent his freshman year as a
commercial music vocal performance
major, but it wasn’t long until he ventured
into the religion department. He heard
about a new major called Religion and the
Arts being offered the following fall, and
it seemed like the perfect fit.
“I was really excited about it. Before I
SENIOR WRITER
ever came to Belmont, I remember getting
online and looking at the school of religion and wondering, ‘What if I’m supposed to do that?’” Hamm said. “I pushed
Clint Hamm
it in the back of my mind. It’s funny to
think this is where I’ve ended up.”
Fortunately for Hamm, he didn’t lose
any credits from the change and will actu-
ally be graduating a semester early this
coming December. He’ll be among the
first handful of students at Belmont to
graduate with the major.
“It’s really important to study art and
theology in conjunction with one another,”
Hamm said. “As artists, it’s important to
understand the full breadth of the Gospel
and how our role fits in that as members
of the community of believers.”
After graduation, Hamm hopes to
spend some time traveling, and he particularly wants to spend time in a Latin
American country. He’s a Spanish minor
and has been to Guatemala and wants to
go back. He may eventually go to seminary, too.
“I don’t want to stop being an artist
but I don’t feel like I have to commercialize it,” Hamm said. “I want art to be a big
part of my life no matter what I’m doing.
Maybe this major more than anything is
going to be something I incorporate into
my life, into my personhood. That seems
more important to me than a job.”
Interests span both mind, soul
By Chansin Bird
Freshman Meghan Gwaltney was
attracted to Belmont by the flexibility of
the honors program, but she knew from
the start that she wanted to be a Religion
and the Arts major.
“I think it’s really interesting to see
how religion is portrayed in literature and
affects literature,” she said.
Her emphasis is therefore English literature, but she also has a strong interest in
art history. Belmont doesn’t offer many art
history courses, Gwaltney said, so she
plans to study in Dresden, Germany, during her junior year.
“Both religion and the arts are very
important to our culture individually,”
Gwaltney said. “A culture is shaped by the
religion that is practiced, and art is an
expression of that culture. It’s important to
look at how those two things that are
SENIOR WRITER
important by themselves can be even more
important when they are connected.”
She gets to take the same basic religion
classes all religion majors take, and she is
happy to find them more challenging than
the Sunday school classes she went to
growing up.
“I’m learning more than just the Bible
stories that have a happy ending,”
Gwaltney said. “To me, it makes
Christianity more meaningful and increases my faith. It’s something I learn for
myself and not just something I’ve been
brought up with.”
Her father, Dr. Darrell Gwaltney, is the
dean of Belmont’s religion school. He’s
the one who started the Religion and the
Arts program, originally told her about it,
and he’s even been her teacher already.
“It wasn’t weird,” she said. “Before he
taught, he was a pastor. I was used to
hearing him preach so it was like that.”
Meghan Gwaltney
“I became a Religion and the Arts major
at the end of my sophomore year. As an
upcoming senior, my first full year in this
major has been nothing short of a breath
of fresh air. The Religion and the Arts
major beautifully encompasses a study
of my three loves: music, people and our
Creator. I get to attend classes where I
learn how to better utilize my music and
my voice in worship and draw people
to the throne of God. There is
nothing better.”
- Anna Skates, junior
“I am a Religion and the Arts m
encompasses and connects the t
most passionate about. I was
church, and my faith in God a
Christian are extremely dear to
have also been given the talent a
an artist. At many times in my
things have seemed opposed to e
ing to connect the two into one fu
I found this major. The classes it
grow in my spiritual walk, deve
talent, and see how the two w
- Nicole Loveless, jun
The Belmont Vision, April 18, 2007
Page 7
e Arts
Little Luscious Promises
By Jessica Brandhorst
F
I
U
T.
Crave it.
All shapes, sizes.
Some mellow, some sweet.
Long, lean, or round and plump.
Visible signs of invisible grace.
Fruit is a promise, is a covenant.
It says, “There is a tomorrow.
Come! The days are young.
Captivate your senses.
Taste and know good.”
Life within succulent juice,
Shelters in crisp, delightful flesh.
Savor this gift, borne of God and tree.
Suckled by the earth, fathered by the rain.
Delivered by humble midwives of the field.
Careful not to bruise the tawny-faced children
Or large and purpled families of many young.
Pregnant with love and joy and peace. Patient,
kind, good and gentle, full of self control.
This gift satisfies, sanctifies, mystifies.
It unifies the old and the young,
All one with a great love
For fruit.
major because it
two things I am
raised in the
nd my life as a
me. However, I
and the vision of
y life these two
ach other. In tryulfilling purpose,
requires help me
elop my artistic
work together.”
nior
R
Morning Came Early
By Clint Hamm
Morning came faster than I would like
But if it delayed I might’ve died
So welcome…
Welcome the rays and the
words of the birds.
Even if my lids are slant,
my drums loose, with joints
that can’t, and a cramping
calf.
I’ll chew the cud.
Photographs by Religion
and the Arts majors: (top)
Mikey Brackett, (right)
Nicole Loveless, (bottom)
Anna Skates.
The Belmont Vision, April 18, 2007, 2007
Page 8
sports
Check out sports editor Jordan Drake’s 2007 NFL
mock draft wih in-depth analysis at www.belmontvision.com. The first three rounds of the 2007 NFL Draft
are Sat., Apr. 28 (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) on ESPN. The draft
continues Sun., Apr. 29 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) on ESPN2.
Pitching key to success on diamond
By Rachel Waller
Who says variety is the spice of life? Not Belmont head
baseball coach Dave Jarvis, who prefers things stay the same,
at least when it comes to Bruins’ baseball, where consistency
is the name of the game.
This consistency is crucial as Jarvis called pitching “an
innate and key” part of baseball. He contributes much of the
team’s 20-15 record to consistent pitching.
“The proof is in the pudding!” Jarvis said.
Jarvis also said that the team’s current record is based on
each player knowing their role. Roles expand and contract
according to successes and failures. The roles of players are
determined purely by their individual performance, not by
seniority.
A key player in this game of consistency is Charles Lee,
the senior ace from Brentwood who is 5-1 so far in nine
starts with 52 strikeouts and a 3.39 ERA, pacing the starters.
“He is consistent in executing all three of his pitches,”
Jarvis said.
When asked what made Lee so special, Jarvis replied that
in addition to his consistency, “he is emotionally mature and
not overpowering.”
“It’s important for a player to be emotionally mature, to
be able to deal with failure and success and keep a level head
out on the playing field.” Jarvis said. “He gives the team
Bruins baseball
coach Dave Jarvis
said pitching is
key to success,
and he counts
on pitchers, from
left, Carlo Testa,
Charles Lee
and Josh Moffitt.
STAFF WRITER
PHOTOS BY AIMEE MONELL
faced last season, Jarvis said. He too is no stranger to strikeouts, tallying 40 in eight starts.
Despite this success, Jarvis said he doesn’t focus on
strikeouts.
“Our philosophy is to try and create situations where
strikeouts can occur,” Jarvis said.
One way Jarvis tries to accomplish this is by using two
midweek relievers, Ben Meador and Chris Manning, to give
his starting pitchers a break.
“Chris is the most specialized athlete,” Jarvis said. “He
knows his role …and does his job.”
Just the way Jarvis likes it.
opportunities to win. Not all of these are taken advantage of,
but he still gives us the opportunities.”
Lee is not the only one handing out golden tickets to the
baseball team. Josh Moffitt and Carlo Testa, two additional
starting pitchers, also bring their best to the mound.
“Josh just has good ‘pitching stuff,’” Jarvis said. “He is
somewhat erratic but physically, he has the tools.” Moffitt
certainly does have the tools, striking out a team-high 69 batters this season and five at a recent game against GardnerWebb.
According to Jarvis, Testa also excels in consistency.
Only a sophomore, he has eliminated the control problems he
Relax and enjoy America’s favorite pastime
“Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks,
I don’t care if I never get back,
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don’t win it’s a shame.
For it’s one, two, three strikes, you’re out,
At the old ball game.”
JORDAN DRAKE
College basketball just wound down and
has gone into hibernation until November.
College football players have hung their
cleats up for another four months after concluding spring practice.
Professional football does have its draft
coming up in a little less than two weeks, but
after that, Pacman Jones will be the only
player making headlines (for all the wrong
reasons).
The NHL is in its early playoff season
that seems to last forever, but even it ends in
mid-to-late June.
The NBA is about to jumpstart its mammoth of a playoff but it ends in mid-to-late
June, too.
So, after mid-June, it will be baseball or
bust for sports fans. And if you are not an
NBA or NHL fan, the drought until August
when America’s favorite sport begins – football – can seem like an eternity.
However, there is still one game that sails
us right through the dog days of summer. It
is America’s favorite pastime – baseball.
Problem: Due to the simplicity and availability of games on television, many people
think watching baseball is boring – maybe a
notch above golf.
Solution: Go to a baseball game and soak
in the atmosphere. There is something about
watching a baseball game in person that just
feels right – that just feels American. From
catching some rays to eating a hot dog to
socializing amongst old friends or common
fans who are now friends to the excitement
of a home run, the diamond is where it’s
happening.
Plan of Attack: Fellow students – in these
last couple of weeks – there are three close
and affordable options just a couple miles
down either Belmont Boulevard at Lipscomb
Bruins Schedule
Men’s Tennis
Home games are in bold
All times are Central
4/20-22 Atlantic Sun Tournament Johnson City TN
Baseball
4/18
4/20
4/21
4/22
4/24
4/25
4/27
4/28
4/29
5/1
Women’s Tennis
Lambuth
ETSU
ETSU
ETSU
UT-Martin
MTSU
Lipscomb
Lipscomb
Lipscomb
UT-Martin
Greer Stadium
Greer Stadium
Greer Stadium
Greer Stadium
Greer Stadium
Murfreesboro TN
Nashville TN
Nashville TN
Nashville TN
Greer Stadium
6:00 pm
3:00 pm
2:00 pm
2:00 pm
3:00 pm
3:00 pm
6:00 pm
6:00 pm
1:00 pm
6:00 pm
4/20-22
Atlantic Sun Tournament
Johnson City TN
Men’s Track and Field
4/20-21
4/28
4/29
Vanderbilt Invitational
Penn Relays
Cardinal Invitational
Nashville TN
Philadelphia PA
Louisville KY
4/20-21
4/28
Vanderbilt Invitational
Penn Relays
Nashville TN
Philadelphia PA
Softball
4/18
4/21
4/26
Austin Peay Aquinas Field
Stetson
Deland FL
BSU (DH)
Aquinas Field
1:00 pm
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
Men’s Golf
4/28-29
Cavalier Classic
Charlottesville VA
Jordan Drake, sports editor, is a sophomore entrepreneurship major. E-mail:
drake.jordan@gmail.com.
The Wilson ı
Tucker Assault
Senior outfielder Wilson Tucker, a unanimous preseason All-Atlantic
Sun First-Team selection from both the coaches and media, should own
several records by the time the season is over. Stay tuned to each edition
of the Vision for an update of his quest to conquer Belmont’s record
books.
Career records: Belmont has at least 20 games remaining.
Tucker
Leader
Difference
Home runs
29
29
T-1st
Runs Batted In
156
162
6
Hits
252
TUCKER
1st
57
57
T-1st
a
Women’s Track and Field
or down 8th Avenue North at Greer Stadium.
Option 1: Belmont v. Lipscomb; at
Lipscomb; April 27-29 (6 p.m., 6 p.m., 1
p.m.); free.
Option 2: Nashville Sounds v. Iowa Cubs
(AAA Baseball); Greer Stadium; April 21-24
(6 p.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m., 10:30 a.m.); $6.
Option 3: Belmont v. ETSU; Greer
Stadium; April 20-22 (3 p.m., 1 p.m., 1
p.m.); free.
End of the year tests, final exams, group
projects, last-minute convo cramming, schedule planning for next semester or graduation…take a backseat to the ballpark. If I was
a doctor, my prescription for this stress
would also be to take a backseat at the ballpark.
Doubles
The Belmont Vision, April 18, 2007
Page 9
A run to success from Kenya to Belmont
By Ameshia Cross
Belmont’s top track and field runners,
freshman Hillary Cheruiyot and junior
Kipkosgei Magut, are making history.
They are both native Kenyans recruited
by Belmont because of their track and field
performance. “Belmont has a connection in
Kenya with a guy who does running trials
and recommends if the runner is a good fit
for Belmont,” men’s cross country and track
coach Jeff Langdon said.
Magut became attracted to Belmont
because of its academic options. “I liked
accounting and wanted a business career. I
felt like Belmont had what I wanted to do,”
he said.
He heard about Belmont’s cross country
team through a close friend and further
inquired about it through communications
with Langdon. One thing set it apart from the
other schools that caught his eye. “I felt like
Belmont stayed on top of things, they kept
the lines of communication open. They wanted me,” Magut said.
Members of the cross country team are
not only fierce competitors; they are close
friends as well. “My teammates were so welcoming and you get encouraged when you
meet people that are supportive, especially
since the team is so small. We interact like
family,” Magut said, which is important
because his parents are far away.
Magut is an avid supporter of Coach
Langdon’s method of training. “His program
is wonderful. At the beginning you take it
STAFF WRITER
easy and at the end you are amazed at what
you can do,” he said. Langdon doesn’t hold
his players hands, but he is encouraging. “I
like his laid-back style. He pushes but leaves
us accountable because we are adults,”
Magut said.
Magut was a No. 1 finisher at the NCAA
regional tournament and an Atlantic Sun
Championship winner. “He is the most outstanding track and field performer,” Langdon
said. Magut has been running 1500-meter
races and improving his time gradually, with
aspirations of becoming a professional runner, though he doesn’t want to be singled out
as the best. He said, “The guys are so competitive. I’m not the only one that is good;
they challenge me to keep getting better
everyday.” With pressure from his teammates, Magut insists that he has to be at the
top of his game and perform.
“Cheruiyot is most outstanding for
indoor competitions,” Langdon said.
“I like the Belmont environment. It
allows me to grow intellectually and personally,” Cheruiyot said.
Cheruiyot is getting used to living in
Nashville. “I’ve been getting a lot of practice
in the ‘southern’ environment,” he said. He
is disciplined, waking up at 6 a.m. to train.
He wants to go to the Olympics one day, but
his long-term goal is education.
“They are a huge asset to the team, at or
near the top in ability, and are great team
players,” Langdon said. Team player is the
key word in this statement because - in
Kenya - runners race individually and it is
Hillary Cheruiyot
Kipkosgei Magut
often hard for them to really understand the
concept of team competition.
Both players have improved tremendously since they came to Belmont. “Having guys
to practice with and holding each other
accountable has helped a great deal,”
Langdon said.
Both track members had never been to
the United States before coming to Belmont.
Moreover, the two had never been exposed
to Christianity. “They have adapted very
well to the Belmont environment,” Langdon
said. It has also been beneficial for them to
be here together. It brings a bit of home for
the two kindred spirits. They don’t go home
for holidays or see their parents as often as
most Belmont students do, but it doesn’t
seem to faze them. “They are here for the
right reasons,” Langdon said.
Cheruiyot echoes, “It’s a good place. I
like Belmont because it allows me to achieve
my dreams and move closer toward my
future goals. It’s an honor to be a part of
Belmont.”
With the motivation and drive the runners
exhibit on a daily basis, it’s no wonder why
Cheruiyot says, “Belmont has the best athletes I’ve ever seen. They give their best in
time and numbers. I came here because they
are the best.”
Patton heads to No. Illinois
By Jordan Drake
Former Belmont (‘80) basketball
player Ricardo Patton is looking ahead
to a head coaching job at Northern
Illinois.
Patton, a graduate of downtown’s
Hume-Fogg Academic High School,
earned two athletic letters at Belmont
after transferring from junior college.
The one-time NAIA All-American was
inducted into Belmont’s Sports Hall of
Fame in 1989.
After working his way up the
coaching ladder – middle school and
high school– while briefly stopping at
numerous colleges in assistant roles –
MTSU, Arkansas-Little Rock and TSU
– Patton landed in the Big 12
Conference at the University of
Colorado in Boulder as an assistant in
1993. About midway through the 199596 season, he was promoted to head
coach – where he remained with the
Buffaloes for 11 seasons.
Patton achieved notable success at
Colorado – a feat to be admired since
the program is not a traditional basketball power. His teams captured a pair
of NCAA Tournament berths (1996-97,
2002-03) and four NIT berths (199899, 1999-00, 2003-04, 2005-06). The
NCAA bid in 1996-97 was Colorado’s
first appearance in the Big Dance since
the 1969-70 season.
To top it off, Patton holds a fifthdegree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Q: How was your experience at
Belmont?
A: I had a wonderful time there the
two years after transferring from junior
college. I still have great relationships
with former teammates during that
time. I have great, fond memories of
my time there.
Q: So, you worked as a cameraman at WTVF (Nashville’s CBS
SPORTS EDITOR
affiliate)
after graduating?
A: You
know I
actually got
my foot in
the door at
Channel 5
by working
in their
print shop
after going
Ricardo Patton
to HumeFogg High School, which was a votech school when I attended there. I
majored in printing. That’s how I got
the job at the television station. I ran
the printing press. About a year later,
they trained me for the studio camera.
That’s what I did for the next five
years. I ran camera for the CBS affiliate there.
Q: Why did you suddenly turn to
coaching?
A: At that point, I had a burning
desire to get back around the game of
basketball. So, I went back to school to
get certified to teach. I taught one year
at Two Rivers Middle School and volunteered as an assistant coach. The
very next year I was an assistant basketball coach at Hillwood High School.
Q: After 11 seasons at Colorado,
what led you to Northern Illinois?
A: It is a great opportunity. After
meeting with the athletic director, I was
very impressed. I have been very
impressed with … their leadership
[and] the MAC conference. I think it is
a well-respected conference and especially with the new facilities. There is
no reason why we [Northern Illinois]
shouldn’t be successful in basketball.
Q: Have you visited Belmont
recently?
A: I haven’t been on campus, but I
do follow the program’s success and
was very excited to see them make the
tournament this past season. I know
Coach Byrd has done a terrific job. I do
follow it from a distance.
Q: Under certain circumstances,
could you see yourself returning to
coach in the Nashville area?
A: There is no question. I mean
Nashville is still home and no matter
how far away you go, I think most of
us would always look at an opportunity
to return home at some point.
Q: What is it like to coach NBA
players like Chauncey Billups and
David Harrison?
A: Well, I think the biggest thing
that you realize is that they see the
game just a little bit differently than the
average player. I always believe there
is something special about a young
man that has a chance to play at the
next level. Certainly, coaching those
guys, you recognize right away that
they are just a little bit different. As we
say in the profession, the great ones get
it a little bit sooner. Even though they
still have a lot of learning to do, they
just seem to get it a little bit quicker.
Q: Why are you so involved in the
martial arts?
A: It is just a way of life for me. I
actually started practicing in the ninth
grade just coming home every day
looking at The Green Hornet and that’s
really what got me started.
I still train in martial arts and of
course that was one of the things I
wanted to do when I left the junior college. Wherever I finished up, I wanted
to start and teach a Tae Kwon Do class
and Belmont afforded me the opportunity. We started out with like 12 students and by the time I left, we had
four or five classes and over 60 students.
Sports Notebook
J o rd a n D ra k e , S po r t s E d it or
Softball stumbling
Belmont has lost 10 of their last 12 games to fall to 10-31 (5-11
A-Sun). The Bruins did manage to split series with conference foes
Kennesaw State and Mercer.
Men’s golf 7th in tourney
Going into the final day of play on Tuesday, Apr. 3, the Bruins
stood at second with a tremendous 14 under par as a team after
36 holes of play. However, gusty winds got the best of Belmont,
evidenced by a final round of 17 over par. The Bruins finished with
a tournament score of 855 (+3), 31 strokes behind overall team
champion Austin Peay. Sophomore Scott O’Brien paced Belmont
with a career-best 7th place at 207 (-6).
Women set school record for
54-hole score; 6th in tourney
Belmont set a new school record for best 54-hole score, 951, at
the conference championship Apr. 9-11 at Keith Hills Country Club
in Buies Creek, N.C. The Bruins finished 52 strokes behind host
and conference champion Campbell. Senior Esther Moon placed
14th after shooting a 74 in the final round. The score was the lowest 18-hole score by a Bruin golfer at the A-Sun Championship.
Men, women down Lipscomb
The Bruins (5-8, 2-6 A-Sun) men continued their domination of
Lipscomb on the tennis court Apr. 4. The 6-1 victory marked
Belmont’s fifth straight match win over the Bisons. The Bruins won
five of six singles matches and two of three doubles matches.
The Apr. 12 match at Campbell had a different ending to it as
Belmont fell 5-2. The Camels won the doubles, taking two of three
matches. Senior Felipe Abreu and junior Ignacio Gesto won their
respective singles matches.
The Bruins’ women’s team (9-7, 4-5 A-Sun) continued their dominance of Lipscomb, too, by defeating the Bisons for the fifth
straight time with a 7-0 match win Apr. 4. Belmont swept all three
doubles and all six singles matches. Like the men, Apr. 12
belonged to Campbell as the Camels won 6-1. The lone Bruin win
came from senior Liz Conyer at the No. 2 slot.
Track succeeds Boston-Moon Classic
The Bruin men notched nine top-five finishes and the women posted five top-five finishes to give Belmont an overall 14 top-five finishes Apr. 14 at the Boston-Moon Classic held at TSU. Sophomore
John Brigham, sophomore Lynette Rives and junior Christa Coppin
each won an event.
Page 10
The Belmont Vision, April 18, 2007
a&e
Top Grossing Films for the Week Ending 4/15
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Disturbia
Blades of Glory
Meet the Robinsons
Perfect Stranger
Are We Done Yet?
Best of Best ends showcase season
By Courtney Drake
It’s that time of year again when all of
Belmont University’s showcases have come
to an end…all, that is, except for the Best of
the Best showcase, which will be Saturday,
April 28 at 7 p.m. in the Curb Event Center.
Once again, the best talent at Belmont
will be represented in one night, representing
five genres. This year, the performers are
Brooke Annibale, winner of the Other
Showcase, Justin Wilson, winner of the
Country Showcase, Kassi Konz, winner of
the Christian Showcase, Future, winner of
the Urban Showcase, and Sophia, winner of
STAFF WRITER
the Pop/Rock Showcase.
“I didn’t expect to win the Other
Showcase, and now to [be in the Best of the
Best] is really awesome,” said Annibale.
And the five performers aren’t the only
ones who will be featured at the showcase.
In addition, five songwriters who won the
Writer’s Showcase Series will be performing
as well, including Rich Ramsey, Seth Jones,
Alvin Love, Stephanie Lambring and
Colleen McCarron.
“It’ll be an experience to get on stage
with multiple genres,” said Justin Wilson,
who has been in the Country Showcase three
times but will take the Best of the Best stage
for the first time this year. “But, I feel privileged to get up there with a set full of talented people.”
Besides the varying performers, the set-up
and production of the show also promises to
be different than what it’s been like in the
past.
“It will be like a retro awards show,” said
Chris Trump, producer of the Best of the
Best Showcase and president of Belmont’s
Showcase Council. “There will be more
lighting rigs and two mini, custom stages to
showcase writers.”
The Best of the Best Showcase is the only
one put on by the Mike Curb College of
Music Business that does not have a winner.
“There are so many genres, it would be
hard for a judge to pick a winner without discriminating against another genre,” said
Trump. He added that one focus of the show
will be to “honor the people who made the
show possible,” hence the awards show
influence.
While there is no winner, Wilson is still
looking forward to getting exposure and
building a fan base. Plus, according to
Annibale, there will be something to suit
everyone’s taste at the showcase.
Come for ‘The Visit’
Little Theatre produces dark comedy
Getting There
The Visit opens tomorrow night in the
Belmont Little Theatre.
7:30 p.m. shows will be
April 19-20 and April
26-28. 2:30 p.m. matinees will be offered
April 21-22 and Sun.,
April 29. General
admission is $5,
Belmont faculty and
staff pay $3 and
Belmont students get in
free with their ID.
PHOTOS BY AMY KADISH
Cory Carter (above) and Benjamin Reed (right) interact with Leah JensenRader (both) during rehearsals for Friedrich Duerrenmatt’s The Visit. This
mysterious tale of revenge and justice will be the final play produced within
the walls of the historic Belmont Little Theatre.
Spun shutters under increased CD sales woes
By Lance Conzett
Hidden behind the Circle K on the opposite side of Belmont Boulevard, Spun Music
and Movies operated for four years in relative obscurity in the shadow of Belmont.
Frequent customer Adaeze Elechi
described Spun’s cult-like selection as “all of
the songs and movies that you thought were
out of existence; [Spun] was probably where
they went to die.”
On March 15, Spun held its last hurrah.
Though the occasion was marred by rain and
a sudden chill that stood out in a week of
unseasonably warm weather, a DJ was set up
to spin records on the deck outside while
friends of the store and owner Tim Buchanan
trickled in to take one last look at the store,
buy what remained of the stock and say
goodbye.
“It’s not your average, overly pretentious
record store,” explained Emily Brown, a
sophomore design communications major
and former employee of Spun. “Tim told me
STAFF WRITER
multiple times that he’s too old to care
what’s cool anymore, so he stocks what he
likes.”
Buchanan’s philosophy for the store
seemed to work for him for a while.
Although the store didn’t have the wide
selection of a big chain in either albums or
movies, it managed to pull in a small but
devoted following of DJs, college students
and people attracted by Buchanan’s personality.
“I think what drew me there more than
anything at all was Tim, the owner of the
store, and the people you meet,” said Elechi.
“It was the first place I went to when I got to
Belmont and when I got to the States. Tim
was my third friend in America.”
The shop became an alternative sanctuary
from the Belmont life and everything associated with the “High Fidelity” atmosphere
that many record stores tend to unconsciously adopt.
“It was a happy place to be,” said Brown.
“If you ask for a Celine Dion album, we’re
not going to reach across the counter and
smack you.”
The problem that the store faced was with
getting its name into the public. The sign was
obscured and the store’s existence was anything but apparent to anyone who wasn’t
deliberately looking for it. Many Belmont
students were unaware of Spun’s existence,
particularly freshmen like Abby Selden, who
said she “didn’t even know it was there.”
“I think [Tim] just loves having a record
store. I think he needed help though,” said
Brown.
This isn’t the first time that Spun has felt
the pressure of being beneath a financial burden, but this January saw record stores like
Spun being hit particularly hard by the fallout of recent closures and subsequent liquidation sales by chain stores across the area.
“Tower closing hurt. I had a lot of customers coming around saying ‘you won’t see
me for a while’ because the Tower sale
cleaned them out,” said Buchanan.
In February, Buchanan announced on the
store’s e-mail list that he was closing down
the store, saying that trying to keep the store
open exhausted him. Once the closure was
announced, several potential buyers, which at
one brief point also included Belmont,
stepped forward.
“They’re there and they’re speculating,
but that’s probably all there is to it,” said
Brown. “They feel bad because we’re having
to close.”
However, the store’s biggest supporters
consider Spun without Buchanan to be a
completely different store that won’t resemble what attracted them in the first place.
“It’s not going to be the same at all,”
lamented Elechi.
But even though the store is shutting
down, everyone involved in its management
would do it all over again, given the chance.
“I don’t regret it at all,” said Buchanan,
looking around his empty store. “If I had to
do it again, I would do some things differently but most of it would be the same.”
The Belmont Vision, April 18, 2007
Page 11
Strong lineup
for Vandy ‘Rites’
The Almost – Southern Weather
In the same manner as most other bands that reach a particular level of stardom, there is often a band member who decides
to do his own side project. Such is the case with The Almost,
a band conceived by Underoath drummer Aaron Gillespie. “As
much as I love what I do in Underoath,” Gillespie remarked,
“there are songs in me and music that I enjoy just as much
that comes from melody. Even though the guys in Underoath
may not like this style of music that much, they’re on my side
and super supportive.” To describe the sound of The Almost in
terms of Underoath, the emotionalism is just as solid, the
vocals almost as good, but there are several factors that hurt
the album. The overall songwriting, lyrics and melody, are
slightly lacking. There is virtually no lead guitar work, which
leaves an obvious hole in the band’s sound. Regardless, even
though the tracks are hit-or-miss, they combine to form a fairly decent album worth
picking up, especially considering the $7.99 price tag at most retail stores around town.
The Hollywood Ten – Six Headed Boy EP
Somewhere within the chaotic noises of ambience, this eclectic
band presents a fine appreciation for the art of sound. Yes,
buried within delayed, spine-tingling guitar, eye-popping bass
and drum grooves, hair-raising vocal transcendence (via front
man Ben Ford) becomes the type of complex sound that only few can achieve – especially on the independent level. The Hollywood Ten can pull off this signature sound in
a live setting but are perhaps at their best here when utilizing the advancements of studio technology. The results have combined to form this intentionally-driven album of
meaning and art that is worth checking out.
Timbaland – Shock Value
One of the most anticipated albums of 2007, Timbaland’s
Shock Value crosses bridges between radio-friendly pop and
well-written hip-hop. In doing so, it picks up fans of all listening pleasures. The songs within the album have generated
248,000 digital downloads, propelling Shock Value’s key radio
track, “Give It To Me”, from #42 to #1 on the Billboard Hot
100. This chart jump is the second-highest number in chart
history. Unlike most other artists that ride the radio and invade
the charts though, the numbers here are deserved. The collaborations here are phenomenal – Elton John, Justin Timberlake,
Fall Out Boy, 50 Cent, Nelly Furtado, The Hives…just to name
a few. In a peculiar way, even though this album was released
under Timbaland’s own name, it actually has very little
Timbaland, the recording artist. Instead, Timbaland the producer is behind every track, pushing the envelope on developing beats and incorporating
unique sounds to achieve a sort of musical utopia. The results are this blending of
musical artists with different sounds, united under the musical shade of Timbaland’s
branches – real music at its best.
Gabe Vitek & The Ivory – Self Titled EP
For those of you who, like myself, have become numb to the
amount of Belmont musicians who all sound the same (think
most singer/songwriters), Gabe Vitek & The Ivory are much like
the attributes of a comfortable sofa – in them you can find
relaxation, enjoyment, and a certain emotional attachment that nothing else can provide. Songwriting genius Gabe Vitek pulls in all the elements of a great song: elaborate
musicality, well-chosen lyricism, and enough feeling to ensure excited enjoyment. Lead
guitarist Joe Hoogerhyde is talented, yet not in the “I’m just going to shred on my guitar” sense. All his notes are executed by feeding off of song vibe in the most perfect
and complementing of fashions. In fact, the guys of Gabe Vitek & The Ivory prove
themselves musically talented in every sense. That, along with an adamant devotedness
to songwriting distinction, validates the likeliness of deserved label interest within the
course of the year.
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By Courtney Drake
The annual Rites of
Spring Music Festival on
Vanderbilt University’s
campus, which is open to
the public, is coming up on
Friday, April 20, and
Saturday, April 21.
This year, the headliners
will include The Roots,
Wolfmother and Drive-By
Truckers. Singer/songwriters
Keller Williams and Mat
Kearney will also perform at
the event, as
well at The
Whigs, Brett
Dennen,
JYPSI and
more. For a
full list and
schedule of
performances,
visit www.
ritesof
spring.com.
The music
store F.Y.E.
will sponsor
the event and
will sell tickets at their store on West End Avenue.
Tickets are $25 for day passes and $40 for
STAFF WRITER
weekend passes. Tickets will also be sold at
Grimey’s New and Preloved Music in
Nashville at
www.grimeys
.com or by calling (615) 2559600. Tickets
can also be
bought by calling Vanderbilt’s
Sarratt Box
Office at (615)
343-3361 or by
visiting
www.ticketmaster.com.
The festival
will take place
on Alumni Lawn at
Vanderbilt, with gates opening
at 3 p.m. Music will be played
from 4 p.m.-1 a.m. both days.
Free parking is available at the
Terrace Place Parking Garage,
off of 21st Avenue South on
Terrace Place.
PHOTOS COURTESY PURE VOLUME
Aware/Columbia recording artist
Mat Kearney and Interscope
rock outfit Wolfmother will be
some of the many talented performers at this year’s Rites of
Spring Music Festival. This two-day event is a
staple of Vanderbilt’s campus as well
Nashville’s music scene in general.
The Belmont Little Theatre
presents
The Visit
Written by
Friedrich Duerrenmatt
Thursday, April 19th at 7:30pm
Friday, April 20th at 7:30pm
Saturday, April 21st at 2:00pm
Sunday, April 22nd at 2:00pm
Thursday, April 26th at 7:30pm
Friday, April 27th at 7:30pm
Saturday, April 28th at 7:30pm
Sunday, April 29th at 2:00pm
at the Belmont Little Theatre
General Admission $5 --Faculty/Staff/Alumni/NonBelmont Students $3 -- Belmont Students FREE!!
CA Convocation Credit!!!
For reservations, call the Box Office at 460-6199
Page 12
The Belmont Vision, April 18, 2007
stage
The Miss Firecracker Contest
Boiler Room Theatre
May 4 - June 2
www.boilerroomtheatre.com
The Dinosaur Musical
Roxy Regional Theatre
April 14 - 28
www.roxyregionaltheatre.org
I Hate Hamlet
Tennessee Repertory Theatre
May 3 - 19
www.tnrep.org
Chicago
Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre
Through May 5
www.dinnertheatre.com
The Payout
Actor’s Bridge
May 11 - 20
www.actorsbridge.org
song
stuff
Lady Antebellum with Tyler Hilton
3rd & Lindsley
April 20
www.3rdandlindsley.com
Swan Lake
Nashville Ballet
April 27 - 29
www.nashvilleballet.com
Bobby Hamrick
3rd & Lindsley
April 24
www.3rdandlindsley.com
Contemporary Cultures
Frist Center for the Visual Arts
Through May 6
www.fristcenter.org
Sara Evans and the Country Music
Marathon
Nashville Arena
April 28
www.gaylordentertainmentcenter.com
300: The IMAX Experience
Regal Opry Mills 20
Currently Playing
www.fandango.com
Tyrone Wells with Leigh Nash
Mercy Lounge
April 19
www.mercylounge.com
My Chemical Romance
Municipal Auditorium
April 25
www.nashvilleauditorium.com
Mamma Mia!
Tennessee Performing Arts Center
May 1 - 6
www.tpac.org
the
april 24
Josh Turner
Ryman Auditorium
April 19
www.ryman.com
Norah Jones
Ryman Auditorium
April 26
www.ryman.com
Patti Smith/Twelve (Sony)
Porcupine Tree/Fear of a Black Planet (Atlantic)
Arctic Monkeys/Favourite Worst Nightmare (Warner Bros)
Marillion/Somewhere Else (MVD Visual)
Simply Red/Stay (Simply Red)
april 20
Vacancy (Kate Beckinsale)
Fracture (Anthony Hopkins)
Hot Fuzz (Simon Pegg)
april 27
In the Land of Women (Adam Brody)
If Looks Could Kill
The Muse
April 27
Aqualung
Exit/In
April 28
www.exitin.com
Samurai Festival 2
Belcourt Theatre
April 20 - 25
www.belcourt.org
Mozart and Mahler
Nashville Symphony
April 19 - 21
www.nashvillesymphony.org
www.themusenashville.com
Dance Theatre through Chinese
Poetry
Vanderbilt’s Ingram Hall
April 28 - May 5
www.chineseartsalliance.org
Nashville Film Festival
Regal Green Hills 16
April 19 - 26
www.nashvillefilmfestival.org
Tears of the Black Tiger
Belcourt Theatre
Opens April 27
www.belcourt.org
GMA Showcases
Rcktwn
April 21 - 22
www.rcktwn.com
Matt Wertz
Exit/In
April 26
www.exitin.com
screen
Pam Tillis
Grand Ole Opry
April 20
www.opry.com
The Invisible (Marcia Gay Harden)
Next (Nicolas Cage)
Wind Chill (Emily Blunt)
The Condemned (Steve Austin)
Kickin It Old School (Jamie Kennedy)
what we’re listening to
Andrew Cole (A&E Editor)
1. Patty Griffin/Living with Ghosts
2. Josh Rouse/1972
3. Ray LaMontagne/Trouble
4. Spring Awakening/Broadway Cast
Lance Conzett (Staff Writer)
1. Girl Talk/Night Ripper
2. P.O.S./Audition
3. Pavement/Wowee Zowee
album drops...
Matt Reynolds (CD Reviewer)
1. Tokyo Police Club/A Lesson in Crime
2. Vega 4/You and Others
3. Timbaland/Shock Value
4. Notorius B.I.G./Best of Notorious B.I.G
may 1
Rush/Snakes and Arrows (Atlantic)
Tori Amos/American Doll Posse (Sony)
Blake Shelton/Pure BS (Warner Bros.)
Feist/The Reminder (Cherry Tree)
Miranda Lambert/Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (Sony)
Michael Buble/Call Me Irresponsible (Reprise)
Kimberly Locke/Based on a True Story (Curb)