F E ATU RE S SEPTEMBER 13. 2013 Calling all musicians, come join music community VALERIA SOSA -flfe ?nf' »!SSS Staff Writer "When people sing together, their heartbeats synchronize," Associate Professor of Music and Choir Director Wendy Looker said with a smile. 'There is something very special about ... trying to make a single artistic statement together." Making that single collaborative artistic statement is something unique to the musical groups on campus. Both the professors and students give and t^e from one another to learn and grow. Senior music major Megan Swinyard's experience with the Chamber Singers and College Choir speaks to the strong sense of community these groups foster. "It's such an enriching experience," said Swinyard. "I've been in it all four years I've been here, and if s such a community feeling. We're kinda like a family by the end of the semester. We all take care of each other, and singing together really does something for the human experience." Senior Amadeus Heimann, a music minor, has experienced a similar bond with his peers. "If you are in choir, ifs a pretty good sense of community, and ifs a lot of fun," said Heimann. "Everyone knows everyone else, and that goes for the entire music department as well, not just the choir and the other music groups. Everyone knows everyone, and we're all friends." Assistant Professor of Music Drew Hays created the Jazz SSi ■■■■■■ w- (Above right) The choir practice a piece. Members feel a strong sense of belonging and community in choir. (Above) Associate Professor of Music Wendy Looker directs the choir. Belonging to musical groups also give students confidence and new skills. Ensemble in 2010 and notes its uniqueness. "Everyone has their own part, so every musician is really responsible for making that performance happen," said Hays.'The other thing &at makes it different is that there is improvisation. Part of the music is written out, but part of the music is left up to the musicians. That is one of the things that makes jazz great; if s different every time." He also mentioned that a community feeling and long- lasting friendships are not the only benefits students get out of being in an ensemble, but also corvfidence and skill. "We played for some of the Bryan Series last year," said Hays. "I know that was kind of a shock the first time we did it because my students didn't realize they were going to be playing for 2,500 people. It was definitely the largest audience they had ever played for up to that point. "For me, to have them at a level where they can do that—and I know they can do that — is really awesome, as an educator." The Strings Ensemble, another campus musical group, often travels and gives concerts with the College Choir. For example, in 2009, both the Strings Ensemble and the Choir went together on an exciting trip to Ireland. "If s just so much fun," said Swinyard. "We go on trips all the time, like last year we went to the D.C. area, and the year before we went to Charleston. We're trying to go to Austria and Germany over January Term. If anyone feels like they want to come out, they should come check out a rehearsal." Because the ensembles are classes, not dubs, students cannot join at this moment, but the music department is always looking for new recruits and would welcome new members next semester. For more information contact: Strings Ensemble: Kami Rowan krowan@guilford.edu> Jazz Ensemble: Drew Hays haysa(gguilford.edu> Choir: Wendy Looker wlooker@guilford.edu> jazz Ensemble Concerts Sept. 21 Tate Street Festival Oct. 4 @ 7:30 in Dana Auditorium Dec. 6 (§ 7:30 in Dana Auditorium Choir Concert Annual Winter Concert Dec. 8 @ 7:30 in Dana Auditorium Eagle Physicians provides convenient health care alternative for students BY CHRISTIANNA VAN DALSEN Staff Writer "I think I'd heard that maybe somebody was going to be taking over the Health Center, and maybe there were going to be different hours," said senior Lucas Blanchard-Glueckert. If you are in the same boat as Lucas, do not worry. Many students feel in the dark regarding the Health Center's new state of affairs. The on-campus center will still be open, housing immunization forms and providing information. However, they will no longer provide medical care. In Spring 2013, Guilford signed a one- year contract with Eagle Physicians as the new provider for student health care. The goal was to provide enhanced, feasible health care for students. "We tried to make a lot of things freebies," Said Coordinator of Student Health Services Susan Smith. "Allergies, sprains, cuts, things you used to be able to be seen for at Campus Health Services." Treatment for lice, pneumonia, infections and other common medical issues are among the free services available. A full list can be found online. Another goal was to make access to health care convenient for students. Last year, the Health Center had one nurse practitioner available 2-3 hours a day. "It was a one-man show," said Campus Life Office Manager Assistant Michaela Coleman. "It's great to now have available a full service department." Eight physicians are available at Eagle all day, every day. "A lot of students complained about the hours of the service here on campus, and these hours are supposed to be more suitable for students," said junior David Wheaton. "The downside is the distance. Not all of the students on campus have cars." Fortunately, the building is on 1210 New Garden Road, only about a 15-minute walk from campus. That is, assuming you can walk. "One of my friends twisted her ankle and she doesn't own a car," said sophomore Eva Sutton. "She couldn't manage to get there until people called her back, came to get her, got her into the car and took her there." The best strategy to ensure immediate attention is to have multiple contacts saved in your phone, including your resident advisor. Public Safety isn't available for transport to the hospital. In the case of an emergency, call 911 immediately. Emergency Medical Service providers can provide on-site assessment and basic care without charge and transport you for a fee. Hopefully, a contact can quickly take you to the hospital afterwards. In some cases, an Eagle physician will determine that you require a specialist. Guilford will not cover the expenses of any care outside of Eagle. Always take your insurance card, Guilford ID card and, just in case; a method of payment. This new system is very convenient for students. However, while students receive special benefits, the facility still runs as a regular health clinic. "It is important for students to understand that appointments are preferred during regular daytime hours," said Smith. "Otherwise, they may use the walk-in clinic during its hours." Their regular hours are 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. weekdays and 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. weekends. If you have an elective need, such as immunizations or a physical, make an appointment. The walk-in clinic hours are 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. weekdays and 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. weekends. Only utilize the walk- in clinic during these hours and when absolutely necessary. "It's a wonderful, new and improved service," Vice President for Finance Greg Bursavich said. "Some students say 'Oh, I have to walk,' but the expanded services and availability of a whole team of doctors and nurses is a benefit for students they didn't have before."