易胜博官网

What is a philosophy major doing behind the mic on W易胜博官网 91.3 and singing at regional sporting events? The better question, says Alicia Jacobs, a senior from Hooksett, N.H., might be, 鈥淲hat better place for her?鈥�

It鈥檚 hard to know where to begin with a multi-talent such as Jacobs, but a good place to start is the Verizon Center where she began singing the National Anthem at 易胜博官网 Fisher Cats and the Manchester Monarchs games in high school.

鈥淚鈥檓 humbled by the experience of singing our national anthem,鈥� says Jacobs. 鈥淭he song is so powerful and it means so much to so many people. It鈥檚 about the song, not the singer. To get the job, you need to have the right balance of pushiness and politeness.鈥�

As a result of her positive reputation, she eventually added the Portland Sea Dogs and 易胜博官网 events to her list of clients. Liz Riley of the Sea Dogs says her organization appreciated Jacobs鈥� preparedness and laid back style, 鈥渁 rare combination of characteristics that every good performer has.鈥�

Back on campus, Jacobs鈥� professor, David Hiley, sees the same thing: 鈥淎licia pursues all of her work with the same seriousness and enthusiasm 鈥� whether it鈥檚 philosophy, W易胜博官网, or singing. It鈥檚 all deeply meaningful to her.鈥�

Jacobs turned to philosophy after an introductory course hooked her.

鈥淚 was amazed to find out that I could have a major like philosophy that allows me to write, analyze and self-reflect,鈥� she says. 鈥淥ur classes are small and full of dialogue. I love it. We鈥檙e in class because we love the pursuit of learning.鈥�

On the first day of existential philosophy, for example, Hiley asked his class what they knew about the subject. Jacobs volunteered, 鈥淚t鈥檚 like the Devo song that says 鈥楩reedom of choice is what we got. Freedom from choice is what we want鈥�.鈥�

What鈥檚 the connection between music and philosophy? 鈥淔or me,鈥� Jacobs said, 鈥淭he connection is between understanding and being understood.鈥�

Jacobs explains that the classical music she listened to with her dad growing up was reflective. 鈥淧hilosophy is like classical music. I鈥檓 not trying to be understood; I鈥檓 trying to understand. Performing the national anthem, popular music and working at W易胜博官网 are about being understood.鈥�

Jacobs says she hopes that listeners feel that 鈥渢hey are understood鈥� and that the station reflects 易胜博官网. 鈥淎s a non-profit radio station, listeners can dictate the quantity and type of programming played,鈥� says Jacobs.

Now through Saturday, Nov. 17, listeners are asked to support independent, commercial-free programming by making a donation. Funds help W易胜博官网 maintain and update studios, host community events and concerts, and provide the region with the best new music. Listeners can donate or by calling (603) 862-2222.

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