Archived under: Stress, Technology & Digital Culture | Medical science, Orchestra
Random Monday: Been a While, Beta Blockers, and a Big Hit
- As work continues to forge ahead on the new AZOOMA project, I was surprised that several weeks had passed without posting to Horn Matters. I am still here, alive and kicking but of late all my attention has been at AZOOMA.
We are busy plotting and organizing a group participation web site. The prospects look very good that this will turn out to be something big.
- After a weekend of concert arias, I am convinced that even though I am not so crazy about Richard Wagner, his Liebstod from Tristan and Isolde is possibly one of the most beautiful pieces ever written.
A few items of interest in the news:
- Block those betas
An article at The Minnesota Daily with the provocative title “Better music by prescription” dives into the topic of beta blockers. Without any hard statistics it is difficult have any clear perspective on this issue. I would venture to guess that the taboo social stigma associated with beta-blockers has had a direct impact on who admits to using them.Having used them myself in the past, I can personally attest to the social pressures that lean towards shame or guilt for such a method.
There are a few prominent figures out there that will loudly profess that taking beta blockers is a sign of extreme weakness. Anyone who uses them, the notion goes, is genetically inferior, artistically weak and should be culled from the herd.
There are also a few prominent figures out there that will make no big deal of beta blocker usage and, they might even use them all the time. An excess of adrenaline is simply a chemical imbalance that can be medically controlled.
It is an issue fraught with necessities, slippery slopes, hypocrisies, and little long-term medical evidence. While I am most definitely in the pro-beta camp for those that need it, I would caution against long-term use and strongly advise talking to a specialist at length.
- Another big hit in Columbus
More news from the Columbus Symphony – the musicians have accepted yet another paycut. This recent cut is accompanied by radical staff consolidations with other local organizations. This will be an interesting model to keep an eye on – namely, will it work?
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