Sing With Your Supper

Students Enjoy New Background Music At Dining Halls

by Michael Leinz

Des Moines, Iowa (Feb. 26, 1997)-- Drake students dining at Hubbell Express during the week of Feb. 9 through Feb. 13 were in for a special treat. During their meals they were joined by Sheryl Crow, No Doubt and Jewel among other popular musicians--at least, students were able to listen to music by these artists.

Music was played over the speakers in Hubbell during the week as part of a study by the Student Life Committee. The committee wanted to try to add to the dining services at Drake. At the end of the week, the committee interviewed 40 students to get an idea of students' reaction to the music. All of the students interviewed said they enjoyed having the music.

Jonathan Azu, chairman of the Student Life Committee, was pleased with the results. "I didn't think we would get a 100 percent approval rate, but we did. I'm happy," Azu said. The idea to play music in Hubbell was perceived by the committee when one of its members noticed the speakers, Azu said.

Arline Smith, director of Hubbell Dining Services, said she was happy to work with the Student Life Committee to serve the interests of Drake students. "They asked us to play Star 102.5 for a week. Then they gave us the results of their survey," Smith said.

Smith is unsure about the future of music in Hubbell. Decisions will be made after she discusses the results with the Student Life Committee.

Students are optimistic about the idea of having music at their meals. The interviews showed that 15 of the 40 students thought that the music actually positively affected their experience. Although 13 of the students were strongly interested in having the music continue, six felt that it was too loud. Another six of the students interviewed felt that different music should be used.

"Music in Hubbell is not a new idea. We actually had it a few years ago," said Gretchen Thompson, assistant director of Hubbell Dining Services. Unfortunately, arguments between student groups about which music to play eventually caused the music to stop altogether, Thompson said.

However, it seems fairly likely that the music will continue as a result of the Student Life Committee's efforts. "We're under the impression that it will stay," Azu said.

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