Musical Meals

Most of us don’t pay direct attention to the music or television that plays in the dining hall. It is a low-key background sound that we all tune out. Students here at Plymouth State have the most versatile music taste that could benefit our time at the Dining Hall. I understand that we all go to the Dining Hall to eat, well obviously. But wouldn’t it be different if the students and faculty could choose what music we eat our food to? Although the music that plays isn’t boring church music, I still think we could put our Plymouth State spin on it.
When sitting with my friends eating, I always notice how there is only one station that is generically designed for “every” college student playing. Our first instinct is to see what the TV is playing. Wouldn’t it be a good idea to match what’s showing on the TV to what music is playing?
We all remember the 90’s cartoons like Rugrats, Hey Arnold and Cat Dog to name the classics. What if we had a week where we played 90’s cartoons in the dining hall? Students could vote on what they think are the best shows. D’Aaron Ennis, a sophomore also wants to change what is being played on the TV’s. “Television has changed. The shows that are on now are not nearly as good as before.” Having music videos that we all agree on would be a nice change.
By changing the music in the Dining Hall we will also hear of new artists that we can add to our playlists. This question interested me so I asked around campus to see what other students had to say.
Ashton Floyd, a sophomore had another interesting idea about changing things in the dining hall. “A jukebox system would be cool”. Having options will make it better.” Letting students choose music in an organized way could introduce a whole new would of music to students. “They play the same stuff everyday, they don’t think we notice but we do.” Says Christopher Jackson a junior.
I have thought about this idea since I first got to Plymouth. I don’t want to give you the impression that I want huge speakers blaring with a strobe light. I just think that the dining hall should be a place where we can sit back and take a break from all the work were doing. If we could get a set playlist each week to play at a restricted volume it’d make the background music and our day more enjoyable.
I asked Melodey Matthews, a junior if she thought a suggestion box for music would be a good idea. “Yeah sure, it definitely would be a good idea. I’m sure a ton of students would put in suggestions. But would somebody take the time to tally it up? Doubtful”. Tyler Kelley, a senior was asked the same question. “I think it would be a good idea. It’s open minded and it would be more enjoyable for students to be at the dining hall”.
Having music videos of artists that we all enjoy being played in set genres each week would make lunch more appealing. For one week there could be country, the next week could be west coast hip-hop. The choice would entirely be up to us.
Ashley Fodero, a junior commented, “I wish I could hear more variety. The TV should not only play MTV”. Brendan Finnegan, a senior said, “The TV shows are very bizarre and don’t really relate to anyone.” Getting feedback from students made it evident that I am not the only student on campus who would like a change. Plymouth State University is our home away from home. If we as a student body come together and strive for a change we can make a difference for now and the future.