Competition showcases talent in science and music
USU’s College of Science will host the fourth annual String Theory Competition 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 24 in the TSC Stevenson Ballroom. The winner of the songwriting competition will receive a Fender CD-220 acoustic guitar from KSM Music of Logan, said Lance Pflieger, College of Science senator and senior in molecular biology.
The competition is one of several events being hosted, but it is always a highlight of Science Week, which runs March 23-28, Pflieger said.
“Back by popular demand, this competition is a fun way to get the entire university involved in Science Week, and showcase some serious talent while we’re at it,” he said.
Songwriting is a “nice outlet for expression,” said Devon Herrmann, guitarist, singer and songwriter for the local band Mid 6.
“It’s a different way to communicate, and it’s fun to experiment,” Herrmann said.
KSM has been open for 13 years and offers music lessons for many different instruments, ranging from the guitar and bass to the flute and banjo, said Chris Hampton, general manager of KSM Music. This is the fourth year KSM has done this event, he said.
Along with KSM Music, recording studio Why Sound will be helping out with the competition. Last year Why Sound gave free recording time to the winner of the competition, Pflieger said.
The winner of the competition will be selected by a panel of judges, grading the contestants on lyrics, technique, presentation, audience response, clarity and rhythm. Pflieger said this year’s judges include the dean of the College of Science, next year’s science senator and a representative from Why Sound.
“The competition doesn’t really have anything to do with string theory or science,” Pflieger said. “You don’t have to be a perfect singer or musician. The point is to have fun and engage the audience. It’s just a laid-back, fun competition.”
Brian Greene, author of “The Elegant Universe,” a best-selling book on string theory, said the songs performed may have nothing to do with science, but the music is more a part of science than people realize.
“Everything physical in this universe of ours,” Greene said. “Everything we know or are likely ever to know, is part of this cosmic symphony … is made from the same fundamental music.”
Students are encouraged to sign up for the songwriting competition, and Pflieger said there are still spots available.
The evening’s performances are free and open to the public. Artists who wish to register for the event should submit a registration form, including a $5 registration fee to TSC room 326 by 5 p.m. Monday, March 23, Pflieger said. For more information and rules about the competition, stop by TSC room 326.
–chris.d.romriell@aggiemail.usu.edu