
What is a philosophy major doing behind the mic on WUNH 91.3 and singing at regional sporting events? The better question, says Alicia Jacobs, a senior from Hooksett, N.H., might be, âWhat better place for her?â
Itâs 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 New Hampshire Fisher Cats and the Manchester Monarchs games in high school.
âIâm humbled by the experience of singing our national anthem,â says Jacobs. âThe song is so powerful and it means so much to so many people. Itâs about the song, not the singer. To get the job, you need to have the right balance of pushiness and politeness.â
As a result of her positive reputation, she eventually added the Portland Sea Dogs and UNH events to her list of clients. Liz Riley of the Sea Dogs says her organization appreciated Jacobsâ preparedness and laid back style, âa rare combination of characteristics that every good performer has.â
Back on campus, Jacobsâ professor, David Hiley, sees the same thing: âAlicia pursues all of her work with the same seriousness and enthusiasm â whether itâs philosophy, WUNH, or singing. Itâs all deeply meaningful to her.â
Jacobs turned to philosophy after an introductory course hooked her.
âI was amazed to find out that I could have a major like philosophy that allows me to write, analyze and self-reflect,â she says. âOur classes are small and full of dialogue. I love it. Weâre in class because we love the pursuit of learning.â
On the first day of existential philosophy, for example, Hiley asked his class what they knew about the subject. Jacobs volunteered, âItâs like the Devo song that says âFreedom of choice is what we got. Freedom from choice is what we wantâ.â
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Whatâs the connection between music and philosophy? âFor me,â Jacobs said, âThe connection is between understanding and being understood.â
Jacobs explains that the classical music she listened to with her dad growing up was reflective. âPhilosophy is like classical music. Iâm not trying to be understood; Iâm trying to understand. Performing the national anthem, popular music and working at WUNH are about being understood.â
Jacobs says she hopes that listeners feel that âthey are understoodâ and that the station reflects UNH. âAs a non-profit radio station, listeners can dictate the quantity and type of programming played,â says Jacobs.
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Originally published by:
UNH Today
Written by Jennifer Pribble