OSU professors use music to teach

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

View video here on OkStatenews' YouTube site.

 

While most professors rely on standard study guides and in-class lectures to drive home information, two professors in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology take a unique approach to teaching by using music in the classroom.

Dr. Jerry Ritchey came up with the original idea about five years ago, when he learned his colleague, Dr. Anthony Confer, shared his love of music. Although Dr. Confer admits he first thought the idea was nuts, they soon began changing the lyrics of classic rock songs to teach important concepts in veterinary pathology.

“These students have so much information to take in that it can be overwhelming,” Confer said. “We felt this was a great way to help them memorize the material, as well as have some fun.”

In the beginning, Ritchey and Confer would visit each others classrooms and perform for the students toward the end of class. However, as time went on and more people heard about what was happening, it evolved into something much larger. Their first concert was held in the spring of 2005 in the Student Union Little Theater. A few friends of the professors joined in to play guitar and drums, and a full band, complete with back up singers, was soon formed.

Both professors admit to being surprised by the turnout at the first concert. “We honestly thought it would be mostly our students, but many more people showed up,” Ritchey said.

The band is now called AC/VP and the Pneumosistas, a play on the prominent rock band AC/DC. AC/VP stands for American College of Veterinary Pathologists. They have played a concert each spring since 2005, and have even traveled to Kansas State University to perform, as well as playing at many Vet school events. Neither professor imagined their idea would come to this, and they are enjoying every minute of it.

“The kids seem to really enjoy it, and we have a blast,” Ritchey said.

Although most of the songs have an educational theme, some are just for fun, such as “Wake me up when lecture ends,” set to the music of Greenday’s hit “Wake me up when September ends.” Other topics covered are a song about antifreeze toxicity, to the tune of “Free Bird” and “Pretty Lesion,” which obviously is based on “Pretty Woman.”  They now have close to 25 songs, and are always coming up with ideas for more. Many of their performances can be found on Youtube by simply entering AC/VP.

The band’s next show is planned for Thursday, April 8, 2010, in the Student Union Little Theater.