Hendrix class caters to rock 'n' roll music fans

"Do you hear that? He's playing it backwards!" yells an energetic professor over the blaring rock music at the front of the lecture hall. \nAndy Hollinden, teacher and creator of Music Z403: The Music of Jimi Hendrix, is talking about the structure of the song "Are You Experienced?"\nThe class, first offered in the summer of 2000, is offered by the Department of Music in General Studies.\n"Hendrix is one of those artists, to a young person, they hear older people talk about all the time," Hollinden said. "I want them to experience firsthand what it is people have been talking about for the past 40 years."\nThe class, offered in the spring, focuses on the music and life of legendary American guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Students listen to his music, watch performance footage and hear unique stories about his life from Hollinden.\n"Until you actually listen to the music, discuss the lyrics and watch the performance footage, you cannot fully appreciate him," Hollinden said.\nSenior Heather Bray said she signed up for the course after taking a previous rock 'n' roll music class.\n"I took the Beatles class from Hollinden," she said. "I thought he was a great teacher, and I am very interested in rock 'n' roll."\nThe class fulfills the COAS arts and humanities requirement and also counts toward a music minor. \n"Initially, I wanted to take the Beatles class," said senior Phil McLaughlin, "but they don't offer it in the spring. (This class) is still very interesting, and it fulfills the requirement for my music minor."\nThe class attracts students from various backgrounds who all share an interest in Hendrix's music. There are no prerequisites for the class, and most students are not music majors, Hollinden said. Students are, however, required to obtain Hendrix's music and be able to recognize and discuss his songs.\n"I have to listen to Hendrix repeatedly. When I hear the story behind a song, I want to learn more," McLaughlin said.\nHollinden is enthusiastic about teaching the course since the subject is one that is personal to him.\n"I have been a Hendrix fan since I was 6 years old," Hollinden said. "I most enjoy when people who have little knowledge about him turn into Hendrix nuts"