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Posted 12/20/02
Trevor and Michelle Carlson
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The mood is tense on the ice at Thompson Arena. Dartmouth shoots. B.C.'s goalie skates out to glove the puck. He crashes into a Dartmouth player and punches start flying. In the background, Culture Club's "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" can be heard. Discerning fans may think the lyrical complement a funny coincidence but, in fact, it is no accident. Music maestros Trevor and Michelle Carlson planned it that way.
Trevor, Dartmouth's assistant athletic director for marketing and promotions, has been orchestrating the music at Dartmouth's home hockey games since 2000. He and his wife Michelle, a teacher in Plainfield, N.H., spend hours reviewing CDs for clever lyrics or titles. Then Trevor downloads selections onto a computer using a program designed to create atmosphere at sports events. Michelle runs the controls at the games, matching music to movement.
"I've had calls from people wanting to know the names of songs we've played. It's rewarding because it means they're paying attention," says Trevor.
The songs fall into several categories: Pre-game/intermission songs are crowd pleasers— oldies, contemporary, rock, and pop—that put people in a good mood. Warm-up music and goal songs, usually modern rock selections chosen by the team captains, pump up the teams and the fans.
Finally, there are game-play songs for action on the ice. These provide the greatest creative outlet for the Carlsons. When the opposing team is penalized, for example, Michelle punches up the lyrics "Take out the papers and the trash," from the Coasters' 1958 hit "Yakety Yak." Says Michelle, "It's all about engaging the fans. We want them to get involved and have fun."
- Anita Warren
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