If there are those who still read this, I must applaud you, for I have not been the most consistent, but I feel that the events of tonight warrant some thoughtful reflection.
For many years, I always thought it odd that most high school bands only play 3 concerts a year. I attribute this, primarily, to the fact that it takes most high school bands a little longer to attain the level of musicianship that is easier for more advanced groups. But recently, my thoughts on this have changed. Not that I think we should play more concerts a year, but that the limited amount of performances might actually have some benefits.
First, the anticipation is greater and the sense of accomplishment more fulfilling when there are fewer performance opportunities. I remember playing three concerts every semester in college. While the musicianship was at a much higher level, I never felt as musically rewarded as I did in high school, or even feel now. Secondly, there is less planning and logistical chaos with less concerts. Parents have to wash shirts less. Tuxedos and dresses need to be dry cleaned less. But all of this pales in comparison to the thought that has been dominating my mind over the past few days; concerts are merely an outward expression of a relationship that has been building for far longer than one night. When I was in middle and high school, I played trombone with two guys named Matt and Jesse. We sat next to each other for seven straight years. We knew exactly what each other sounded like and how to play to benefit each others tone. I remember my last concert in high school, not necessarily because it was a fine musical performance, which it was, but because it was the culmination of a unique relationship that could never be duplicated in any other environment. Band brought Jesse, Matt, and I together and kept us that way for 7 years. I have not really spoken to either since graduation. I know that Matt went to Case Reserve to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering, but I'm not quite sure what Jesse ever did. No matter, for 7 years, we shared a bond that only other musicians would understand. For 50 minutes every day, we were one, we breathed together, phrased together, and enjoyed each others music. This is what it's about. What is music if not a great binding agent of humanity? Why participate in any artistic pursuit if it doesn't bring you closer to those around you? This is why we play, because we want to stay connected to that unbreakable bond, that glue that holds us together during sixth hour every day. I hope that this sheds some light on band in Springport. After all, music is an art, not a finite, definite answer kind of thing, it's a beautiful conversation, meant for only the closest of friends and family. I love what I do!
For many years, I always thought it odd that most high school bands only play 3 concerts a year. I attribute this, primarily, to the fact that it takes most high school bands a little longer to attain the level of musicianship that is easier for more advanced groups. But recently, my thoughts on this have changed. Not that I think we should play more concerts a year, but that the limited amount of performances might actually have some benefits.
First, the anticipation is greater and the sense of accomplishment more fulfilling when there are fewer performance opportunities. I remember playing three concerts every semester in college. While the musicianship was at a much higher level, I never felt as musically rewarded as I did in high school, or even feel now. Secondly, there is less planning and logistical chaos with less concerts. Parents have to wash shirts less. Tuxedos and dresses need to be dry cleaned less. But all of this pales in comparison to the thought that has been dominating my mind over the past few days; concerts are merely an outward expression of a relationship that has been building for far longer than one night. When I was in middle and high school, I played trombone with two guys named Matt and Jesse. We sat next to each other for seven straight years. We knew exactly what each other sounded like and how to play to benefit each others tone. I remember my last concert in high school, not necessarily because it was a fine musical performance, which it was, but because it was the culmination of a unique relationship that could never be duplicated in any other environment. Band brought Jesse, Matt, and I together and kept us that way for 7 years. I have not really spoken to either since graduation. I know that Matt went to Case Reserve to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering, but I'm not quite sure what Jesse ever did. No matter, for 7 years, we shared a bond that only other musicians would understand. For 50 minutes every day, we were one, we breathed together, phrased together, and enjoyed each others music. This is what it's about. What is music if not a great binding agent of humanity? Why participate in any artistic pursuit if it doesn't bring you closer to those around you? This is why we play, because we want to stay connected to that unbreakable bond, that glue that holds us together during sixth hour every day. I hope that this sheds some light on band in Springport. After all, music is an art, not a finite, definite answer kind of thing, it's a beautiful conversation, meant for only the closest of friends and family. I love what I do!
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