The Importance of Music

Thinking about what elective I should choose for this year, I reflected upon my experience in band from elementary and middle school. I remember the day that my elementary school sent band and orchestra flyers home. My spontaneous decision to join band in 4th grade has now allowed me to continue band seven years later.
I had never realized the true importance of music until this year. Embarrassingly, my eighth grade year I quit band because I thought it was weird, not “cool.” However, I now see that the cool thing is doing what you want, instead of doing what others find acceptable. And, for the 20 or so kids in McClatchy’s band, they want to make music. I don’t think I can accurately explain the passion and discipline it takes to be truly dedicated to an instrument, but I will say that persistence is a quality found in most people in band. I look to my left and right, and see people of all ages, attempting to come together to play a beautiful piece of work. No, it’s not perfect, but I don’t think that is the point. I think that yes, we should try to be the best we can be; but, ultimately we are learning how to correct our mistakes individually through practice at home and listening to others in class.
Many of you might ask me: why now? But, I would say, why not? Having to take an elective junior year, why was I pressured to take ceramics or graphic design? Making things with my hands, like art or drawing, never really was my strong suit. Instead, I decided to join band, something that I had loved since 4th grade. And, in those first couple of days back at school, I realized why I had joined band in the first place: because it is a way to express myself outside of writing, reading, or speaking. It is a way to escape the confines of my essays or science projects, and instead participate in an activity that requires skill and discipline, but is also fun, and loud and messy, with the only restrictions being the rhythm you are told to play.
I think band has always been an outlet for me. An outlet to be myself. An outlet to question the traditional ways of learning. An outlet to meet new people, try new things, and discover a new version of yourself. I encourage anyone interested in band, or who is on the fence, to try it! What’s the worst thing that can happen? You mess up a note? Don’t have a lot of friends in your class? You feel like you can’t do it? Well, my friend, it has happened to everyone. We all have questioned what we should do but I think when it comes down to it, do what you love and love what you do. And, when I look around the band room, I see people who love what they do. And now, I’m starting to love band again, too.