Why Music?

There are countless hobbies in the world—sports, visual art, dance, and many more. But for me, one stands out above the rest: making music. There’s something indescribable about it—a perfect blend of effort, emotion, and collaboration. Music isn’t just a pastime; it’s a global art form that connects people across cultures and generations. Especially after experiencing the recent Spring Arts Festival, it’s clear that music matters deeply to people from all walks of life—and for so many different reasons.

🎶 Music as Art

First and foremost, music is an art form. Like many of you, I grew up surrounded by it. I used to listen to 102.7 FM, tuning in to the biggest hits from artists like Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran, Maroon 5, P!nk, Ariana Grande, and my personal favorite—Taylor Swift. As I got older, I found myself drawn to musical theater as well, with shows like Hamilton, Aladdin, and Six capturing my imagination.

But beyond personal taste, music plays a bigger role in people’s lives. Dancers use it to express themselves and keep in rhythm. Athletes use it to get hyped before games. Artists use it for creative inspiration. And for most of us, music becomes the soundtrack to our lives—whether we’re going through heartbreak, celebrating a win, or simply trying to get through the day.

Thanks to streaming services and social media, it’s easier than ever to find the perfect song or artist that fits your mood. And this isn’t just true for pop music—it applies to concert band, orchestra, and choral music too. Composers and arrangers pour their emotions and stories into their work, just like any great singer-songwriter. Take Blue Sky Horizon by Randall Standridge, which brings a sense of joy and optimism in a cloudy world. Or A Builder’s Dream by Adrian B. Sims, which paints a musical picture of the towering skyscrapers in Times Square. These pieces, and many others, show how deeply music can communicate feeling and meaning.

Live performances are another vital part of the musical experience. At our school, both Band and Chorus shine during the Winter and Spring concerts. For the performers, it’s the culmination of months of hard work. For the audience, it’s a chance to witness the joy and emotion that only live music can bring. Whether it’s a huge stadium concert, a Broadway show, or a school performance, music is something we experience together as a community. It’s not just sound—it’s humanity in action.

🎺 A Personal Journey Through Music

Music is also a hobby that grows with you. I started playing piano when I was six years old after winning a raffle for free lessons from a teacher connected to my church. My parents wanted to get me into music, and this turned out to be the perfect opportunity. I began to enjoy it more and more, and soon picked up other instruments—drums, guitar, recorder, and later, trumpet in 5th Grade Band.

But it wasn’t until middle school that music really started to matter. Through Band class with Mrs. Schecter (and her amazing student teachers, Ms. Siano and Mr. Merseburg), music became part of my school day—and my favorite subject. In 6th grade, I also discovered I had a rare ability called perfect pitch, meaning I can identify musical notes without needing a reference sound. This helped me progress more quickly as a musician.

Even more importantly, I learned how to play with others—how to be part of a musical team. I made friends and experienced the highs and lows of performing together. Whether it's rehearsing for hours or celebrating after a great performance, being part of something bigger than myself has been one of the most rewarding parts of music.

I’m proud to be part of our school’s Jazz Ensemble and the Salute to Music program, co-led by Mrs. Schecter. I’ve worked hard to earn the role of 1st Trumpet in all of my groups and even became 1st Chair in Saturday Band—after just 2.5 years of playing trumpet! But titles aside, what matters most is the teamwork and shared experience. When we succeed, we celebrate together. And when we struggle, we lift each other up. That’s what makes music so powerful—it’s not just a solo act, it’s a community effort.

If I hadn’t taken those piano lessons as a kid, I might never have discovered this passion. Playing music isn’t just about pressing keys, strumming strings, or blowing air through a horn. It’s about feeling something—and sharing that feeling with others. Music becomes a part of you. And while it may not be everyone’s favorite hobby, if you truly enjoy it, you’ll find yourself completely immersed in it.

In conclusion, whether you’re a band kid, a metalhead, a Swiftie, or a theater lover, we all share a deep appreciation for the incredible art form that is music. It brings us together, tells our stories, and helps us understand the world—and each other—a little better.

So next time you put on your headphones or step onto a stage, remember: you’re part of something bigger. And that’s why music matters.