George N. Parks once said “Playing in a band is the best thing you can ever do and don’t you ever let anyone tell you any differently!” Truer words have never been spoken, but music, concert and marching band, is counting for less and less these days. Instead of doing something fun and educational, most children have turned to video games, believing that ‘Rock Band’ and ‘Guitar Hero’ expertise means that they are musicians. Pressing green, yellow, blue, and red buttons is not musicianship. So Instead of hitting a piece of plastic, hit a drum. Instead of pressing a few buttons, learn how to play guitar. Forget about being the next American Idol and pick up a trumpet, or a clarinet, or a saxophone, or a flute and do something that you will never forget; play in a band.
The great thing about playing an instrument is that there is so much to learn. It’s hard work and takes dedication, but nothing is more rewarding. Most people will have stopped reading this at ‘hard work’ and therein lays the problem. Kids, young and old just don’t want to put the work in anymore; they’d rather sit around playing video games or eating junk food. They don’t understand the magic that comes with a musical instrument. They don’t understand how rewarding it actually is; nothing is better at the end of a long hard day then to sit back and listen to the music that you are playing. Nothing is better than setting a musical goal for yourself and reaching that goal. While hard work and dedication are a big part to learning an instrument, it is all worth it in the end. Just listening to music enriches the soul; imagine how enriching it is to actually play music. Nothing in the world can ever top that.
A band is more than just musical talent, however; a band is a family. Band is where the real work starts, playing alone, you can keep your own tempo, your own beat, and it doesn’t matter whether or not you are playing in tune. However, once there is a whole band together, it is a give and take system. Playing at the right time and on the beat is a must! It is a great way to learn and improve your skills. By listening to other musicians you can learn from things they do, and teach them things that you do, such as practice methods, alternative fingerings, and tricks to holding the notes out longer. Band is a place where you can learn and build on skills without feeling judged.
When you play in a band you will make some of the strongest friendships. These friendships touch the heart in ways that are unimaginable. Band people are the coolest, funniest, most amazing people that anyone could ever meet. They are kind and loving people who can change lives in ways they do not even realize. Band friendships last a lifetime. When powerful connections are made between two souls, they can never be broken. A band is much more than just a band, it is a family filled with the best people a person could ever meet.
No matter what your style, is there is a band out there for you! So put down the video games and start to play, music that is! Age doesn’t matter in the world of instrumentalists, it doesn’t matter if you’re four or forty, you are never too young or old to start playing. So pick up something that interests you, find a band, and make some new and incredible friends! While it is true that not every college or high school has a band, that should not stop you. Most communities offer a community band where they will welcome any new members. There is no excuse to not try; everyone should be able to play some type of instrument. Everyone should participate in the lifestyle that is band. Everyone should feel the magic that is music.
Sincerely,
Danielle Girard
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