Why I Love Music

Just a note: This post is in response to a query posed by a good friend of mine Andrea Myers on her blog today. She is a good friend from high school, now married and an aspiring and talented music critic. Best of luck to her in all of her endeavors!

So, the question posed today is: What do I love about music?

I suppose this is a question that I had better be able to answer without too much trouble. I think my answer has two parts to it. The first element of music I love is its ability to bring people together. Every aspect of my life at this moment owes itself to music, and the people that I surround myself with all surround me because of music. Nearly all of my friends are fellow musicians that I've created and experienced music with. I met my fiancee at an All-State Orchestra camp. I find joy in teaching because I get to bring young people together to create and experience music. This semester I have witnessed music's incredible power to heal people and bring people together to help one another. One of the most poigniant experiences of my life to date has been the events following Branden's death. The unity I felt when singing with my Fraternity brothers at his funeral, or playing the Holst Suite at his memorial; at these times I felt such an unspoken connection with the people around me --both in the ensemble and in the audience-- it was tangible. I forsee much of my future being devoted to bringing people together to experience music.

The other aspect of my love for music is much more personal. I find great solace and joy in being a part of music, whether it be performing or listening. I enjoy going to concerts...I enjoy going to concerts with other people. But more often than not I find that when I go to concerts I become completely withdrawn from anyone else, and my complete attention is focused on the music and musicians. I have absolutely no problem with attending concerts on my own, because so much of the joy derived from them comes from within. At home, I like to turn the music up loud (probably too loud for my own good), and let it completely envelope me.

Music has the power to rekindle intense emotions and memories. I have a long list of songs or pieces that bring me back to a specific moment in my life, or remind me of certain people. If you asked me, there is probably a certain song that reminds me of you if you've hung around me long enough.

So yes...this is my response. I could probably go on, but this will suffice for now.