Introduction

One of my very few passions is music. Anything to do with it really, listening, playing, learning, and making music are all enjoyable hobbies of mine. A lot of other people in the band share my sentiment and so. There is so much to show how important music is in our society.

How We Enjoy Music

For a lot of people, when they were growing up and even now, the media had a wide variety of sounds and music being played. Shows or movies on TV often had theme songs in the intro, and even the ads in between had catchy jingles that tended to get stuck in your head. For a certain group of people, games contain soundtracks that set the tone and really elevate your experience. Mr. Fancher, the choir as well as a concert band director teacher, enjoys a fair share of movie and game soundtracks, especially to do work to. He also enjoys a mix of alternative jazz music. Mrs. Ochocki, a band director at the middle school and high school, shared that her favorite genre of music is alternative. She likes artists like Tame Impala (a personal favorite of mine) and Vampire Weekend. It’s because a lot of their music is different from what you hear on the radio. The main reason is that she said “I enjoy Vampire Weekend because they use live instruments. Alternative has such unique sounds that aren’t often heard.”

Other students who are also in the band, like senior Jamey Waner, enjoy artists like Sabrina Carpenter and can appreciate when they gain fame for creating music the masses appreciate. Senior band member Leo Shi admitted that “Music did really help me through things, it helped improve my mood and how I felt when I was going through a really rough time.” Many others share the sentiment that Music is a life changing experience for when they are facing hard times, and it is the connected feeling that makes music so important to help keep us together.

How Music Connects Us

On the topic of what music Mr. Fancher likes to listen to music. I asked his opinion on if he believes music is a good way to help people – to connect them or if they are feeling down. “I think yea, especially to connect to others, it’s a great way to share experiences and moreover concerts to go and see live.” With research, his answer holds even more truth. When considering how strongly music influences society and, therefore, human behavior, it becomes clear the impact it can have on our future. In the article, How Does Music Affect Society? by ACCSC (Arts & Culture Council of Strathcona County), it gives specific examples of how music helped forward movements garner attention and support. “One example is the impact of the ‘freedom songs’ of the Civil Rights movement, such as ‘We Shall Overcome’ and ‘Strange Fruit.’”

For a long time now, I’ve been considering going to a concert. I’ve had my reserves, but after consideration I realized that it might be an experience to just get out and gather with other people who like the music I like. An article by Autumn Huerter states, “Concerts are also a special place where people from all walks of life interact with each other. Everyone from all races, religions, and backgrounds can set aside their differences and sing and dance together in peace.”

Music & Health

“How might music enhance cognitive performance? It’s not clear, but the researchers speculated that listening to music helps organize the firing of nerve cells in the right half of the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain responsible for higher functions” (Harvard Health Publishing). There has been research into music, as it has been around forever and runs its roots deep into all sorts of cultures. Music clearly impacts our moods and even physical wellbeing, direct or indirect.

According to the article How Does Music Affect Society? by Lia Peralta, it has been proven that high-tempo music results in better workouts. I myself have done my fair share of working out indirectly through constant practice for a dance to perform at functions or weddings, and it really does get you moving. As a side effect of this, getting out or moving around, it does change how we feel. “Music has the ability to deeply affect our mental states and raise our mood. When we need it, music gives us energy and motivation. When we’re worried, it can soothe us; when we’re weary, it can encourage us; and when we’re feeling deflated, it can re-inspire us” (Peralta).

In the long run, we really should keep our own love for music alive. There is the fact that it is a part of ourselves growing up, but it can even serve to keep us healthy and happy in our older years. “Music therapy is often used to improve attention and memory, and can have a positive effect on those suffering from dementia or alzheimer’s.” (Peralta). To keep music in our hearts and memories, as well as to even improve it, we should continue to be inspired and inspire others through music.