Picking Up Musicianship is as Easy as Picking up an Instrument!

 Throughout the final weeks of the third term this school year, Norwell High School and its community have experienced some excellent spring concerts, along with plenty of experienced musicians performing in those concerts. The long awaited performances were met with large attendance and filled with impressive songs and pieces, ranging from Irving Berlin’s hopeful jazz tune “Blue Skies,” to the upbeat “Brown Eyed Girl,” to Bach’s sorrowful “Come Sweet Death,” and even the fiery choral piece “Fuego.” Overall, the performances for Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Chorus, and Guitar were all phenomenal shows end to end, as is apparent with the applause received from the audiences at the end of each performance; however, with the praise must come distraught, as numerous seniors are about to head off to internships, and quite soon, the senior class will be graduating. For many, including myself, the pressure of filling the shoes of such musicians and people in general can seem unbearable. But let it be known that this talented and admirable graduating class was once in the position we find ourselves in now. They too had to say goodbye to folks they were close with yet still so separated from. 

 In the Wind Ensemble alone, fifteen musicians will be moving on, leaving a massive gap for both the remaining members as well as the incoming individuals. For a school of such a large size, only a select few are enrolled in a music based class, but for those musicians, music is an important basis of character and pride. Furthermore, many forget the benefits of playing music

and performing in general. For instance, musicianship provides an opportunity to build teamwork and collaboration among students. Within a band, every individual is entrusted with a role, and through mutual trust, performers are able to perfect their parts and co-produce excellent music. Additionally, playing music helps alleviate stress, and it provides time to decompress and change your mind’s focus. Not only is mental health and stress reduced from playing, but musicians also experience improved physical health relating to muscle strength and control as well as lung endurance. 

 Unfortunately, nearly everyone brushes off the idea of joining Band; however, since joining, nearly everyone I have met has been welcoming and encouraging and only somewhat silly. I have never been judged for mistakes in class, during a performance, or outside of school when working with band members and students. Differently, the challenge in learning to play an instrument is the reward. Often, we hope that all of our experiences will be successful, but if that did happen, then success would have no value; therefore, consider joining Band, or even just think about exceeding your comfort zone to do something that you have always longed to do. So, even if there is struggle, even if there is the thought of giving up, even if it takes lots of time, which it will, appreciate the joy of hitting the note one higher than before, appreciate the applause of the audience, and appreciate the dedication given by all to so well together.