The kids are back in school as of today, and I am excited for my daughter. She enters the world of music education today, playing an instrument I myself played in school, the trumpet.
I didn’t play but for a year, but enjoyed my time with the instrument. I’m sure my parents were relieved when I switched to guitar, though. (Wow that has to have been a historical first!) I could play the guitar unplugged from the amp, and be MUCH quieter than said horn!
Anyway, back on topic! (I heard that a lot in school, too!)
Music education is something that most kids seem to tolerate. However, there are those kids who music speaks to in a way that no other subject does. It allows them to connect to something that lifts their soul, brightens their day, or simply allows them to finally be good at something.
I wasn’t a “Band Kid,” or any other derivations of that phrase. I was a “Theater Kid.” (There were euphemisms for us as well, believe me!)
I did have one in my family, though. My brother was so involved with band that he became the drum major. Also, I am dating a middle school band director. So, you might say, “I Get It,” even if not from experience.I did play music in school, but primarily in talent shows and in the youth band at church every weekend. I also ventured out a little bit into the “garage band experience” that so many TV shows and movies like to use as a back drop.
I’m currently playing in a group of guys my age who are al of the same mind. We love music, regardless of variety, and really get something from playing in front of people.
I never took many guitar lessons, and have had exactly zero on bass guitar and drums, but I have picked those up as well, simply out of a desire to learn a new instrument, and possibly be good at something else. (Next is either banjo or mandolin, I haven’t decided which!)
Music is something that not everyone can play, but everyone seems to enjoy on some level or another. We have favorite songs, favorite radio stations (Ahem!), and memories tied to certain songs. We have concerts as fundraisers here in town, and as the main backdrop of our annual events.
We spend money on the latest phones so that we can also have the ability to download our music faster or stream it with better quality.
I make my living around music. Either in the mornings on The Breeze, or at weddings where I am playing music for people’s first dances as couples.
Music is important. It has been for centuries, and will always continue to be so.
No, there is no local bond issue or campaign I am either trying to help or subvert. No choice to be made regarding which school programs are to be kept.
But we are lucky here in Brownwood. We don’t have to make that decision. Yet.
If we should face those dilemmas, I would hope that music, and all arts, will be taken as seriously as those who perform them for the love of it do.
Ben Cox is the host of “Ben Cox in the Morning” weekday mornings from 6 to 9 on KQBZ, 96.9 FM in Brownwood Texas. He is the new in-stadium voice of the Howard Payne Yellow Jackets football team. Ben is also an event DJ for weddings, parties and the like, and can be contacted through the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce.
The thoughts and comments reflected in this column are those of the writer alone, and do not necessarily reflect those of Wendlee Broadcasting, or its affiliates.
