Fine Arts - Spanish Fork & the Power of Music

Spanish Fork and the Power of Music

Resident Submission by Mark Boothe

I love Spanish Fork; I have lived here for almost my entire life; I will always call it home!

Music taught me patience; music taught me perseverance; music brings me peace!

The previous statements are truths that I hold very dear to my heart. Spanish Fork and music are two things that have always, and will forever, be important to me. In fact, I have had countless experiences with music here that have changed my life for the better. I have fond memories of attending street dances during the Fiesta Days Celebration, performing at the city park, singing at rest homes, and DJ-ing dances around the community. Part of my love for music can be traced back to some of the incredible musicians from our community: Bev Thomas, Elmo Keck, Sherrie Dunford, Rick Lunt, Barbara Forsey, and many others. These individuals gave me opportunities to grow, learn, and love music. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Before any of those individuals entered my life, my parents -- Randy and Susan Boothe -- helped teach me through the power of music. From an early age, every child in the Boothe household started taking piano lessons (it was non-negotiable). During those growing up years, I didn’t fully understand why I had to practice everyday, why we had to go to lessons every week, why we had to memorize songs, why we had to perform those songs, and mostly, how my mom had the fortitude to keep pushing me to practice -- even though I was undoubtedly far from an easy child or dedicated student. I didn’t know then, but I definitely know now, that my parents were teaching me how to be a better human being -- and they were doing it with music. Some parents use sports, some parents use livestock, and some parents use reading to teach important principles (all of which are excellent choices). My parents gave me different opportunities to figure out what I loved, and they supported me with whatever interests I had. But while we were growing up, music was always a part of my life.

Growing up, I got to take ukulele, drums, piano, voice, and violin lessons. As I grew older, I focused mostly on three instruments: piano, violin, and voice. Music has blessed me with opportunities to perform in China, Australia, and throughout the United States. But most importantly, music has helped to teach me four important lessons. You might call them my four P’s of success: Practice, Perseverance, Patience, and Peace.

Perseverance and Practice -- Music taught me about perseverance. There were many times that I simply didn’t want to practice (sound familiar) -- and sometimes (wait for it), I didn’t. However, for the most part, it was part of my routine, and it was my responsibility to practice the piano everyday. As I practiced, my resolve, mind, and muscle memory were strengthened. I realized that I could do hard things (a lesson that I am trying to teach my children today). I’ve come to understand that I can do anything I put my mind to, as long as I practice and persevere.

Patience and Practice -- As I spent countless hours learning from teachers, practicing scales, and memorizing songs, I realized that good things could come if I patiently practiced. As much as I would have liked to have skipped the “practice” part, and simply perfectly performed certain songs, it didn’t work that way. I had to put the work in. I had to be patient as I put in hours of practice.

Peace and Practice -- Some of the most peaceful and reassuring moments of my life have come while listening to and performing music. Music has the power to transform us to a better place. That peace that I have experienced came because someone practiced and prepared.

Aristotle said, “Music has the power of producing a certain effect on the moral character of the soul, and if it has the power to do this, it is clear that the young must be directed to music and must be educated in it.”

I’m grateful to so many in our Community who have helped teach me important principles through music. My uncles, Steve and Mike, founded and ran Boothe Brothers Music for many years. It became a staple of Spanish Fork. For me and our family, music and the community have gone hand in hand for decades, and I hope that the musical community in Spanish Fork will only grow stronger in the years to come! Keep Making Music!