Hear the Music, See the Light!

by Gunner Glenn '28

Doesn’t everyone want to be a rock star? When I started playing guitar in the 5th grade, I hated it. However, during my 8th grade year, I had the opportunity to take “School of Rock” for one of my classes. That changed everything.

My music teacher was a long-haired, skinny-jeans-wearing, hand-in-pockets, soft-spoken, laid-back, selfproclaimed hippy Everyone loved Mr Stubbs We had a lot of practices and I felt that I had found my “love language” through music On the night of our first concert we were all nervous, me in particular My knees were shaking like a leaf My palms were cold and damp with sweat Our band walked onto the stage, plugged in the equipment, and set things up, while feeling the tension in the audience as they looked up, waiting for the action. The drummer gave a count-down…4, 3, 2,1…click, click, clicking his drum sticks together. My left hand fingers pressed hard into the guitar strings. My right hand fingers coasted firmly and confidently across the strings, strumming the chords. Behind us, a projected screen of silver stars and a yellow moon moved about. The teachers wildly waved their arms. “Stand up! Stand up!” The students rushed down to the stage. They were singing along, jumping, dancing, and chanting our names out loud. The energy felt like an earthquake to my senses.

Now, a year and a half later, I have more confidence and a big picture mindset each time I play my favorite songs. I learned that playing may seem difficult at first, but if I start slow, put in the effort, and challenge myself often, I will find my way. Skills can be developed. My recommendation for anyone wanting to learn an instrument or develop their playing skills: Get out of your comfort zone and let your talent move your soul! Let you talent be your own personal sugar high.