The Melodic Sacrifice by Eliana Hermel staff writer
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Many of the Central students enrolled in the music programs spend hours of their lives working toward their best possible performance
usic is everywhere. From the wind blowing through the trees to the birds belting their charming calls. It’s human nature to enjoy the sounds of the world, whatever that may be to each individual. So how does it help people? Why does music make someone happier than they could’ve ever imagined? Something as grand as music needs to be considered as a spectrum. But then that spectrum becomes more of a web, and starts from one point, or one idea, and branches out into thousands of different strands. Music is kind of like that. It starts from one idea, or one thought, and then branches out into all these different kinds. Because of this, the students of Central have many unique preferences for their favorite tunes. Many genres probably come to mind. Amid these thousands of genres and preferences, orchestra is one of them. Dagny VanEssen ‘25 has been playing the violin since sixth grade. VanEssen has possessed a desire to play the violin ever since she knew how to talk. “When I was younger, I thought that you just had the violin, you had the bow, you played it, and that’s that. But it’s so much more to have the rest of the orchestra with you,” VanEssen expresses. Being a part of a team, an orchestra, or even just a group of friends is important. It tests one’s patience, but also sends the message that 30 // BGQ // January 2022
being part of a team relies on individual contributions. Knowing one’s part of a song or a play on the field requires time and sacrifice. VanEssen describes, “I see the sacrifices as necessary because when you make these sacrifices and see the final result, you realize just how the work and devotion you put into something can make a huge difference.” Her value of orchestra has gotten in the way of her regular hobbies, but the rewards are greater than anything she could’ve ever imagined. Because of this, VanEssen holds music to a very high standard. “Without music, this would be an extremely boring world. Think about your life right now, but with literally no music. At all. It would be so boring,” VanEssen remarks. She also encourages everyone to “just get an instrument.” Even Photo: S. Elkins with the sacrificed time and activities, she sees orchestra as a hobby worthy of indulging in. Singing is another aspect of music, which can induce many feelings. Sasha Buck ‘25 recalls, “My mom signed me up for NMC Children’s Choir when we first moved here from Chicago. I just started growing my voice from there.” Buck’s mom signed her up for the choir when she was eight. What started as something to help her make friends, turned into something she couldn’t imagine her life without. When singing, Buck is her happiest. Buck testifies, “When I’m singing I
