The Melodic Sacrifice

by Eliana Hermel staff writer

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

Mbeing 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 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

Photo: S. Elkins

Photo: C. Benedict

can almost become the person this was written for or the person who wrote it. It’s not a feeling that I can really explain. It’s more of a warmth you feel in your heart.” Warmth. Warmth is usually associated with knowing that what one is doing is right. This is what one is meant to be doing. It makes a person feel good. Apparently, it makes Buck feel good, too. Singing seems like a simple concept, but it truly is a skill that one practices over and over until they sound their best. Imagine this situation: Finally, after months of practicing and practicing, the concert arrives. The class arrives on stage. Everyone practiced the melody in their heads, singing the words in their throats. They’re ready. Buck muses, “When my choir would sing, the audience’s faces would just light up and they were happy. I really love that I could be making them happy. They might have been having a terrible day, but because they heard me sing, that turned their day around.” Music can benefit one no matter what walk of life they’re experiencing. Whether they’re singing or listening to music, it can make someone’s day so much better. It can even make their life significantly happier. From the looks of things, melodic sounds have seemed to have found its way into the lives of many. The emotions felt when making music can be extraordinary. Now with the final class, Band. It’s hard to forget the school Band. How could anyone manage to forget them with their outstanding performances at the half-time shows? Jack Dwyer ‘24 plays the Bassoon in the Wind Ensemble. He thinks that everyone should have a chance to do something with music. “I think generally it’s just good for you because a lot of people don’t express themselves musically, and sometimes it takes something like that to kind of make them do it even if they don’t want to,” Dwyer remarks. Dwyer has been playing in band since he was 10. Since he’s played the Bassoon for so long, Dwyer has found himself experiencing many emotions. Like any situation, any emotion can come out of such a raw and physical hobby. “I would say generally [creating music] makes you feel really good. It can also [induce] anxiety if you don’t feel like you’re ready. There are those days that you just can’t get something right or it’s frustrating,” Dwyer remarks. Like any hobby, playing an instrument requires patience and practicing over and over again. He also adds, “You can feel great, or you can feel terrible. You won’t want to keep playing, or it’s all you ever want to do.” Even with all of these complicated feelings, Dwyer has decided to push through and continue his efforts in band throughout high school. The struggle is worth it. Sacrifice is the key to good-sounding music. With the sacrifices of time and energy, the outcomes are greater than one can ever have imagined. Even if these classes only involve orchestra, choir, and band, your kind of music isn’t limited to fit under these three. Music can be anything. It can be the sound of nature, the riff of a guitar, the beat from a soundboard, or the rhythmic tapping of your own shoes. So go off, discover your own music. Everyone has one. //

Photo: S. Elkins