SSFS Music Culture
March 8, 2018
Music is an important part of our society’s culture; at SSFS that is especially true. An overwhelming number of students here make and perform music through clubs, bands and school assemblies. Have you ever wondered what motivates them and what makes them want to play? Why is it such a prevalent part of Sandy Spring culture? How does it pertain to the idea of letting our lives speak?
I wondered why people at our school chose to play music. When I asked George McAdams he said “I like to destroy people around drums.” The way he said it showed his passion for drumming and gave the impression that it’s something he wants to go far with. He also said he felt that it was a way for him to let his life speak. Drums were a way for him to express himself.
I also interviewed Justis Dixon who plays guitar in a band outside of school. He explained he “just does it for fun.”. This is a common answer but nonetheless seemed to hint towards Justis enjoying music, even if it was something he was less involved in. He is playing guitar for the experience and not because of his own personal passion. While he felt that he could not fully express himself because he had to consider the other members in his band, he didn’t deny the role that it played in letting his life speak.
I myself have enjoyed playing music at Sandy Spring. I do it because I like to entertain people and make them happy. Music has always been a way for me to do that. I’ve played many instruments and I could always express myself through those instruments. I believe music is a way to let people’s “lives speak” now and in the future.
Everyone I interviewed from SSFS had their own unique reason for why they play music.The majority of people said they saw it as a way of letting their lives speak but some viewed it that way more than others. Overall, the message I took away was that music was built around a very positive and supportive community and no matter the reason for playing, it can help and bring joy to you and the people around you.
Image: https://www.taylorintime.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Music.jpg
Scout Crooke • Mar 20, 2018 at 7:17 pm
This article is quite similar to the Music at SSFS article. Anyways, I agree with this article because I also think that music can portray many emotions and that it greatly affects people all around us. I also agree that music is a way to let our lives speak because with music, you can do so many things. For example, you can tell a story, make people in the audience feel a certain emotion, express oneself creatively, and many more. In addition, there are so many different music genres that exist that represent different cultures and themes. Furthermore, there are so many musical instruments that have been developed throughout the history of the world which shows how widespread and impactful music is. During the first semester of this year, I took instrumental music ensemble as my art class, and it was great experience. I really enjoyed that class and learning to play different instruments and songs that all told a different story. However, this article also made me think about how there are some people out there in the world who don’t actually like music, and I am really curious why they don’t.