Music Makes the World Go ‘Round
October 16, 2009
acb0007
Webster defines passion as a strong liking or desire to some activity, object, or concept. I can truly say that I am passionate about one thing and that is music. All of my life people say that when they met me, they noticed two specific characteristics immediately. One of these is that I am always smiling, and the other is that I am always singing, humming, or whistling. My dad used to say that I was singing full songs before I could speak in full sentences. From Burleson Church of Christ to Hamilton Elementary, no matter what memory is pulled from down deep in sacred moments of my life, music is, in some way or another, involved.
Throughout my years in school, music played an essential part. I can remember on my first day of Kindergarten, and the whole class full of scared little children gathered in a circle, on a rug that displayed streets and buildings, and the teacher taught us several songs that we would never forget. “Heads, shoulders, knees, and toes” will forever remind me of Mrs. Huff and the moment my fears of leaving my mother began to fade. In first grade, the first time that I had to move my behavior marker, was because I went to the restroom and while I was in there a song from the movie “The Pebble and the Penguin” popped in my head. I was singing in the bathroom at the top of my lungs and Mrs. Simmons had to come in there. She said, “Young lady we would all love to sit and listen to you sing for the remainder of the day, but you are holding up my class. Don’t forget to move your marker for causing a disturbance when you go back in the classroom.” I was so embarrassed. My teacher in third grade, Mrs. Hargett, made us sing songs every morning, and as the year went on she would ask several of us to sing on our own occasionally. It took me no time at all to create a list of songs that I would sing for my class throughout the year. In high school I was in the Hackleburg High School Chorus, for three years. I was soprano section leader and feature soloist for two years and alto section leader and feature soloist my senior year. During my time in the chorus I always expected to overcome a fear that has remained with me throughout my life, stage fright. However, even though I sang numerous solos, duets, and trios, I never quite conquered the fear.
In the spring of my senior year at Hackleburg High School, I decided that I would try out for Choir at UAHuntsville. After my tryout I made the women’s choir, but I decided about a week before school started that I did not want to commit to it this year. I much rather hold onto my passion and love it forever than get discouraged or burnt out. Also, I was hoping to get a scholarship from the choir, but when I didn’t get financial aid, I realized that I would have to pay more just to be in the choir so I dropped it.
Some of my best memories with music come from Maywood Christian Camp on long hot summer days. I have been going to church camp at MCC since before I was even old enough to stay the night. When I was four years old I would get up and go with my grandma each morning, during the week of camp, and spend the singing, playing sports, and participating in various activities that focused on worshipping the Lord. As I got older it was a priority to go to camp every year. Maywood has remained my favorite place in the world ever since my first year as a day-camper, when I was four. When someone mentions Maywood, the image of an old rugged pavilion surrounded by trees, bolstering heat and humidity, summer showers, and sounds of beautiful a cappela singing flood my memory. The songs we sing at Maywood are the crutch that keeps standing sometimes. When everything seems to be going wrong, the words “Lord, be there for me when I fall. Be there for me when I call. Be there for me, Dear Lord” immediately repeat over and over in my head. Each morning when I get out of the bed a song from camp comes to mind and it will be the theme of my day; throughout the day I reflect on the song and sing it over and over. To me, there is nothing better than worshipping the Lord through music. As a member of the Church of Christ, I am used to not using any instruments in worship, but I am not necessarily sure if I believe that it is wrong to use instruments. I feel out of place when I visit denominations where instrumental music is used, but I think it is just because I am used to a cappela and the beautiful blend between parts.
Music is my escape from the world. When I am having a bad day, I love to get in my car and turn on the music as loud as possible and sing at the top of my lungs. Often the lyrics of songs inspire me, guide me, and soothe me. Many times instead of asking others for advice, I find it much easier just to enjoy some good music and eventually my problems begin to fade. I also give advice in the form of lyrics most of the time. Since music helps me through my struggles, it just comes natural to pass it on to others. It is normal for me to restart a song over and over, gradually analyzing each line of the song, so that I can fully understand the meaning of the song and apply it to my life.
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1.
Sandra |
October 16, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I love this image of you singing the song from “The Pebble and the Penguin” movie at the top of your lungs! But what does it mean to have to move your behavior marker? I got lost with that. I could sense your joy in singing as an elementary school kid. I was curious, too, about your stage fright. This is such a struggle for so many artists — and plenty of really successful singers have never conquered horrific stage fright (I think Barbara Streisand and Joan Baez are two of them), so I wondered more if you’re at peace with all that. I wasn’t sure what your main point was — except that you love music. I like the way you talk about how it has meaning to you today — how you get advice from song lyrics, for instance.
2.
acb0007 |
October 16, 2009 at 4:12 pm
The behavior marker is basically a pouch thing that was taped to the was and had four different color index cards. Green was the color that we started each day with. Each time you would get in trouble you would have to move to the next card, which also determined punishment. Yellow was the first call out, and it was just a warning. Red was the second time you got in trouble and a behavior notice would be sent to your parents. Black was major trouble, it resulted in a paddling or going to the office, and your parents would be called.
My stage fright has never gone away. I love to sing to people and its such a rush to be in the spotlight, but it literally scares me to death and I would try to get out of it two seconds before each performance. I made it through every time and felt a sense of accomplishment.
3.
bella120108 |
October 16, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Haha I love the part where you sang “The Pebble and the Penguin” in the bathroom. I laughed out loud when I read that. I think it is very cool how you are so passionate about singing. I always wished to be able to sing well. Its a very special talent! Cherish it!
4.
kfaye22 |
October 16, 2009 at 4:11 pm
I love this paper! I think it’s cool that you’re so passionate about music. I like the part when you talk about how your love for music started all the way back in kindergarten. Great paper.