"For the Love of Music" by Elena Goodrow
Hello friends! I hope today's Breathing Room post finds you happy and healthy. I am certainly feeling joy and connection today, I would love to spread that to you all.
A couple of months ago I was invited to join a celtic band. I play the harp, and the leader of this band was very interested in adding a harp to their sound. I had never been in a band before, but that is something I have always wanted to try. I happily accepted the offer, and later found out that this situation was an incredible turn of fate. This band consisted of three of my grandfather's old bandmates, whom I had met when I was a toddler. None of us knew we had this connection until later on, it was quite the coincidence! It made me feel like it was meant to be… even though I do live in a small town where you practically know everyone.
I am an independent creative whose artistic endeavors have most often relied on my own autonomy, drive, and self motivated pursuits. While this has cultivated my independence, leadership skills, and exposed me to the task of simply “stepping up” to a task, this hasn’t led to much practice when working alongside others who all need to work together to bring an idea, project, or solution to life. For so much of my life as a musician, “I” have been the “Team”. However, in the music industry being able to work with a team is crucial and it was important to me that I started to learn that skill. When I joined the band I was very honest, I told them I’m used to working by myself and this new experience was going to be a learning process for me. Fortunately, my bandmates were so accepting and excited to work with me. They have taught me so much just in the past 3 months of working with them. The skills I have learned from these amazing musicians will impact me forever. I learned improvisation skills as they encouraged me to experiment with each song. I often get stuck in making sure the song sounds perfect, yet embracing the unexpected experimentation can bring a whole new level of beauty to the song. It adds life to the music. They also encouraged me to step up and lead them through the melody of certain songs, where instead of me relying on them for direction they all turned to me! It felt exhilarating to lead several musicians through the ups and downs of the songs, taking us through the beauty of each note and living within that moment. Finally they showed me the value of working with a community. I got to meet many musicians in my area I had never connected with before, and I was able to form a unique bond with each individual. It was enlightening and heartwarming to listen to these musicians who have loved music their whole life, just as I have.
My band had our first performance last weekend for St. Patrick's Day. I had 11 family members come out to support me which included my partner, parents, both sets of grandparents, my siblings, and my best friend. I could feel their love radiating from the crowd and it was so special to have everyone there. During the show we played a variety of celtic songs ranging from upbeat jigs to slow waltzes, we crammed a lot into a 2 hour show! Even though I have performed music to a live audience many times before, playing with a band was such a unique and fulfilling experience. There were 6 band members including a violinist, vocalist, bassist, drummer, guitarist, and of course a harpist. The way all the instruments blended together made me feel like I was floating on a cloud. You can feel the vibrations in your body, the music lives within you. Playing in this band was exhilarating and made me feel more connected to music than I have ever felt before. Not only did I strengthen my connection to music, but the music also deepened our connection within the local community. During the more upbeat songs people would clap along to beat, laughing with the stranger sitting next to them. People would tear up during slower emotional songs, bonding over the strong emotions that the music brought out of them. People danced, laughed, cried, sang along, and made new friends all because of the music we brought into their life at that moment. This gift that we got to bring to the community was unbelievably gracious, and I’m so thankful I got to play a part in that.
The attendees consisted of a variety of people such as a high school friend group, an elderly couple that’s lived here their whole life, couples wanting a fun date night, family members of the musicians, and more. All these people from all their backgrounds came to listen to us that night for the same reason, simply to enjoy the music. Several people came up to me after the show and said they could feel my joy and energy radiating from my harp, and it made them enjoy the music even more. Hearing this was such a gift. I know that I feel this intense energy inside me when I’m performing, I feel the excitement and love pouring from my heart and into my hands as I play each note. However, to hear that this feeling within me is able to be perceived outwardly by other people is absolutely breathtaking. The fact that other people can feel my own love for music, and the way that strengthens their love, is pure magic. I was so nervous towards the beginning of this experience. I was bracing myself for the challenge of learning how to collaborate with other musicians, but throughout each rehearsal all I felt was elation. Each challenge was the gift of a new skill, and now I will forever feel more confident seeking out new challenges. That nervousness is expected, but so is the joy and pride of growing your skills as a musician. I’m so thankful for my experience, I learned so much from my bandmates and from my community. I can’t wait to continue to grow my connection with them.
I hope hearing about this immensely beautiful experience I had was a gift to you. I would love to hear if you have ever had the chance to play music with a group before. I would also enjoy hearing about your experiences listening to live performances and how that musical connection makes you feel! Please tell me all about it in the comments below. <3