The Viper Vibe
What is Music?: Pure ExpressionTuesday, February 17, 2004 By Gabriel Medina/Staff Reporter
I am a musician. I have been one since my sixth grade year when I first picked up a clarinet, and when I first laid my fingers on the keys of a piano. Now, I am privileged to be a part of the Felix Varela Marching Band of Mystery and Wind Ensemble, and a classically trained pianist. As a musician, there is one thing that I am definitely required to know: “What is music?” According to the dictionary, music is “the science of harmonious sounds.” I’m going to have to disagree with Mr. Webster on that one. Music is not only a science; it’s something that comes from deep within our souls in order to make our lives better. So… “What is music?” Mr. Antoine Khouri, of the Performing Arts Academy here at Varela, recently sat with the students of the Wind Ensemble and of the Orchestra. He opened their eyes to a new meaning of music – a meaning that I personally abide by now. Without music, life would be unbearable. Think of a world where music does not exist. Everything would be black-and-white: a colorless world. Nothing in this world is more unique than music. Music is the only thing that can mimic human emotions, and cause human emotions as well. In times of fear, music is the first thing people turn to. On September 11, it was evident that music helped people out. Want an example? A few hours after the attacks, the members of Congress stood on the steps of Capitol Hill and sang, in unison, “God Bless America.” Music can change each person individually, too. Without music, I would not be the person I am today. Music is a way to express oneself when any other way is much too difficult. I used to be that type of person. Before becoming a musician, I was shy and unsociable. Expressing myself through music has helped me grow as a person in every aspect of my life (friendships, relationships, personality, and my writing). Whenever I am not at home, I want to be around my fellow musicians, my friends. They are my second family, and it is hard to imagine where I would be without them in my life. They are my inspiration in everything I do…and it’s all thanks to music. So, let’s go back to the question at hand: “What is music?” Music is a piece of our soul that makes life worth living, and that helps us grow as the people we want to become. That is the true definition. Take it from me. After all, I am a musician. |