Musical Memories

Music has been an essential part of my life from the start. Music has been essential to my development both socially and personally and this journal has made me realize even more how important it has been. I can remember many nights where my mom would sing me a prayer to the tune of Edelweiss from the sound of music. I can also remember the many times I was sitting at camp up in Okobojii, Iowa listening to my favorite song Refugee by Trace Bundy.

Growing up in Iowa, I was exposed to many types of music but the main ones that my group of friends would listen to were classic rock and country. Some of my fondest memories of my time with them would be driving in our trucks or Greg’s mustang listening to the country songs that typify us. Way Out Here by Josh Thompson always brings me back to the bon fires we would have on top of frozen lakes while sitting in truck beds. The best memory in regards to music with my friends comes from the time I was in the hospital recovering from my brain tumor. While sitting in my bed, four of my friends came in right after they got back from a mission trip from China with shaved heads and were as full of energy as always. After singing Day Man from Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the nurses came in and told them they needed to quiet down or else security would have to remove them.

So I have many memories in regards to music that make me smile. At the same time, it was times like that where my friends drew us together even more. I look at music as having that amazing ability. Just think of the songs for Ohio State. We have our fight songs to get everyone jazzed up for athletic events. We have Carmen to sing together after a big win or a sad loss. No matter the situation, the music in those situations is what brings all of the people together and grow us as a community.

With that in mind, music represents a way for people to express themselves and how they feel. When people join a community such as Ohio State or are born into a nation such as the United States, they are introduces to music that represents them. That is why national anthems come about in my mind. The music is a way for people to express their identity in a beautiful way and as a means to show their pride in who they  are. That is why music offers so much hope in situations of crisis.

In those situations, I believe it is best for people to express themselves in a peaceful and constructive manner. I would so much rather have people coming together and singing songs about who they are rather than them coming together and arguing about the status quo. Music offers a means of expression where the arts act as the medium of communication rather than just a conversation. Just as music was the way my group of friends identified and expressed ourselves, people groups do the same. By hearing the music of other people, we begin to understand their identity and what they desire. To me, music and the arts are the epitome of peace.