What Music Means to Me
Veteran music educator and composer shares his thoughts on the intersection of music and living.
Thursday, Jan 31, 2008
Episode 15: Music That Changed My Life, or, The Powerful Music of My Youth
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Recent studies show that what you listen to in your formative years and youth not only shapes your musical tastes, but the way your brain learns to perceive music. I believe it also helps define who you are, and who you are becoming. I know it did with me.
Posted by Dr. Scott Watson at 10:48 PM | 2 comments
2 Comments:
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Scott,
I really enjoyed listening to your post. I am prepping to teach a class on Chapter 5 Reimer's book - The Meaning Dimension of Musical Experience. My mother and father took me to many band concerts growing up. I can remember hearing Bilik's Civil War Fantasy, Dragon's America The Beautiful, and The Stars and Stripes by one of the Service Bands at a young age. My best high school memory included a concert with the Marriage of Figaro Overture (Slocum), March Grandisoso, and Prelude on Lancashire (Curnow). We ended with an arrangement for band and chorus of the Star-Spangled Banner and the Battle Hymn of the Republic. It was in that moment I felt this music speak and inspire me. Your podcast prompted a lot of good reflection, and I appreciate the time you have put in to it. Thanks!
Scott,
The nostalgia trip back to our high school days made my afternoon. The pieces Malaguena, Incantation & Dance, are indeed implanted in me and I'll probably be mouthing the percussion part from Chuck Mangione's "Legend of the One-eyed Sailor" on my deathbed. Remember the Maynard Ferguson concert? Are you and I the only ones that could have enjoyed it back then?
You're indeed right about these years implanting music in us. I can't memorize the words to a song now, but I remember Yes lyrics like they are in front of me.
Thanks again, and email back if you want.
Bill Ball (class of '79)
bill_ball@vanguard.com