Life Without Music Would B♭

Music Impact

Yes, puns are great, but quite honestly I thought that one fits very well with the content of this project.

In being presented with the task of creating an honors chorus project for this year, I wanted to look into the impact that music has on people's lives. I know how much it has impacted me and changed my life, so I couldn't help but be curious if it was similar for others.

About the Participants...

While working on this project I knew I wanted to focus on music preferences, exposure to music, and how music has impacted people's lives. With those goals in mind, I created a survey to find my answers. Here's what I found...

How often do you listen to music for fun or enjoyment?

"Many of my memories revolve around music. It seems like the best times always include music somehow."

-Becky Youkers, English Teacher at Freeport High School

After listening to all of the songs and music selections submitted, I chose a short selection of songs that I liked and that I felt summarized the taste of the participants in a simplified way, which is linked here.

Playlist

Fun Fact:

Music makes plants grow faster.

Scientists in South Korea have determined that plants can "hear" music too. According to a study in rice fields, plants grow at a faster pace when classical music is played.

"All over the place and changing at least 4 times a day."

-Lexie Reesman, Student at Freeport High School

"I listen to music that helps me "change the subject" from my work.

-Dr. Julianne Laird, Choir Director at Indiana High School

How would you describe your taste in music?

"My music taste varies from day to day and month to month. You never know what's gonna come next." -anonymous

"I love to listen to the Beatles because they are the four who started it all, from pop music to concept albums, the Beetles had a way of communicating the essence of society at the time they wrote their music. Their music transcends time and you can apply their lyrics to societal issues even today." -Mr. Wyant, Government Teacher at Freeport High School

Who is your favorite music artist or composer?

"If music in on, I'm either doing something that doesn't require concentration (house chores, etc.) or I'm focusing on the music."

-Bryan Helsel, Choir Director at Butler Jr./Sr. High School

What is your favorite song lyric?

"There are friends shaking hands, saying how do you do. They're really saying I love you."

"I'm doing this for my future self, the one who needs more attention."

-Rachel Hartman, Student at Freeport High School

"What if we put down our signs, crossed over the lines, and love."

-Jennifer Kennedy, Choir Teacher at Mars Area High School

"No one deserves to be forgotten."

"If you can heal the symptoms, but not affect the cause, it's quite a bit like trying to heal a gunshot wound with gauze." -John Beneigh, US History Teacher at Freeport High School

"Time Square can't shine as bright as you."

"I'm still standing! Yeah, yeah, yeah."

Kind of. I think I've impacted their taste rather than they have mine. -Colton Brenneman, Student at Freeport High School

No, but my siblings definitely have. I grew up with them driving me around, so their music stuck with me the most. -Lizzy Fischer, Student at Freeport High School

"Participation in music has made my life more full. It has provided me with opportunities and introductions to people that I would otherwise have missed. I am grateful for the role that music has played in my life."

-Erin Knepper, Choir Director at Punxsutawney Area High School

What instrument can you play?

As I am primarily a chorus person, I was not familiar with all of the instruments participants listed as being able to play. These are those instruments:

Euphonium

A Euphonium is a medium-sized, 3 or 4 valued, tenor-voiced instrument in the horn family. It is most similar to a baritone horn.

Bassoon

One of the hardest instruments in the orchestra to play, a bassoon is a double reed, woodwind instrument which plays tenor and bass sounds.

Dulcimer

A Dulcimer is a fretted string instrument with typically 3 or 4 strings. To play, strings are struck with small hammers instead of plucked.

Steelpan

Also called a pan or a steel drum, a steelpan is a metal bowl-shaped percussion instrument originating from Trinidad and Tabago.

Favorite memories from PMEA events...

"...getting to know more people who were astoundingly similar in personality and other people in my section."

-Jacob Franks, Student at Freeport High School

"I met one of my best friends at Regional choir when I was in high school."

-Kathy Hawk, Choir and General Music Teacher at Baldwin Middle School

"Meeting lots of new friends."

-Aaliyah Dittman, Student at Clarion Area High School

"You get to play music with people you don't normally get to and meet new people."

-Robby Kladny, Student at Freeport High School

"I loved how the conductor kept us focused. He was really interactive and personable with all of us."

-Sarah Altman, Student at Freeport High School

"Just hearing what it's like to sing with a choir that big with equal parts. It's so beautiful on unique to hear instead of a regular high school choir."

-Tony Waterfall, Student at Punxsutawney Area High School

What is your favorite musical you have attended?

Most Popular: Hamilton

Hamilton is a musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda that tells the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, which has grossed over 1 billion dollars in the last 2 years.

What is your favorite concert you have attended?

Harry Styles

Harry Styles is an English singer, songwriter, and actor. He is most notable for his time in the band One Direction. He has sold over one million records on his own since leaving the band and 70 million with the band.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is an American singer-songwriter who is most notable for her switch from country to pop music. She has sold nearly 115 million records worldwide.

Billy Joel

Billy Joel is an American singer-songwriter and composer. He is often nicknamed the "Piano Man" and has sold over 160 million records worldwide.

If you could meet anyone in a music or musical profession, who would it be?

"Dan Reynolds, of Imagine Dragons because I want to know how his mind works when he's writing music."

-Aaron McCrea, Student at Freeport High School

"Any of the composers from the Romantic Era... How did they make ends meet?"

-Anonymous

"I really don't want to meet my musical heroes. I think that most often, they'd disappoint. They're better off cast in amber."

-John Beneigh, US History Teacher at Freeport High School

Do you think that the music you listen to affects your mood?

"Yes. The songs I start the day with usually have a big impact on the rest of my day." -Autumn Franks, Student at Freeport High School

"YES! I cannot listen to grunge or screamo music. It makes me feel very agitated and on edge." -Mrs. Peat, English Teacher at Freeport High School

What do you believe a life without music would be like?

"I truly cannot imagine it. Music has been my greatest, most consistent companion throughout my life. I can only imagine that it would be lonely, and very difficult for me to express myself.

- Marley Best, Student at Redbank Valley High School

"Boring and awkward. Imagine the classic, epic Marvel fight scenes, but instead of a full orchestra, it's just footsteps and heavy breathing. Yikes!"

-Margo Lindenmuth, Student at Brockway Area High School

"I personally wouldn't have a way to "get away."

-Tyler Venezie, Student at Armstrong High School

"Depressing. I would have to invent it." -Steve Kovach, Stage Crew Extraordinaire at FHS

(0 votes)

(2 votes)

(14 votes)

(36 votes)

(78 votes)

How important is music in your life?

Music...

"...helped push me through hard times..."

"...helps me express myself..."

"...has made me relax..."

"...let me know that I wasn't the only one who felt a certain way..."

"...brings me happiness..."

"...has made me become more creative..."

"...helps me clear my head..."

"...helps me focus..."

"...has made me a better person..."

"...always cheers me up..."

"...shaped my personality..."

"...has taught me many lessons..."

"...motivates me..."

"...makes life better..."

"...helped me raise my confidence..."

"...has given me a sense of community..."

"...uplifts my mood..."

"...opened my mind to different ways of seeing the world..."

"...inspires me..."

"...taught me to be more confident..."

"...is very fulfilling..."

"...gives my life color..."

"...helped me learn to love myself..."

"...has allowed me to find my people..."

"...is my life..."

My name is Ashley Stebbins. I'm a senior, or maybe when you get to reading this, a recent graduate of Freeport Area High School.

I chose music impact as my topic because as I mentioned before, I know how much music has impacted me in my life. I struggled immensely with my mental health when I was in middle school. Eventually, I chose to quit some of my other activities to focus on music and singing. It was one of the best choices I have ever made. The joy that music brings me whether it's participating or simply listening is insurmountable, and I truly believe I wouldn't be the person I am today without it.

"There is not a day that goes by in my life that isn't impacted by music."

After high school, I will be continuing my education in the honors program at Robert Morris University with a major in Sports Management.

Thank you for contributing to my research and your interest in my findings.

Life Without Music Would B♭

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