Chamber Orchestra: Creating Change With Music

By Elise Keyes

Music has been a part of humanity for as long as we can remember. Some of the earliest known instruments were flutes made of bone and ivory, dating back to approximately 30,000 to 40,000 years ago, according to a study conducted in Germany. From then on, music has grown, becoming an integral part of everyday life, and is now easier to access and stream than ever. In fact, artificial intelligence has begun to create music, with large services such as Universal Music and Spotify forming partnerships with AI platforms. This prompts the question: what happens to those for whom music is an art form, a craft, an expression of self and emotion? While the answer remains to be seen, the need for instilling an appreciation for making music in our younger generations is incredibly great.

On February 1st, Memorial’s Chamber Orchestra performed in the lobby at the Pablo Center at the Confluence. This was before the ECCO: Family and Friends concert, a concert targeting younger audiences with fun, interactive pieces of music. The Memorial Chamber performance was free, offering an avenue for the public to see what the students have been working on. Public performances are great experiences for high schoolers, as they are “just good for confidence, whether you are going to perform in music or arts or just do public speaking,” said Charlie Johnson, a member of the Chamber Orchestra. “The more you do, the easier it gets.” Not only this, but having free live music is one way to allow a greater number of people to experience it. This spreads appreciation for this type of art, and allows people to see the beauty within it. This was expressed by Atahualpa Yupanqui, an Argentine poet and musician, who said, “Music is a torch with which to see where beauty lies.”

Continuing the focus on fostering music appreciation, afterwards, some of the Memorial Orchestra students stayed to have an “Instrument Petting Zoo,” a small clinic where the kids are allowed to play different instruments. This fosters curiosity and appreciation for them. Charlie Johnson adds, “Music education starts the moment someone hears music for the first time. It starts right then and there, so if we expose them to a variety, they are going to learn to love a variety of music.” This early introduction will give them a base for music skills to grow on in middle and high school, making it very important.

Having the opportunity to perform music with a group is an amazing privilege. We have this privilege here at Memorial High School, and the Chamber Orchestra is just one example of that. Supporting the music community and continuing to play is one way to keep this opportunity alive for generations to follow. It is our way to create change. As said by Bono, “Music can change the world because it can change people.” We must continue making music, so we may change and grow the hearts of all who hear.