Discovering New Facets of Music

Over the past three years, I’ve been experiencing music in a secluded environment – alone in my dorm room, playing piano and guitar. As such, I’d forgotten how much more magical and impactful music becomes when shared within a community, until I began working at the Kamloops Music Collective this summer.

I rediscovered the importance of a musical community on my first day of work. I met colleagues who had extensive expertise in aspects of music of which I was completely oblivious and unhelpful, like the inner workings of musical theatre. Conversely, I filled in as the instrumentalist of the group. Despite these differences, though, our collective attachment to music brought us together (if blasting ABBA in Lucas’ car on the way to work is any indication).

Of course, there was also a community built between students attending the camps, whether they be three weeks or four days long. Bonded by a love of music, it’s inspiring to watch friendships grow so quickly between kids, especially considering that attending different schools might have prevented these students from meeting each other and discovering that they share interests.

So, a few months ago, I might have emphasized music’s role in self-discovery and individual perseverance when asked what it meant to me; after all, that’s what the value of music seems to be when you play alone. Now, though, I am reminded that music is most meaningful when it is shared, and I’m incredibly grateful to have spent a summer immersed not only in music but with people who love it as much as I do.