For Maren

Subject in History:

I have a tendency to define myself through music. A huge tendency. But I hate popular music today. It makes me want to rip my eardrums out. Now the music I love comes from a different era - from the height of rock and roll, the 1960's and 1970's. Basically I tend to prefer rock, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with a good funk song. Really. I really enjoy songs by Sly and the Family Stone, Earth Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, and Kool & the Gang. I even really enjoy playing them myself on my saxophone. But I will always be a rock fan through and through. I absolutely love the Beatles. Their originality and their innovation has probably not been matched since their breakup. (Except maybe for the ingenuity of Jimi Hendrix's guitar playing.) The only thing is that I wish that I could have been there to witness this music history myself, instead of listening to these fantastic songs a whole generation later. I mean, I wasn't even alive when John Lennon died! But be that as it may, I am a strong advocate for music. I honestly feel as though every child in America (and, indeed, across the world) should learn to play at least one instrument. It doesn't have to be great, but they should at least have the opportunity to learn.
When I got to college, I decided that my cheap-o beginner alto saxophone would not be of use to me anymore. I needed a new saxophone. So I bought one, purely for Marching Band and Pep Band. So I had a decent saxophone and a cheapy one at my disposal. I have no need for two saxophones, so I decided to donate my old saxophone. My previous high school band director had recently switched to elementary school, so I asked him if I could donate my old saxophone to one of his students. He asked around, and there happened to be one little boy who wanted to play the saxophone but his parents couldn't afford it. So I happily gave up mine. I hear that he is still playing, and is very happy with his saxophone. Every time I think of this story, it brings a smile to my face.