By James Callowhill Life as an adult is filled with challenges like raising children, keeping on top of household chores, working full time, fitting in social gatherings, family bonding, keeping our body and mind sharp, and somewhere in there, fitting in something for ourselves. As I’m sure you know, this balancing act is a tough one. The good news is, music provides a way of checking off a few of these items simultaneously. |
Being involved in music provides a natural environment where members collaborate for a common goal. Through rehearsal, band members share challenges and meet goals through collaboration. This breaks down social barriers, instantly giving people a shared experience to build relationships upon. As a band member, you are playing a unique, important role that supports the rest of the group. In striving to improve on your part, and express your musicality, you are supporting the other members with your sound. In the West Elgin Community Band, we have snack breaks at rehearsals. This is an excellent time to bond with fellow members, make new social connections and reconnect with old ones. Music has already broken the ice.
In music, there are no bench warmers. “In high school volleyball, I was on a WOSSA winning team, but I never played a single game. My job was to sit on the bench, just in case. In music, I have played every concert that I took part in. Not only this, but my role was just as important as the other roles. A true team endeavour,” said James Callowhill, conductor and London native. The West Elgin Community Band puts on two concerts a year and performs at the St. Thomas Rotary festival every year. These are goals that we reach both personally, and as a group. At the end of each concert, WECB members feel a sense of accomplishment, having met personal goals, and been a part of something larger than one.
Learning to play an instrument as an adult has been proven to have many long term benefits. For one, it involves maintaining coordination. It is an excellent way to stay youthful. Musicians can play their instrument for their lifetime, whereas professional athletes, have to retire in their 30’s. Playing an instrument helps keep you physically nimble as you age.
Additionally, there are proven neurological studies proving that playing music is an excellent work out for your brain. Like your body, your brain needs exercise in the form of stimulation in order to keep its youthfulness. A TED video entitled How Playing and Instrument Benefits Your Brain, explains the cranial effects of playing an instrument: “When you listen to music, multiple areas of your brain become engaged and active. But when you actually play an instrument, that activity becomes more like a full-body brain workout.” - TedEd Original by Anita Collins. In the West Elgin Community Band, we have members of all ages and walks of life.
Finally, playing an instrument helps you to reconnect with yourself and family. Many of the WECB members have reconnected with music because it was a huge part of their life before the hectic adult life got in the way. They joined the band because they miss having music in their lives. “Playing in band was a huge part of my life in high school. It’s nice to be back playing the clarinet again. Without the WECB, I wouldn’t be playing,” said Hillary Kriter, Rodney native and clarinet player in the WECB. I’m sure you miss playing music too!
Many other band members use the evening as an opportunity to bond with family. We have many families who come out to band with their children. This gives them an opportunity to connect with teens over a shared experience, or maintain connections with older children after they’ve moved out. “I learned to play because my daughter was learning to play. Playing in the WECB was an opportunity for us to share the love of music, and experience of learning something new. Now that she’s all grown up, it’s a fun thing for us to do together that we’re both passionate about,” said Martha Foster, Dutton resident and trombone player in WECB.
In music, there are no bench warmers. “In high school volleyball, I was on a WOSSA winning team, but I never played a single game. My job was to sit on the bench, just in case. In music, I have played every concert that I took part in. Not only this, but my role was just as important as the other roles. A true team endeavour,” said James Callowhill, conductor and London native. The West Elgin Community Band puts on two concerts a year and performs at the St. Thomas Rotary festival every year. These are goals that we reach both personally, and as a group. At the end of each concert, WECB members feel a sense of accomplishment, having met personal goals, and been a part of something larger than one.
Learning to play an instrument as an adult has been proven to have many long term benefits. For one, it involves maintaining coordination. It is an excellent way to stay youthful. Musicians can play their instrument for their lifetime, whereas professional athletes, have to retire in their 30’s. Playing an instrument helps keep you physically nimble as you age.
Additionally, there are proven neurological studies proving that playing music is an excellent work out for your brain. Like your body, your brain needs exercise in the form of stimulation in order to keep its youthfulness. A TED video entitled How Playing and Instrument Benefits Your Brain, explains the cranial effects of playing an instrument: “When you listen to music, multiple areas of your brain become engaged and active. But when you actually play an instrument, that activity becomes more like a full-body brain workout.” - TedEd Original by Anita Collins. In the West Elgin Community Band, we have members of all ages and walks of life.
Finally, playing an instrument helps you to reconnect with yourself and family. Many of the WECB members have reconnected with music because it was a huge part of their life before the hectic adult life got in the way. They joined the band because they miss having music in their lives. “Playing in band was a huge part of my life in high school. It’s nice to be back playing the clarinet again. Without the WECB, I wouldn’t be playing,” said Hillary Kriter, Rodney native and clarinet player in the WECB. I’m sure you miss playing music too!
Many other band members use the evening as an opportunity to bond with family. We have many families who come out to band with their children. This gives them an opportunity to connect with teens over a shared experience, or maintain connections with older children after they’ve moved out. “I learned to play because my daughter was learning to play. Playing in the WECB was an opportunity for us to share the love of music, and experience of learning something new. Now that she’s all grown up, it’s a fun thing for us to do together that we’re both passionate about,” said Martha Foster, Dutton resident and trombone player in WECB.
There is a unique opportunity coming up for you to join the wonderful world of music. On Monday, October 19 at 7pm, Long & McQuade’s - an instrument sales company from London - will be at West Elgin Secondary School. They will have a wide selection of instruments available for you to pick up and give a try. There is no obligation, Long & McQuade’s offer a wide range of purchasing options including a very affordable rent to own program. This is an excellent opportunity for you to enter the world of music for all its benefits. Once you’ve selected your instrument, we would love to have you out to West Elgin Community Band rehearsals. We rehearse on Monday evenings from 7pm-9pm at West Elgin Secondary School in West Lorne.
Visit the band's website at www.westelgincommunityband.ca
Visit the band's website at www.westelgincommunityband.ca