What are you passionate about? For many people, the answer can be a number of things. For me, though, the answer is clear: music.
Music has shaped my character since childhood. Some of my fondest memories are playing piano and singing gospel songs with my momma. She taught me how to harmonize and play chords, planting the seeds for my lifelong connection to music.
I’ve always considered myself a “band geek.” Over the years, I’ve learned to play piano, flute, and ukulele.
I didn’t fall in love with music right away. There were times I wanted to quit, but my momma wouldn’t let me. She saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself.
As an adult, I was disappointed to realize that opportunities to play after college are few and far between.
Sure, practicing piano and ukulele made sense; however, practicing flute felt pointless. Why was I practicing flute? When would I play it again? Spoiler alert: I eventually played a flute solo in a cover of “Can’t You See” by The Marshall Tucker Band with a local rock band, but that was the only opportunity that arose. As a result, I lost some of my skills. Notes and rhythms that once felt manageable became challenging, and my tone lost its clarity.
Soon, I heard the University of the Cumberlands was forming a community band. At first, I hesitated. Was it too strange? I had graduated. Would I be seen as the person who couldn’t move on?
I’m learning that wanting to play music, even if it’s at a school you’ve already graduated from, is absolutely okay, and no one thought twice about it except me.
I missed being an active musician and realized how much joy these experiences bring me.
I joined the community band in October, with one priority in mind: to have fun.
We performed in the Christmas showcase in December. I thought that was the end of it, but Dr. Duane Warfield, the band director, told us practices would begin again in the new year.
After a winter storm canceled rehearsals, we finally resumed in February. I’m grateful this opportunity still exists, allowing me to travel to Williamsburg and make music with others who share my passion.
I never want to see practices as another obligation. Instead, they are an escape from daily responsibilities. Two hours to simply breathe and enjoy music without stress.
This past weekend, I went to karaoke for the first time in months. It was a blast. My goal now is to prioritize singing again and maybe even find a way to earn a little extra income from it. Someone recently advised me to find more than one way to earn income: your job and your passion. I’m starting to apply that advice.
I’ve started investing in equipment to record TikTok videos and livestreams. While I haven’t bought everything I need yet, I believe this investment will pay off as I pursue my passion. I’m really close to getting started.
All I know is that I have a gift and a passion for music, one I’ve neglected too long out of fear of judgment. Neglecting it is a waste of time, and no matter how daunting it feels, I’m finally ready to embrace it.
