Since the early days of Rock n' Roll popular music in America has grown increasingly diverse. This smorgasbord of musical styles has led the charge in many branching genres of music. Evidence of this wide spread circulation is as prevalent as ever. Tools such as the internet, iTunes, and YouTube are linking changing music and its target audiences. Not only are teenagers keeping tabs on the new styles of music, but the musicians themselves are tuning in to the past, where the foundation of modern music can be explored.
Unfortunately, with every new wave of musical creativity there are always critics who deem the modern music movement as a destructive influence on today's teens. It seems that such critics are overlooking the vital role that music plays in our culture. Seen especially in today's expanding music world are positive influences in our communities, education, and the lives of the musicians themselves.
Heath Gilbert of Music Village in Riverdale has a broad understanding of the value of music in our culture. Since age seven he has been playing the guitar, and at age fourteen he began sharing his love of music as a guitar teacher. Now he uses his education in electrical engineering to equip high school bands with quality sound equipment, as will be seen at the upcoming Battle of the Bands taking place at Ogden Historic Union Station, April 15th.
The music that will be heard is “diverse”, and “rich”, he said. According to Gilbert when they began working with Battle of the Bands a few years ago, nearly every band he heard sounded the same. Today there are many styles and genres being performed. With the wide spread availability of music bands are beginning to reach out to all communities of people, as they are integrating older styles such as classic R&B, folk, country, and classic rock with their sounds. Much of early Rock history is in fact the history of racial integration. It was the teen generation that brought Blacks and Whites together through a commonality among popular music. White teens, in contrast to their parents’ wishes, were enthralled with the artistic creativity of the records produced by Black R&B artists. It was said by the emerging Rock artist Little Richard “The White kids didn’t want their mamma to know I was in the house. They’d put Pat [Boone] on the bed and me in the drawer.” Music once again has proven to be a “universal language” in which not only the lyrics but the rhythm and sound speaks to all communities.
Music is a medium to which everyone can relate, but it is also an educational tool that bridges the gap between a creative and logical mind. There is a different kind of thought process that is involved with the production of music. “It is the one of the only activities in which you’re using the right and the left brain at the same time,” said Gilbert. His wife Erin Gilbert described to me the difference between her approaches to math as opposed to her husband’s during their shared high school math class. Rather than memorized formulas that lose meaning without repetition, they were real life applications that could be understood by a mind well practiced in music. There is, perhaps, no better teacher than the music teacher who will impart the understanding of music theory and its application.
Many of the bands performing at Battle of the Bands have dreams of making their mark in the music industry, when in reality a majority of the bands members will end up on different paths. When asked if he has seen any bands make it to stardom, Gilbert said that most of the bands acquire much prominence locally, but usually if anyone moves outside of the local scene it is individual band members. However they’re dedication is not to go without a reward. Gilbert understands that the greater reward is “what they learn in trying, what they become in regards to character.” Music provides important life lessons of perseverance and determination. Students of the art learn to set aside frustration and perfect their work. The love for the music provides the driving beat which will keep musicians on the path to success in music as well as other fields. Diligence and determination acquired by practicing musicians will be manifest throughout their lives.
At the same time as developing strong character traits, musical activities will protect individuals from degrading influences. Learning guitar “kept me out of trouble”, said Gilbert. Music plays on emotion and shows kids they can get their high from music rather than other damaging sources. It gives an opportunity for teenagers who are not interested in sports, or student office to have an outlet, and to show their true potential.
One of the things Gilbert looks forward to most is “seeing kids get an opportunity to perform.” Just like their parents they are changing the culture in which we live. To Gilbert it is exciting to see the “evolution”, of music. Indeed, the change in music styles has changed and reflects the changes in American culture. Whether one is willing to accept it or not the flux in music is conducive to a well-developed generation and culture. So, I will proudly echo Chuck Berry and sing, “Long live Rock and Roll.”
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