A Summer of Music

My lovely mother celebrated her 50th birthday this summer, and used this event as a reason to buy concert tickets for all the acts she's always wanted to see. So, my parents and I had what was probably the best summer of our lives as we witnessed some of music’s biggest legends. The “Mom’s Birthday Tour,” as we began to call it, started in Hershey Stadium with Sir Paul McCartney. Two short weeks later, we were in Washington DC singing along to Billy Joel. Lastly, in August, we rocked out to Joe Walsh in Maryland.

Our adventure started as we pulled into the grassy parking lot across the street from where—in a few hours—the former Beatle would be performing. There we passed many easy-ups and tailgate parties made up of fans both young and old. As we walked by, I imagined that Woodstock must have been like this, but times… what? A hundred? A thousand? Anyway, it clearly would’ve been on a much grander scale. Arriving and leaving were both made easy, and it was obvious that a lot of planning (much more than usual) went into crowd control for this specific event. That being said, crowd control mostly entailed directing people where to go, as the population there was largely composed of fans in their 60s and 70s—not a very rowdy group of people. I can’t say enough times how incredible his show was, or how awestruck I was (and still am) to have seen someone who played such a monumental and influential role in music history. Despite being 74 years old, McCartney still had the enthusiasm to be energetic on stage without missing a beat. His voice didn’t sound worn down or lacking in any qualities it formerly had. He was sweet, humble, and made it evident that he was there for the love of music. That was the most touching aspect—that he still has such a passion for it, and his fans do, too. His set list was made up of songs from throughout his life. He played Beatles hits, solo pieces, and Wings favorites, not forgetting to add in anecdotes about them in between. The sound quality was perfect. Both his vocals and the extremely talented musicians joining him could be heard clearly. The show left us mystified, and wondering, how on Earth can any of the other concerts top that?

Then, at the end of July, we found ourselves in Washington DC, waiting for about two hours in Nationals Stadium as rain poured down. It was crowded, humid, and drenched. Luckily, we had a roof, and were determined to see Billy Joel. This show by far was my mom’s favorite. She grew up listening to Billy Joel, and told me stories of calling the radio station every day to request his songs. Finally, music sounded from the large speakers, and everyone rushed to their seats. The one complaint about this show is that we were never warned that he was about to start playing when we were all taking shelter inside. Weather aside, this show again was fantastic.

Our last concert took us to Pier Six Pavilion in Maryland. This was the most awesome concert venue ever. Even though our seats were on the lawn, we could still see Joe Walsh! It was a small, brilliant place for a concert, and I highly recommend it to anyone. Now, there isn’t much that I can say about this act, or Billy Joel’s, without repeating the praise I gave for Paul. All of the concerts we went to were incredible. Each of the performers had wonderfully talented bands to back them up. The set lists of the acts stitched together the timelines of their careers. Joe Walsh even played “Take it to the Limit” as a tribute for Glen Frey. But, again, what was the most amazing, was seeing fans of all ages come together for the love of someone’s music—and the artists’ ongoing passion for what they do. It was obvious that Billy Joel still held his love of song dear, as he lost himself in the sound of the piano. Joe Walsh looked just like a teenager jamming on his guitar and having fun on stage.

Concerts always fascinate me by bringing together hundreds, sometimes thousands of people together just for one artist/band. It’s amazing to see that someone can create something so beautiful that people come (sometimes driving for hours to do so) to see it. Nothing is as inspiring to me as that—connecting with so many people through song. That’s why I shared these stories (that I dearly hoped you enjoyed!). Through all of the things that we find on a daily basis to complain about—myself included—there is still so much beauty in the world and in people.

"That’s one of the great things about music. You can sing a song to 85,000 different people and they’ll sing it back for 85,000 different reasons." –Dave Grohl

(My all-time favorite quote EVER)

What inspires you? Have you been to any concerts this summer? Feel free to share stories in the comments :)

Why I Don't Have Stage Fright When I Perform

I’ve been performing solo for about three years in settings like bars, restaurants, talent shows, and other local places. Sometimes people ask me how I’m able to play in front of an audience. “I could never do that,” is a common remark that I get. When I first began to play publicly, I had no confidence in what I was doing, but now I’m more comfortable behind a microphone and guitar in hand than I am anywhere else.

Starting Off With Some Wise Words

               Toward the end of eighth grade I started taking guitar and vocal lessons from the teacher I currently have now, who is in a band herself. She always encourages her students to perform (it really does make you better). So, sure enough, within a few months she had brought me out to one of her events to do a few songs. I was terrified, but I did it. Then, I participated in front of my whole middle school for the talent show. No other performance has ever filled me with more fear than that one. I didn’t even really want to do it. But, bless our choir director—he told all of us who signed up something I’ll never forget. To put this in context, there was an evening performance that students and adults could come to, then there was another performance the next day at school during an assembly/pep rally. Some of us were comfortable enough for the evening show, but afraid to go out in front of our peers. Before the evening show, he said, “I know some of you asked if you have to go tomorrow. The answer is no, but I’m just saying, if you’re nervous about performing in front of everyone tomorrow, or afraid, and decide not to go, that’s losing the battle without even putting up a fight. If you choose not to go tomorrow, you’re putting up your white flag, and they’ve already won.” He continued on with more pep-talk encouragement about our passions that I can’t recall verbatim. His words gave me the confidence to go on stage the next day, which is really the hardest part.

Ways to Overcome Stage Fright (What I Did)

               The most effective cure for a fear is simply to face it. I know it’s cliché, and surely isn’t easy sometimes. When I am afraid about a certain song or certain person in the audience that I know, the fear always leaves once the song begins. Starting is often the hardest and scariest part. Once I’m playing, I’m focused on the notes, keeping a consistent beat, and all of the emotions the song makes me feel. It’s almost impossible to be afraid during those three to five minutes, trust me—especially if it’s well-rehearsed.

              

               The second most valuable way to overcome your fear, after facing it, is to face it often. I’d say that the main reason I’m so comfortable during gigs is that I’m so used to it. I’ve done it so much that it doesn’t even phase me. If you’re doing what you love, eventually you will find this, too. Music is my passion, and, after the initial fear of performance, it’s just natural for me to do and to share with others.

               The last bit of advice that I have is that nobody cares. Of course I mess up—I do it every time I play somewhere. I’ll play the wrong chord, sing the wrong verse, forget to take a breath when I need to, or even sometimes forget some of the words.  Over the course of two hours of playing, it’s almost inevitable. That’s the thing: nobody is going to focus on the few seconds that I messed up out of an entire two-hour set. I know that not everyone is playing or singing for such a long period of time, though. Last year, I took a voice class at school where we had to sing a solo (without my precious guitar as my shield) about once every week. We even had to hear thoughts and critiques from our classmates on the spot right afterwards. It was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I wasn’t scared. After watching everyone else in the class do their pieces, I realized that I could barely remember how everyone did at the end of class. Sure, the people who blew me away (because of how good they were) stuck out a bit more, but I didn’t even think about any of the performances once they were over. I didn’t instantly remember how well or how badly someone did the next time we were together, and didn’t associate any performances with what I thought about those people. So, why would anyone else? Honestly, the truth is, a bad performance isn’t very interesting, anyway, so don’t worry about people thinking too much of it even if you do have one.

Messing Up

               When you do mess up (yes, everyone does), the best thing to do is keep going. Don’t quickly play that measure or note over again just to get it right. Keep going as if it never happened. This looks much more professional, and usually people won’t even notice you messed up if you don’t show it. It also won’t affect the timing of anyone else who may be playing with you. If you forget the words, sing the words that you do know. For example, if you forget the second verse of a song, sing the first verse again in its place (assuming it musically fits), then jump back in with what you do remember. If you’re in an informal setting and can play and sing at the same time, make a joke or something about forgetting the words while playing through that part, and go back into what you remember. If none of these are an option, just act as if there’s a break in there and you’re intentionally not coming in yet, instead of turning into a deer in the headlights.

Even if you truly don’t yet have confidence in what you do, fake it while playing. A song will always sound better when performed with confidence than when performed anxiously or quietly.

“No one is you, and that is your power.” –Dave Grohl

Do you perform or have experience with stage fright? What are some other tips or stories that you have? Let me know in the comments! 

Introduction + A Poem (Chalk)

I’m going to address the elephant in the room here and venture that first blog posts are awkward and scary for everybody. As this is the first post of my voice, I suppose I should introduce myself. Blogging has always been an interest of mine—especially after watching BBC’s Sherlock, where Watson regularly blogs of their adventures—and I’ve finally plucked up the nerve to do it. Actually, a friend I met this summer has a blog, and that was the final push for me.

So, to shed some perspective of what experiences are behind this voice, here are some basics. I’m going to be a senior in high school this year, and have lived in Pennsylvania all my life. My deepest passion is music and its ability to make us feel. Obviously, I also love to write and to read. I hope to be able to inspire my readers, or at least offer a new perspective of some sort. It’s possible I may have some posts from time to time relating to music, but I am in no way an expert, nor do I know enough to consistently recount share-worthy experiences or advice concerning one topic. I envision using this site to share what I write (mostly poems), recount interesting experiences, and to reflect on the world around me as I try to establish myself in it.

As school swiftly approaches, I figured I’d share a poem about a common classroom object, chalk. I wrote this at a writing camp that I attended over the summer, and hope you enjoy.

Chalk

Sarah Leeann

The pale pillars in fragile formation

stand waiting inside

their thin-walled safety.

To live is to deteriorate,

but to hide—well, that’s not living at all.

The chalk generously shares itself

to all generations

with no discrimination.

Its existence is fleeting, but its

messages, lessons,

those are stored within us,

intangible.

Every student

has been shaped by these warriors,

surviving to educate, but, more importantly,

to express, screaming

if need be.

Even their dust nestles itself

into our unfortunate black clothes,

into the pores of our fingertips,

inevitably sinking into our lungs.

Come out, come out,

and do not fear the eraser,

for you will rise into the crisp air and

be carried off by the sweet breeze,

subtly soaking into this world,

this life.

~7/12/16

"One day, your heart will stop beating, and none of your fears will matter. What will matter is how you lived." --Henri Junttila