We All Need Quests

Are you watching the Olympics?

If you answered yes, you are one of the more than 40 million people watching.

If a timpanist were to play "bum, bum, da, bum, bum" on an Eb and a Bb, would you instantly know what they were playing?

Well, in the sixteen years I've been alive, I've heard the introduction to the Olympics at least eight times. But, I never knew what the song was called until recently.

I LOVE the Olympics. And, as such, I go through an "Olympics phase" about three weeks prior to the Opening Ceremony. So, this year I took the initiative to discover the identity of the distinct "Olympic theme."

So, after about 2 minutes of searching, I found what I was looking for: "Bugler's Dream" by Leo Arnaud.

Now, this little anecdote may leave you questioning: "Why waste my time?" or "No one cares about your problems, Christian.". But, wait. There's more:

This experience of having a goal and trying to attain it got me thinking: we all need a quest. Think about it: toddlers like helping Mommy do things beacuse it's a task. Little kids, boys in this example, like being called a "big boy." This makes them feel like they have a major part to play in their family, regardless how small their task(s) really are. Even teenagers like to schedule things with their friends and see those plans carried out.

So what in our genetics tell us to have a task and to accomplish it? Why do we need to have a mission?

I think it's because we need to feel like we're needed. If we serve no purpose, are we needed? Do we cease being a thinking and intelligent life-form and just become a caner to society?

I think that's the mentality of the need to have a task.


So, did I get it right? What do you think? Also, let me know if you think I should create a new blog to discuss other, non-musical topics, or just re-direct this blog to less of a music blog and more of your average blog.

Series Ending

I'm sorry. I was not getting enough comments to warrant the continuation of the "Submit"series.

But, if you think that I should continue it, let me know.

In the meantime, I have a quick question for you: What could you not live without? Answer this by Sunday, July 1. I'll be writing a post about this topic.

Have a great Friday!

A quote...

"Music does bring people together.
It allows us to experience the same emotions.
People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit.
No matter what language we speak, what color we are,
the form of our politics or the expression of our love and our faith,
music proves: We are the same."
~ John Denver ~

What have I been saying in my blog? Haven't I stressed the fact that music is a key part of coexisting with one another? Haven't I said that music dispels our petty differences? All I believe to be true about music is summed up within this quote. (Actually, no, I have plenty more to say)

I think that this quote, among countless others, accurately expresses my convictions about music. Music is so much more than a unified series of sounds. Music is an overwhelming torrent of pure emotion, allowing the participants, both performers and listeners, the opportunity to escape for a moment. I cannot think of another man-made experience similar to music.

So, here's today's question/quest: Find a quote, doesn't have to be related to music, that expresses your beliefs about a certain topic. I chose music because that's my passion. (Also, because this blog is called MUSIC is Beautiful)

Car Music

When I'm in a car, I have to be listening to music. I have only a few guidelines as to what I listen to: no rap, no hip-hop, and as little country as possible.

(If you'd like to convert me to these genres, leave a link to YouTube or leave some song names)

What I've found is that, as in most cases, the music that someone listens to in the car reflects a lot about who they are. I was recently picked up from an end-of-the-year party by a friend's brother. What told me it was okay was the fact that he was listening to a classical guitar network, at midnight. Obviously, this boy was not "scary" or violent.

Similarly, when I'm in a car, driving or riding, I prefer to listen to moderately upbeat music. Nikki Manaj and Lady Gaga also hold a special place for my car music. I think that the music you listen to really impacts your driving/riding experience and mood.

So, the question is: Did I get it right? Or am I way off? How does the music you listen to in the car effect you?

Music "In the Wild"

As we enter the American holiday Memorial Day weekend, I think it's a good idea to think about the effect on life that music has.

(I know, not very connected.)

I'm camping at William O'Brian State Park this weekend. I was thoughtful enough to bring my guitar. Even so, I miss the music that civilized life has to offer. I am very fortunate to live in a society where music is encouraged. Whereas camping can make some people feel close to nature, it makes me feel separated from my true love, music. It's at these times that I must remember there is music all around us.

So here's the question: how does music impact your daily life? And, if it does, what would be the effect of not having it?

Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone!