Music is one of few things that can be transferred between different cultures and differen t languages. There are some of types of music that are universal; however, there are also some that specific to different cultures. When some think of music they might first be thinking about band and marching band in school, so I’m going to start there first.

A lot of people turn away from being in band or marching because there is a stigma that it is “too nerdy.” What these groups are is full of members that deeply care about making music with others, and that is a very strong feeling. In this sense, music has the ability to bring hundreds of people together for the purpose of making music. In my time in the UDMB (UD’s marching band), I was skeptical at first of how much I would enjoy it because I didn’t like marching band in high school. However, game days here were some of the most fun I have had. Bringing almost 350 people together to play some awesome music from "Les Mis" was such a memorable experience because sharing a live performance with others is truly something special. Not only does being in band bring people together for music, but also it just brings people together. I have made some great friends from being in wind ensemble in high school and college and being in marching band. People that I would never have met otherwise are some of my best friends and that wouldn’t have happened without music.

Most people have a favorite genre or type of music and generally tend to listen to that more. I’m going to challenge you all here and say, try to be more open and listen to different styles and genres of music. When another person shares a piece of music or a song with you that tells you two songs. 1. That means that that person thinks you would enjoy it and 2. that means that person also likes that song. So even if you don’t end up enjoying it, you still see inside of that person and get to know them a little better. One of the amazing qualities that music has is that you can learn so much about a person through what they listen to.

Music is a very personal and sometimes extremely vulnerable topic for some people. I saw a beautiful commercial last week about how music can get people through entirely different situations and unfortunately I could not find it so if anyone can please share it with me. What I did find is this one, which is an Apple Music commercial that is roughly similar. For me personally, the music I listen to is usually based off of the mood that I am in or the weather outside. A nice spring day could call for Odesza on the Green, but a rainy winter day over winter session could use The Neighborhood. No matter what situation you are in and if you are going through a tough time, music will always be there for you. In most cases it is only a click away. Whether it is the lyrics or the instrumental side, there is always something to latch on to with music.

I have listened to almost everything since I came to UD and I think that everyone should try and expand their musical taste just a bit. I’m not saying to radically change your whole style, but if someone wants to share some music with you give it a try, because you never know what could happen.