The day the music almost died

By Caitlyn Huebner
November 18, 2015

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Graphic Designed by Caitlyn Huebner

Music makes the world go around, or so they say.  But what happens when musicians struggle to continue their music into their young-adult years?

This is an issue that many students may experience.  Typically in high school, a student has access to any number of instruments at any given time.  When coming to college, students may not realize the musical opportunities may dramatically shrink.

Cabrini does not have a band or orchestra like other schools may.  That does not mean to pack any bags just yet.  Although there is no orchestra or band, there is still a chorus as well as numerous opportunities to take piano and guitar privately.  Barbra Browne, Cabrini’s piano instructor, is one of these music teachers on campus.

One of Browne’s students is senior education major Jessica Austin.

“Music has been a part of my life for years,” Austin said.  “I started playing [piano] in third grade.”

In addition to piano, Austin has also played bells and the xylophone at church.

There are many different types of benefits to playing a musical instrument.

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Graphic Designed by Caitlyn Huebner

“Oh, I could go on and on,” Browne said.  “Students learn discipline because they have to practice.  That practice is applicable to everything because practice does make perfect.”

Music also helps with relaxation.

“I enjoy playing piano,” Austin said.  “It always helps me escape from the stress.  It relaxes me.”

There are also numerous health benefits to playing an instrument.

Browne said that there is a pretty even 50/50 split between first-time and returning or already experienced musicians.

For those returning back to their musical roots, “It gives [students] a second shot,” Browne said.

For many, they started playing an instrument at a younger age, quit, for whatever reason, and now have the option to start again.

In recent years, a Cabrini student did try to organize a band.  A lot of students were interested.  Unfortunately, however, this student transferred, leaving the plans unfinished.

“We don’t have the quantity of students driving [a creation],” Brown said.

Browne said that she would support students interested in creating a band or orchestra.

In the meantime, Browne can help students interested in playing instruments other than piano or guitar in various ways.  She can recommend other teachers on campus, teachers at other institutions, like Eastern, or even local musicians.

“We’re lucky,” Browne said.  “There’s lots of freelance musicians around here.”

To all music students, there is a performance at the end of each semester.  Although this may cause some form of anxiety for students, Browne always sees a drastic improvement from the first lesson to the performance.

“Everyone at the end says they learned so much, and they achieved so much,” Browne said.

Speaking from experience, Austin enjoys these performances.

“I am always proud when I accomplish a piece and can play it for others.  I feel accomplished,” Austin said.

When looking to schedule classes for the spring semester, keep in mind for any musicians, or first-time musicians, that there are options.  Browne hopes to see an improvement in all areas offered.  She believes this lack of enrollment has something to do with students being unaware of these classes.

“It was difficult throughout my years to play piano and do schoolwork, but I’m the type of person who manages their time,” Austin said.

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Caitlyn Huebner

Part-time adventure seeker and full-time creative soul. I have been fortunate enough to travel to distant worlds through my imagination and bring them to life through writing. Web editor for Loquitur and Editor in Chief of The Cue

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