It’s time to pick up that hobby you’ve dropped….
Since I picked up an alto saxophone in fourth grade, music has always been a part of my life. From elementary school to the end of high school, I was heavily involved with different ensembles, went to music competitions and music camps, and just played for fun.
I looked at my alto sax as an ongoing challenge; it served as a motivator for me to get better at playing and for me to keep pushing myself to become more skilled.
I’m a very competitive person and always wanted to strive towards being first chair or getting that solo everyone desired. This motivation made me better and better at playing.
I also found joy in connecting with others in the music community. Over the years, I made lasting friendships and connections with my peers, directors, music coaches, and more.
Basically, my instrument and being a part of an ensemble gave me a sense of belonging.
So if I enjoyed my playing so much, why’d I stop?
That’s a question I still ask myself. And I think part of it was because I wasn’t a music major, so I thought that there wasn’t a place for me to continue playing alto sax. Another part of me was embarrassed by what others might think.
I was in a new environment, starting a new chapter of my life, and I thought that at the time it would be best to focus on the transition to college- and my major, which did not involve music.
I didn’t want too much of a commitment when I was just trying to get my footing; I didn’t want people’s views of me to be skewed due to the “band kid” stereotypes.
Many look at those in band as weird or outcasts for being really dedicated to their music. However, I’ve come to realize these stereotypes don’t hold any value in college because everyone’s focused on their own things in such a big environment.
But the stereotypes I heard in a high school environment are why I hid that I was even in band in the first place. People shouldn’t make you feel ashamed for doing something you love!
In college, I was trying to find my place, but quickly realized I felt like a part of me was missing. I looked forward to band class because it wasn’t boring- it was hands-on learning that I was passionate about.
Whenever I was stressed or overwhelmed in high school, I would look forward to playing my instrument.
Losing this outlet in college made me realize how important it was to have that time to de-stress and do something I love outside of my designated major. I decided to slowly ease my way back in by joining a community band in college and found that others’ opinions shouldn’t matter to me- because it was something I enjoyed!
This band was a way for me to be able to brush up on skills I haven’t used since high school and just have fun!
So, if you’ve been debating on picking up that hobby or the passion you’ve dropped since you moved on to college, this article is your sign to get back into that and make time for things you know you love to do!