Adam Kolar | Staff Writer
July 19, 2023
The Music Theory and Performance focus area meets on the second floor of the Fine Arts building almost every day of the week. This class is composed of musicians from many different backgrounds and styles who come together to grow and explore. Tana Field, the instructor of the class, is incredibly knowledgeable and has many musical talents herself. Her main objective with the class is to “encourage collaboration and storytelling,” which is shown through the activities and projects her scholars complete.
So far, Tana’s scholars have created music for a silent film in order to get a deeper understanding of how music affects the viewers of movies and how to create music for movies in general. They have also learned some classical music theory by listening to music from the 1600s to modern day in order to further their understanding of music. While all the students are proficient with their own respective instruments, they are all quick to listen when they are offered advice or ideas. In the Music Theory and Performance focus area, there are limitless opportunities for collaboration.
One such example of this collaboration arose on Monday, July 10, when scholars gathered in three groups in order to compose their own songs. The first group was found lounging in the hall, and they all agreed that “Everybody Loves a Good Break Up Song,” and went with it. The second group gathered around a piano, and went in the direction of “being alone on an island, Imposter Syndrome and leaving things behind.” The third group decided to write a song on the highs and lows of GSP, collectively missing their families.
While each group of scholars agreed upon different song concepts and used a wide variety of different instruments, there were many common threads between all of their experiences. Tana offers insight to students on songwriting, but ultimately gives them complete control over their songs, allowing for a lively and diverse atmosphere with freedom of thought. Positive affirmations fill the room whenever scholars share their ideas, and groups are never afraid to experiment, fail and try again until they are satisfied with the result. There was not a moment where scholars ceased to smile or laugh during the writing process.
Individual musicians are challenged to work together even with different musical preferences and styles. Matt Scatterly, a scholar in the Music Theory and Performance focus area, elaborated on this idea when he said, “You have a whole bunch of different musical opinions. We all get along and there are always ways to work it out, it’s a blender.” Overall, this focus area is an incredible showcase of scholars’ personalities, talents and ingenuity because of the guidance and freedom that Tana gives them.
