March 2024 Guitar Newsletter : The Power Of Art To Draw People Together
Art has an amazing power to draw people together. Film makers, event organizers, visual artists and musicians are striving for their individual best, but during this process something separate is also taking place: the building of relationships between people that otherwise might not cross paths. Two weeks ago, I played at the Iowa City FilmScene where 3 very short films premiered about efforts to foster solidarity in Iowa City neighborhoods. Topics included soccer for youth, people gathering in dialogue about neighborhood issues and implementing art/murals to beautify residences. The annual Longfellow Front Porch Music Festival, which happens in my neck of the woods, was also featured. To my surprise, for a brief moment on the screen, there was a shot of my son watching me perform with my new band in our garden! That event bore much fruit including our debut, reconnecting with local musicians and picking up new guitar students who live within walking distance.
The point of these movie clips, which will be shown before every viewing of a FilmScene movie, is to heighten awareness of the good that is being done by individuals in Iowa City neighborhoods. Every participant had a very unique background and a vision of how to attain betterment for their community. What all of them had in common was a deep sense of purpose and drive on how to facilitate change. Being aware of other people’s needs, demonstrating willingness to help out and building community was at the core of it all. One of the short films featured the work of a man who passionately teaches soccer. In a heart warming Q & A after the screening he revealed: “Parents are telling me that their children are doing better in school ever since they are playing soccer, so I know it’s working and I am doing something good.” A child, teenager or adult that has witnessed growth, be it scoring a soccer goal or memorizing a difficult scale pattern, will likely be a happier, more confident and capable individual.
As a guitar teacher, I realize that part of my effort is also to instill something beneficial in the lives of my students. The importance of discipline, encouraging an open mind towards the many different expressions of music and striving for your best is on the top of that list. Of course I want each and every student to improve their playing skills, but at the same time, learning an instrument might very likely better their lives in other areas. The artist’s challenge of attaining discipline to practice and create are equally applicable to acquiring positive life skills. Once you have reached a level of musicianship where you can perform live your social skills will become increasingly important. Fellow musicians, event planners, audio engineers, venue owners, servers, bartenders, the audience itself; there will be constant interactions with people.
Playing for this reception I reached out to Ben Schmidt, a local singer songwriter who was happy to provide his talents. I have known him for years, he lives a few blocks away from me and now we’ve finally started making music together. Another meaningful connection made! I thoroughly enjoyed myself in a multicultural surrounding that was oozing with warmth, camaraderie and interest in our music. Unexpectedly, I bumped into people from my neighborhood, some of them guitar students who are involved in this cause. How cool it is to be in this type of work that is meaningful on a personal and communal level and results in constant expanding of circles of friendships.
The Iowa City FilmScene experience was a huge blessing for both my wife and I and also our son and daughter. We left this event with high spirits and a sense of hope for our children’s future. May this newsletter be an encouragement to you to find yourself amongst people making a sincere attempt to demonstrate goodwill towards their neighbors and participate actively in whatever means they are capable of. You will walk away a happier person.
Chris
