Figure 1.--The guitar is a popular choice for a musical instrument, although interest has varied greatly over time.
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Figure 1.--The guitar is a popular choice for a musical instrument, although interest has varied greatly over time. |
Music is one of the subjects that it takes little effort to interest students. There is a tremendous interest in music, perhaps more today than ever before. Music has
been a subject that has in the past been neglected at many New Zealand schools, but that is no longer the case today.
I am highly addicted to music. I need music. I love music. I
breathe music. And I hate silence.
Music for many people is a way of life. it can be influential,
controversial, provocative and experimental.
To me music is an expression of emotions, thoughts and
ideas.
Music is the voice of the younger generation, as it alwayshas
been. Music is now louder and more experimental than ever. It's probably because of this that the older generation doesn't understand our music.
They often see our music as noisy trash that has no feeling or
meaning in it. Anybody who believes this is braindead.
The groups of today speak out about many things because it's
what they believe in (groups such as Red Hot Chili Peppers,
Race Against The Machine, Sound Garden, Sonic Youth and
Smashing Pumpkins are a few of them).
the older generation doesn'tunderstand why there is so
much anger and hatred in our music. Maybe if they opened
their eyes and also their minds for a while then they would
understand.
The world is a mess. Music often tries to open peoples' eyes to this by making them look at tehmselves and the world they live in. The music today is often controversial. Groups often speak about such things as rape, suicide, race problems, drug
abuse and sex; i.e. the real issues of our society. Music is now more experimental than ever, with the guitar being used to make new sounds and effects. Computers are
also starting to play their part in the world of music ( e.g. Nine
Inch Nails).
Music to me is a total escape from the outside world. My everyday revolves around music.
I usually listen to about six or seven hours of music throughout the day. It would probably be true to say that music is indispensable to my entire existence.
Without it I probably wouldn't be the person I am today.
Richard Whiting, Wanganui High School, 1996
Special choirs from a number of primary and secondary schools are performing at the Regent Theatre on Tuesday 23 June. Tickets are $4 and $2 and can be bought at the door. I thank our specialist music teacher Mrs Jessica McMillan for her dedication in getting these students to a point where a public performance is to be made. Support this happening with your attendance.
Greymouth Junior High School
