Being involved in choir and band, senior Declan Franey said that music is a very important piece of his everyday life and is something he is extremely passionate about. 

“I love the performances and building towards completing a goal,” Franey said. “It’s like any sport or any activity. You work on something over and over to be the best you can at it. With music you’re trying to impact people or tell a story through a song, and that’s what I’m working on in my everyday life.”

Along with Franey, junior Maddie Passett said music has always been a large part of her life. She said she also plays guitar, ukulele and is currently learning how to play drums.

“I’ve been singing since I can remember and I have danced for 15 years and I am on Colorguard,” Passett said. “It’s my main coping mechanism when I am having mental health issues, so it’s just a really big part of my life.”

Franey said he uses music in many different aspects of his life, one of them being a way of meditation and a relaxant. 

“Anytime I’m having issues with my family or any financial issues, I always turn to music to calm me down,” Franey said. “Music gives me a chance to escape other things that I’m struggling with. Knowing there’s something for me to work on and become better at always gives me a purpose.” 

Similarly, Passett said music is the first thing she turns to in order to help relieve her worries. 

“If I am having an episode, whether that be an anxiety attack or depressive episode, I usually throw on one of my happy playlists or calm playlists to just calm myself down and distract myself from other things,” Passett said. “When I’m singing, especially in choir, it distracts me from everything else I am doing, so that I can put my focus into just one thing.”

In addition, senior Natalie Detmer said she appreciates how music is a universal language and how expressive it allows her to be. 

“[Music] symbolizes comfort and passion. It’s always been something that I need in my life and I find comfort in it,” Detmer said. “Hearing the numerous ways that we can express ourselves through just sound alone and how different sounds can give off different moods is a really cool thing and something that symbolizes people’s diverse passions.

When it comes to picturing his future career, Franey said he definitely wants music to be involved in it and said he currently composes music for movies he writes.  

A highlight of his high school music career, Franey said is being able to perform in the choir showcase. 

“The entire experience of showcase and hearing people be able to sing solos and sing the songs they love is something that’s going to live with me forever,” Franey said.

When asked what he thinks life would be like without music, Franey said it is unfathomable to imagine a world where he isn’t completely immersed in music. 

“I’m glad I live in a world where music exists and I’m lucky enough to be able to perform it everyday,” Franey said. “A lot of people and kids don’t have music in their schools or an ability to play or practice the way I do. I’m just really lucky that I’m able to perform music and do what I love.”