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?i love
music
because it?s something that will never go away with age. it?s another language that touches emotions,? james linden hogg, 16-year-old musical prodigy, muses. ?performing gives me so much confidence.? james plays eight instruments and often shares the stage with his father. ?eir two-man band
enlivens crowds with traditional celtic folk music. he lives for the opportunity to ?go up in front of large groups and interact with people, sharing the history behind the songs.? many may think of performing on stage as frightening or intimidating, but for certain young
people here in baton rouge, it?s a moment they live for. whether it?s traditional folk music, christian worship, or rock, young musicians are finding their niche. ?ey all agree that performing has positively influenced their emotional expression, confidence, and ability to work with others. who knew a microphone, guitar, drums, and other instruments held such power? young band members rely on one another and develop strong interpersonal skills through jamming together. oneway worship band, the youth praise team of woodlawn baptist, contains a tight-knit group of young musicians and vocalists, ages 16-20, that depend on one another weekly to lead students near their age. ?e experience of joining together to honor god and perform has deeply impacted the five musicians. ?eir vocalist, kayla johnson, comments, ?playing together has taught me humility and that it?s not all about me. i am part of a unit.? her cohort, matthew tynes, agrees, ?no matter your role, you have to perform to the best of your ability or it hinders everyone else.? playing live music in a band also facilitates other life skills like problem solving. local music school, baton rouge music studios, aims to not only teach instruments, but also business and professionalism with their young band nation program. carolyn ray, operations manager of baton rouge music studios, explains the lessons their students glean from playing together. she observes, ?you?re a team up there. if the drummer messes up, you all are problem solving on the fly, under pressure. ?at?s an invaluable skill that can be applied to many other areas of life.? confidence is another tool that can bolster teenagers and propel them through life. few gain the trait during the high school years if they feel they don?t have a talent or an identity. ?ese young musicians agree that mastering their instruments and performing in front of others has given them a dose of confidence. nathan richardson, who is now 20, by joy holden i n t h e b a n d : w h e r e e v e r y o n e i s f i r s t s t r i n g 54 brparents.com | september 2016
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