Music to Our Ears

Story by Phillip Pyle ≫

Music is a universal language, but not everyone has the same vocabulary. Students at EHS listen to a wide range of music but they have different reasons.

Junior Holland Harvat listens to music all day. Turning on her favorite songs is one of the first things she does in the morning. And, from the morning on, the jams continue. Her personal taste in music changes with the mood: she listens to fast-paced rap and pop before a big volleyball game, and listens to uplifting music to brighten her a dreary day. Holland’s love of music is the strongest when she attends a concert.

“It’s really amazing to see everyone in a crowd admiring the same performer,” Harvat said, “There is nothing quite like seeing a group of people collectively having a great time.”

For some, music is even more than a pastime, it is a lifelong hobby. Brayden Yoder-Mulkey, Jr., sees music in this way. Brayden originally got interested in music through his sister Corrinne’s recommendations. Yoder-Mulkey has played an instrument since he was little and this contributes greatly to his affinity for music. Throughout the years his favorite artists have changed, but a few of his current favorite musicians are Arca, Tyler, the Creator, and BadBadNotGood.

Brayden sees music as a true form of art and believes the medium of listening is very important.

“My dad gave me some of his old records and listening to them on vinyl has changed my life,” said Yoder-Mulkey.

Many students don’t focus on the format, but instead enjoy listening to music simply for entertainment. Italian foreign exchange student Chiara Canale, Jr., sees music as a way to relieve stress and have fun. Although she enjoys listening to the songs of her home country, she prefers American pop when it comes to dancing.

“We listen to American and Italian songs,” Chiara said, “but when my friends and I go to the disco we like American music because it is more fun and exciting.”

Students, and adults alike, use music in many different ways. For Senior Collin Decker, music serves as a way to build relationships.

“Music really helps me relate to my friends and helps initiate in-depth conversations, which often changes my point of view on topics,” said Decker.