歪歪漫画

鈥淢usic gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.鈥�

I may have stolen that quote commonly attributed to Plato, but I feel like it perfectly summarizes how I view music as a whole.

Since starting at the Pioneer in 2021, certain assignments have reminded me of why music remains an integral part of my life since taking up my first instrument at the ripe old age of 9.

I started piano lessons in third grade and quickly grew to love the instrument. Once band became available to the fourth and fifth-graders, I would add saxophone to my docket 鈥� playing on a hand-me-down alto from my older brother.

I would dabble a little bit with guitar in sixth grade and join choir in eighth, but piano and saxophone would become my preferred creative outlets in the musical sphere.

Partaking in the most common performances 鈥� namely concerts 鈥� proved fulfilling as everyone in an ensemble creates something larger than themselves.

However, my favorite musical experiences were the excursions beyond the walls of a band room.

Among my first music-related trips was Jazz Fest at the University of Minnesota Morris in seventh grade. Performing my own solo provided a certain thrill and networking with other jazz bands at this event granted me a scholarship to attend a camp that would become an annual tradition: International Music Camp.

Naturally, I would attend IMC鈥檚 one-week session for jazz band in summer 2012 before attending for piano, creative writing and even harp in subsequent years. IMC was transformative in my musical journey as I connected with people from all walks of life with shared interests.

My high school graduation saw the end of my musical career as I knew it up to that point. I attended two summers of Bemidji MusiCamp after my junior and senior years of high school respectively, which ultimately solidified my decision to attend Bemidji State University.

The BSU Music Department provided a host of opportunities as I took up private lessons and participated in wind ensemble, saxophone quartet and other ensembles throughout my four undergraduate years.

Though the coronavirus pandemic severely altered my senior year, I am still grateful for the collegiate experiences I had. Namely, my involvement led me across much of Minnesota during wind ensemble tours and even to Chicago for the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference in 2019.

Following graduation in May 2021, I joined the Bemidji Area Community Band to keep my musical love alive. I inadvertently remained in the music scene beyond performance since, as an education reporter, I semi-regularly report on stories concerning music.

Among my favorites are Bemidji MusiCamp making its post-pandemic return, a BHS alum making his directorial debut for the annual Vocalmotive dinner shows and any time a musical or opera sets to open in the community.

These stories not only instill a sense of nostalgia but also give me an outside view of the rich tapestry that Bemidji has woven into the Northwoods arts scene.

Though many programs face ongoing issues 鈥� whether it be funding or recruitment 鈥� I give these groups credit for their continued advocacy for music.

Such organizations bring the public together at events like Mississippi Music at the Waterfront and productions at Paul Bunyan Playhouse.

Music has a knack for creating community camaraderie. Doing so in the public sphere encourages potential musicians to get their foot in the door and onto a stage themselves.

Having been through this pipeline myself, I have ultimately learned that music is an experience.

Readers can reach Pioneer reporter Daltyn Lofstrom at (218) 333-9790 or dlofstrom@bemidjipioneer.com.