– Time For A Tiara: Column by Ginna Young – - Dancing to the beat of whatever drum you like

– Time For A Tiara: Column by Ginna Young –

Maybe some of you remember me from my appearances in the community theaters post-COVID, belting out the tunes with gusto. Maybe some of you live in town (Cornell) and frequently see me driving around, bopping to the radio. Maybe some of you notice me dancing in stores and tapping my foot to tunes at school events.

Well, if you are nodding yes to any of these statements, then you probably have guessed that music means the world to me and you’d be right. I can’t read a note, have had no formal training and the only thing I can play, is a CD, but I still love music with all that’s in me.

It seems like I’ve always remembered listening to music and singing along to it from the very beginning. On road trips or even just little jaunts around the countryside, we always had the radio on or would sing our own songs.

We often listened to music when doing outdoor chores and when Dad would go in on weekends to clean the office/warehouse where he worked, we’d go with him to help and crank the music while we cleaned.

Growing up, if it wasn’t ’50s, ’60s,’70s or Disney music, I wasn’t supposed to listen to it, simply because Mom was prejudiced against it. That didn’t entirely stop me, though, and when I could, I’d change the station to what is now considered classic rock. Eventually, Mom capitulated and learned to love some of it, as well – mostly Michael Jackson and Michael Bolton.

As I’ve grown older, I continue to listen to all of the above, along with metal, early pop, some R& B, Celtic and older country music. It really just depends on what I stumble upon or am in the mood for.

Each year, I cover multiple spring, fall and winter programs at the schools in our area, and I’m always amazed at the power the music gives to the kids. You can take the shyest child in a school, put a music stand in front of them and watch them blossom.

Music is a way to express oneself, when words fail. Funny thing, a similar saying is actually on the door of the band director’s door at Lake Holcombe, which is where I was last Saturday, for our district Solo & Ensemble. There, my heart almost burst out of my chest with pride, watching the students from Cornell and Lake Holcombe sing, play and perform in front of judges.

Even though I don’t get nervous, I can imagine how tough it must be for the kids to get up and do that, with all eyes on them. No matter what, I hope they know how proud I am of them for having the courage to do that.

A couple weeks ago, I was at Jazz Night, at Cadott, where the youth played catchy tunes and again, the pride I feel is incredible. These kids are amazing, to put themselves out there like that.

It’s not even been a year, but Cornell is rebuilding its music program and thanks to their teacher, who allows them to be themselves, the kids are flourishing. They’re now excited to perform for their family and friends, and have a voice in what they play/sing.

I can’t wait to see how each program continues to build and I will faithfully support them to reach their potential. Because, as many will likely agree with me, music saves. I know this, because it saved me.

It’s my firm belief that if people would only throw themselves into enjoying music, without reservations, everyone would be a lot happier. So what if you’re 35, is it illegal to sing along to Be Our Guest (Beauty and the Beast) or Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting?

No, it isn’t. Sure, you might get a few looks, but who cares! Most people listen to the music in their car, playing over the loudspeaker at a store or at a ballgame, but that’s it, they just listen, they’re not enjoying it, by singing and dancing to it.

I think some of them are afraid they’ll look stupid, but they won’t. Isn’t that what music is for, to move us? The day I give up bopping to music, is the day I give up on life. In other words, it ain’t happening, so either join in with me or look away.

But, I’d rather you join in, it’s more fun to sing along with someone, especially now that I figured out how to tie my bluetooth into my killer sound system in the car!