Whenever the students come out of their classrooms, whether coming from biology to the robotics room, anyone and everyone can hear the sounds of music coming from the music space.
Music is the gateway to the soul, no matter what genre or lyrics are said. One could play an instrument or just be an avid listener of the wide range of melodies.
The Ojai Valley School is known for its progressive learning philosophy, enforcing experimental learning and character development since its foundation in 1911.
Character development could come to a student in many different ways, ranging from unlocking their true self on a camping trip, finding themselves with a new hobby or sport, or one that connects many, finding music.
Some of the musicians at the Ojai Valley School are well known, such as Waits Rebhal, always on his computer on the music desk, playing songs ranging from thrash to heavy metal.
Another musician at the Ojai Valley School is Mia Linsmeier, singing the song “Basket Case” during last year’s Festival of Talent, or playing guitar right outside the music room on the hammocks.
But this story isn’t talking about them; their musical skills are pretty neat, though. It’s talking about the lesser-known musicians, such as Melody Lin (Piano), Daniel Lee (Trumpet), and Kira LaBella(Guitar).
“Whenever I first began, it was an on-and-off thing from the start. So in the beginning, my mother very much wanted me to be musically inclined, so I thought the guitar would be the best one for me.” Kira responds.
“Probably to take your time, because this is one of the things that won’t happen overnight. It’ll take, like, months, maybe years, to even master.” Daniel replies.
They were asked an array of other questions, such as what inspired them to play their instruments, and what was the best advice.
“Don’t look at your, okay, don’t look at your right hand, like you, like, you can look at the left, but when, especially whenever you’re doing the damn chords, but especially if you’re doing the finger style stuff,” Kira said.
Melody gave good advice to anyone who is playing a musical instrument, explaining that,
“Just sometimes like to change your emotion when you play some because the emotion is very important to help you play well.”
The group of musicians all presented similar ideas to the genre of music that they like to play, with Melody liking to play jazz, along with Daniel. Kira explained that she loves folk, especially Simon and Garfunkel.
Each individual has their own style of playing music, how they deal with and take advice, and how they experience music as a whole.