By Pauline Dagaas
Jake Harley, as well as his fellow band members, hope to one day make it big.
Photo by: Pauline Dagaas
Whether it be a specific sport, activity, interest, or hobby, students can all agree they have a passion. And for three teens, one thing is for sure. They all share a passion for music and the dream of one day making it big.
Sophomore Josh Mora understands this passion. Once a member of a hard metal band, Mora has recently taken a different direction and gone solo using primarily his own voice for vocals and guitar skills for instrumentals. Not only does he work both the acoustic and electric guitar, he also stands as an experienced bass, drums, and piano player. His experience with various instruments allow him more opportunity to be creative with his music. This knowledge however isn’t the only factor guiding his art. Mora also finds the works of several artists quite motivating. “I look up to Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) and Billy Corgon (Smashing Pumpkins),” he states. “[They are] both very creative and good musicians.”
One of the best characteristics of an artist is one who can identify with their audiences and make them feel. Strong solid feelings such as love, hate, life, and fairness are constant themes appearing everyday in Mora’s life. These experiences without a doubt influence his original lyrics. “I usually write [music] from the heart. All of my songs mean something to me.” Although this musician’s name has yet to be known nationally, he is currently working on an album to jump start his ambitious goal. “I just want to put my name out there….It’s what I want to do for the rest of my life. It’s an unforgettable passion.”
In terms of composing the instrumental parts of each song, some musicians find inspiration through the works of other bands. Jake Harley, also a sophomore at Plymouth High School remarks, “I listen to bands that I like and then play guitar afterwards. I usually come up with something I like.” Once a mere hobby, this particular interest has sparked yet another devotion to the music world. Harley, the guitarist of a hardcore/metal band, and Patrick Gouverneur, (also of PHS) have been working on music for years.
Although other band mates have come and gone, their current vocalist is Zach Moore of Elkhart. Beginning in the seventh grade, Harley and Gouverneur had gone through some difficult times, uncertain of what specifically they wanted out of their group. “It took several different bands, but Pat and I finally know exactly what each other are thinking in terms of music,” Harley explained. “We’ve grown as musicians since then.”
Despite the tough times however, this young act still keeps true to his goals in life, several of which involve the band. “I just want to succeed at what I do. I want the band to be the best of the best and overall I want other kids to enjoy our music! We work hard on it.” It is obvious just how much this group means to Harley as well as his fellow band members. Though there may be several obstacles along the way, it seems apparent that his passion will exceed the hardships. His friends contribute much to this devotion as well. Harley notes his favorite part about this hobby is, “Being with my best friends and having fun while I’m doing it!” he exclaimed.
Although these three teens demonstrate high aspirations towards this industry, some see music primarily as a more simple passion, a past time. “I’m not planning to become famous. Leave that to those that have been playing since before high school,” states senior Jordan Winkler. Having played piano and recently beginning guitar, Winkler still finds himself as a bit of a newcomer. Yet despite his little experience, his love for the art is quite visible. Winkler notes about music, “ Learn it, live it love it.”
But what exactly makes being a musician so great? “It has the power to change moods,” Winkler believes. “It can be a rush or simply pull you out of a bad mood.” As it turns out, numerous scientific studies have proven this statement to be true. As explained by Dr. Mike Lowis of the University College Northampton, the effects delve even deeper then the emotional state. It may often affect our physical actions. “The emotional effects of [music] are believed to synchronize brain and nerve pathways. For instance, it’s almost impossible to not to tune your walking to the pace of a piece of music you are listening to.”
Evidently, Winkler’s mindset on the matter was right on next to the scientific studies conducted by psychologists. Though he does not intend to one day win a Grammy or top the Billboard Hot 100, he cherishes his newfound talent and will continue playing the guitar and piano. A career in music would be great, but he finds contentment simply within the joy these instruments bring him. So for Jordan Winkler, what’s the best part about doing what he does? “That I will still be able to do it 20 or 50 years from now,” he confirms proudly.
While the futures of these teens have yet to be seen, their strong passions for music are quite clear. The industry holds tough competition yet these students already find themselves grateful to be given such amazing talents to which they can share more about their individuality. Mora states, “[The best part is] being able to show my feelings in every chord or string.”
Regardless, Josh Mora, Jake Harley, and Jordan Winkler have real dreams that may one day become true.