Music is universally valued, bringing people together, entertaining them, livening their spirits. For thousands of years, humans have been drawn to the wonder of a good rhythm and beat, realizing the innate value. Through performance or instruction, with a guitar or drum, music has great power and, moreover, a great potential for good. The opportunity to share music with others is unique and priceless.
Recognizing this potential, the Jesuit Musicians Union seeks to spread music throughout the school. Bringing together musicians for performance or even just to jam, JMU wants to best utilize the abounding talent at Jesuit, with its many talented musicians. At the most basic level, JMU helps people find musical talent but, at a deeper level, it often helps create bands and lifelong friendships.
Founded in 2007 by a couple of guys who were looking for others with their same musical interests, JMU started with a vision of bringing together a variety of musicians, from vocals to percussion to strings. In its simplest form just a list of musical individuals, JMU provides a database that students can utilize for any number of reasons, from starting a band to having a casual discussion. With the help of Mr. Corey Marr, freshman counselor and talented musician, the JMU started out firing on all cylinders.
Bringing together students who may not have interacted otherwise, JMU fulfilled its role in many ways. Julian Gutierrez ’14, current president of the JMU, said that his “favorite part about JMU is getting to know other musicians around campus and sharing interests in music.”
Many people shared this same vision and at its peak, with thirteen bands and many opportunities for these bands to perform, JMU was fulfilling its goals seamlessly. With performances after every home football game, on Ranger Day, and one or two additional performances in the spring, musicians from around the school got the opportunity to show everyone their talent. Every now and then, Mr. Marr even got calls from other schools asking for a Jesuit band to perform at their events.
But this was in the past. Unfortunately, today, there are no performance opportunities aside from Ranger Day after many preexisting performances became unpopular or unprofitable. This reality is quite a shame as Mr. Marr noted that Jesuit is “really musician-rich right now,” leaving many groups without a chance to show off their skills.
Trying to pull JMU out of the slump that it is currently in, Mr. Marr, Gutierrez, and Michael White ’15, CEO of the JMU, want to utilize this talented study body and bring the Union back to the success of its heyday. White commented that this year, they will “aim to have more opportunities for people who are involved in music to showcase their talent and let other people know about their involvement. [They] want everybody who is involved in music to be recognized for their accomplishments and involvement.”
To make this a reality, Mr. Marr, Gutierrez, and White are planning a spring event for bands to perform. Somewhat like Ranger Day, this event would be fun for the student body and the performers involved. Mr. Marr hopes to have some sort of a showcase that doubles as a fundraiser for the mission trips. This would help a good cause and give students a chance to perform. Ultimately, Mr. Marr says that “the goal is to find students who want to play and get them some exposure” and using the proceeds for good only makes the idea even better.
Even though JMU has lessened in influence in recent years, its message is still simple: to enjoy music. Gutierrez loves how music “has connected [him] with lots of people” a common trend for many members. Mr. Marr says that all that JMU needs is for “people to be open and honest about the instruments they play,” an easy request to be part of such a great organization. White says that JMU really seeks to “keep music relevant at Jesuit” and celebrates “musical diversity, musical skill, and musical bravery,” all which fit within the welcoming environment.
This sort of brotherhood of musicians offers great guidance to any new members. With people ranging from no experience to veteran performers, a novice can be trained and assisted. Mr. Marr, who is himself in a band “has helped [him] show students how to perform” and work on “things like stage presence.” One day, he would like to see a JMU that that actually teaches students how to play instruments, with more experienced players imparting their knowledge to amateurs.
With changes soon to come and great members, it goes without saying that the JMU is a great organization for all sorts of musicians, even if only to find people with common interests. Giving people the chance to apply and better their talents, JMU benefits not only the musician but his peers and community. Whether you’re already a musical prodigy or just a beginner, enroll in the Moodle page for JMU or talk to Mr. Marr in the Freshman Commons and the JMU will certainly thrive once more. Sign up for JMU and open the doors to a whole new world of music!
