by Praycious Wilson-Gay
with Rosalia Preiss
Teen Co-Arts Editors
the Durham VOICE
thedurhamvoice@gmail.com
![HillsideHSwebby The Hillside High School marching band](http://www.durhamvoice.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/HillsideHSwebby.jpg)
The Hillside High School marching band
Music is a universal language for youth as well as adults. As my peers around me are always in classrooms humming or tapping on the tables, I come to wonder what their involvement in music is and how does it impact their life.
![PrayciousbestFINAL Praycious Wilson-Gay at SeeSaw Studio (self portrait)](http://durhamvoice.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/PrayciousbestFINAL.jpg)
Praycious Wilson-Gay at SeeSaw Studio (self portrait)
I discovered that from church choir, to chorus, to orchestra and band, youth are not only enjoying but participating and appreciating the art of music.
When I interviewed Ray DeBerry (a member of Hillside High School Band,) I asked him how it feels to have to go to band practice at 6 in the morning before school.
“At the end of the day, it definitely makes me feel more committed to
![SouthernHSwebby The Southern High School marching band.](http://www.durhamvoice.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/SouthernHSwebby2.jpg)
The Southern High School marching band.
the band.” Jamario Johnson (a member of Southern High School Band) states that he “works harder” when being confronted by a more accomplished band.
Rosalia Preiss also interviewed a couple of people about music; she also incorporated her feelings on how music personally affects her.
“As a singer, music is a huge part of my life,” Rosalia said. “Some days, when I really don’t want to be at school, my chorus class is the only thing that gets me through the day. I sing whenever I’m stressing out, and it really calms me down.”
Maya Brown, a freshman at Jordan High School, and Nicole Shepherd, a freshman at Durham School of the
![DUSSwebby The Duke University String Symphony. (Photos by Praycious Wilson-Gay)](http://www.durhamvoice.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/DUSSwebby.jpg)
The Duke University School of Strings. (Photos by Praycious Wilson-Gay)
Arts, both agree that music is an important part of their lives. “Playing music sort of relaxes me, and when I listen to it, I am able to think of things other than the stresses in my life.” Maya told Rosalia.
![RosaliaSELFFINAL Rosalia Preiss makes her own self-portrait.](http://durhamvoice.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/RosaliaSELFFINAL.jpg)
Rosalia Preiss makes her own self-portrait.
Pianist and singer Nicole says, “When I’m mad, I play the piano and it takes away my anger. Listening to music also helps me concentrate on my work.”
Not only are there school-run programs but also “on your own time” programs that keep community youth involved with music. I was delighted to watch the Helping Hands Community Band perform this past weekend at the Phoenix Festival. As a member of Duke University School Of Strings, a Saturday program that develops musical skills of youth from 7 to 18, I can say that practicing is one of the essential components of strengthening your performance as a musician. This was evident at the Fall Concert when soloists Ariel Rigdon and Mariko Davidson brought the audience to a standing ovation this past Saturday.
The commitment, love and practice that these musicians show proves the art of music can move the world, literally.