Sometimes you need to be reminded.......

I have to say it feels good to be reminded every so often; sometimes “you can’t see the wood for the trees” when you predominantly sit at a computer doing the quiet, boring, largely unnoticed work. (side note - It would be great if AI could be deployed to do the boring repetitive non-creative grunt work so us humans could focus on the creative; rather than exactly the opposite of what is currently occurring) But sometimes you can get a little elevation and see that the forest around you has grown somewhat through the nurturing that you’ve tried to do; as well as observing that nature’s will to survive is ever surprising; despite how impoverished and arid our soils are here in this wide brown land of ours. Despite (& in spite) of the challenges, our culture remains fertile with fearless individuals doing excellent work no matter what.

I was reminded of why the AJRB exists because I received an email from a represented composer who was thrilled that one of their pieces was being played by a student as part of their senior music studies. The instrumental teacher reached out and made the connection to the composer - they took the time to actually get in touch with the composer to let them know what was going on. The composer was thrilled that their music was finding fertile ears in the next generation. They were thrilled that all that effort and sacrifice to realise the sound they hear in their mind’s ear to the best of their ability was noticed. I’m sure that has given them the confidence to keep on keeping on and embark on the next project; despite all the challenges faced. The student wins here too: they get to have a conversation with the actual composer and get some additional insight into the composition. They get the benefit of the direct connection. You cannot be what you cannot see. Of course this is difficult to measure and quantify this exchange; but that experience has planted a seed in that developing musician’s brain and opened a door of possibilities to explore. Maybe they’ll get to be in the room when this composer is doing a gig and have the experience of musicians being greater than the sum of their parts, playing out of their skin, and making something that has never existed before. Feeling that irreplaceable feeling that the room is electric and something very exciting is happening.

Maybe that will inspire them to pursue the path. Maybe not - and that’s ok too - maybe that engagement in the creativity will contribute to make them a more empathetic counsellor, a more cultured accountant, a chippy with a greater respect for the craft, or even perhaps a CEO with a greater understanding of how culture and creativity can benefit their organisation. I still firmly believe and will continue to say:

“Engagement in Music is the most efficient way to become a better human being”

We never really know the reach that we can have via one small act; of sending an email, or picking up the phone. Or going to a gig and listening - really listening. Of saying “you’re doing a really great job, keep going”.

Or buying an album on bandcamp and sending a message to the composer saying “I heard this on PBS/RRR/Eastside/ABC Jazz and it was a real vibe”.

There are several things here that are worth reflecting on that are good.

• The humanity involved in the exchange.

• The interest of engaging with local composers.

• The goodwill that has been created.

• The new linkages of connection between student, teacher, composer, AJRB, recordings, performances.

• The teacher who is “plugged into” the scene and is checking out what is going on with their ears open.

• The fear and anxiety needing to be overcome for a student to contact their peers and face possible rejection.

• The community development of a healthy scene and how that contributes towards sustainable creative output.

• The positive feedback cycle of the composer being encouraging and supportive to the developing student.

• The encouragement that the composer feels to keep pursuing the thing.

• The open doors now available for the student, and the possibilities that means.

It gives me enormous joy to witness this kind of thing happening. The only real reason why the AJRB exists is that there are composers doing amazing things that are worth celebrating that more people should know about. I’ll keep working on it as long as this kind of thing keeps happening.

What is a thing that is vibey to you that you could reach out and say “I love what you did, keep going”?