This summer, I had a very special experience that reminded me once again of the power of music and why what we do here at the school is so meaningful.
On August 9th, I took my daughter to her very first concert. The band we saw was AJR, at “Great Woods” in Mansfield, MA (now called the Xfinity Center). She absolutely loves this band!
What made the night even more incredible was that this was the exact same place where I went to my very first concert over 30 years ago when I was 10 years old— my mom took me with her and my Aunt to see Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefers. That concert all those years ago sparked my lifelong love of live music, and it felt almost magical to be standing in the same venue, now with my daughter, passing along that same tradition.
The night only got better. Not only did we enjoy the show, but we also had the opportunity to meet the band (see photo below!) and even attend a master class with them. During the session, they shared how they write and produce their music, offering an inside look at the creativity, collaboration, and dedication it takes to bring songs to life.
Experiences like this remind me that music is so much more than notes on a page or hours of practice—it’s about connection. It’s about moments shared between parent and child, friends and family, or even artist and audience. Music has the unique power to bring us together, create lasting memories, and inspire us in ways nothing else can.
At our schools, whether it’s a student picking up an instrument for the very first time, preparing for a recital, or dreaming of performing on big stages, we are privileged to be part of their journey. And who knows? Maybe their very first music lesson here will one day lead to their own “first concert” memory that stays with them for a lifetime.
Keep making music,
Samuel Faraci
Director, Harrison School of Music & New City School of Music
