More than Music Local documentary encourages aspiring musicians to Carry The Tune ARTICLE BRIAN ROSE
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hether your student is the next Taylor Swift, or they are more likely to sing solos in the privacy of their car, one thing certain is that we are all impacted by music. Studies prove that learning a musical instrument at a young age not only develops our memory, hearing and coordination skills, but it also teaches kids self-discipline and attentiveness. However, Roger Mantie, a music professor at Boston University, conducted a fascinating study, which revealed that 75 percent of students give up playing music after high school. Orchestra teacher, Paul Trapkus, at Silver Creek High School in Longmont, Co., was so moved by that research that it inspired him, along with a group of his high school music students, to film a documentary called Carry The Tune. One of the high school students, Elizabeth Potter, who also co-directed the film, wanted to inspire her peers to continue pursuing the art of music after high school. “I have always loved music since I was a kid, but I didn’t think I would go anywhere with it until we started filming this documentary. I realized that I wanted music to be a big part of my life. Now I want to major in violin performance,” Elizabeth says. Carry The Tune is very critical of the paths high school students are presented with, which focus primarily on financial success and not necessarily what students are passionate about. “This is a documentary on the benefits it will have on you if you continue music after high school. The great thing about music is it doesn’t have to compete with your other interests, but it only enhances them,” Paul says. Carry The Tune is creatively captured and brilliantly high22
Boulder County Lifestyle | March 2015
lights a challenge we all face: the endeavor to balance our work with our passions. You walk away from the film with the confidence that no matter how old you are, it’s never too late to begin learning an instrument. Elizabeth says, “I would love for my peers to realize that you don’t have to major in music to continue to develop in your musical talent. There are so many other options. This documentary helps answer the why and how questions for students who want to continue to do music after high school.” Carry The Tune, will be released on DVD in March. To order your copy, visit their website at CarryTheTune.com.
“I would love for my peers to realize that you don’t have to major in music to continue to develop in your musical talent. There are so many other options. This documentary helps answer the why and how questions for students who want to continue to do music after high school.”