Music plays a role in many people’s daily lives. From listening in the car, at home or even between classes, there is something for everyone. Music has always been the marker of a generation and what is trending at the time. Teens who grew up in the 1970s probably remember the rise of ABBA. Those who were teens in the 1980s probably remember when “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper came out. 1990s and early 2000s teens might remember when boy bands like the Backstreet Boys came on the rise. Older generations reading this may wonder what kind of music kids listen to these days. What are kids playing in the car or between classes? Brighton High School has a very diverse music taste, and many students have many different styles of music that fit them.
“My favorite genre of music is folk music/indie pop,” sophomore Anabelle Olsen said. Sophomore Evelyn Kristalyn also said that her favorite music genre is indie pop. Indie pop, pop and country music have grown in popularity in recent years, with pop being a top genre among 43 percent of BHS students and country being a favorite among 23 percent of students surveyed by The BHS Times. Rap and rock music, however, are less popular at BHS. Rock has 21 percent popularity, while rap has 14 percent popularity out of the 71 chosen students polled by BHS Times. Many students enjoy the fun, upbeat tones and melodies country and pop have to offer, leaving students with a “feel good” vibe after the song is finished.
Some rising artists at BHS also include Noah Kahan and Tyler the Creator, offering a wide mix of sentimental and faster, catchier songs. This wide diversity between artists allows students to find something that suits them and matches their vibe. Finding connection and entertainment from music also allows students to express themselves and gain individuality.
“When my favorite song comes on, I just am so excited because I can just sing and dance to it,” sophomore Ella Tillman said. Music can even reduce levels of stress and anxiety in teens that are stressed with school or other activities. Focus music has become popular in recent years to help students “lock in” on their studies.
Particular songs also make a lasting impact on students. Kristalyn said that her favorite song is “Attention” by Malcolm Todd because it has stuck with her and provides a nice music break. Olsen’s favorite song, “what do i know?” by vaultboy, offers the same feelings for Olsen that Kristalyn receives after listening to her favorite song. Both students found meaningful connections in their favorite songs that contribute to their broader identities and interests. When a break from reality is needed, these are the songs Olsen and Kristalyn turn towards to tune out the world around them.
Both Olsen and Kristalyn said that they are very into music and participate in many music-related activities at BHS. Olsen is a member of the Brighton Choir and BHS musical theater program, both allowing her to connect with her love of music in a more direct sense. Kristalyn is a member of the BHS orchestra and shows her love of music through playing her cello alongside her quintet orchestra group. Her group members all play various string-tuned instruments like the cello, violin and viola.
“I enjoy orchestra because it gives me a way to just be, and when all the parts come together I get chills,” says Tillman, a member of Kristalyn’s quintet group who also plays cello. “My love of music has increased so much since being in orchestra. You start to hear some music differently, and it’s a really unique feeling.” Strong music programs at BHS like band, choir, orchestra, musical theater, music theory classes and after-school acapella groups allow students to develop a strong love for music as well as pursue any musical interests students may have.
Music bonds communities together in many ways. Whether it be an organized program, a class or simply listening between classes, music is unique in its ability to not just relate to people on a individual level but also connect them together.
“Music is significant because it has so much depth. It’s not just one layer, and it is an art form itself,” Tillman said.
