The value of music in our lives

Earlier this month, I paddle boarded down the Middle Loop River for 5 hours and 41 minutes. That is not a typo.

And I was one of the first ones to cross the finish line; others were out there longer.

Aside from seeing a few fellow paddlers at the beginning and a scattering of spectators waving from bridges, I was by myself for nearly six hours. That is a significant amount of time to be by yourself with just your thoughts, wondering when you will finally see the finish line, hoping your friends are all right on the other parts of the river, and debating if you should eat all of your chocolate supply in the first hour.

In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Yes, the Nebraska sandhills were beautiful as were the few wild animals we saw along the way. Herds of cows were the most frequent visitors to the edge of the river and they didn’t really care that we were there.

But what really got me through all those hours on the river as well as countless other hours in the past on long bike rides, long runs or long car rides: music.

As I paddled down the river for hours on end, the music coming from my portable speaker was what kept my spirits up. The music was what kept me going at a fast pace. The music was what kept my thoughts from going off the deep end. The music was what helped transform the day from drudgery to enjoyable.

Had I brought only a margarita or two, the day would have been just about perfect, but I digress.

Before anyone berates me for not just simply enjoying the beautiful day, I did continuously scan for wildlife. I basked in the warm summer sun. I enjoyed surveying the towering cliffs on parts of the river. But you can only do that for so long before you start to question life choices. I was fortunate to have the music to pass the time and keep me in a good mental state.

Studies have shown that music is motivating, uplifting, and mood-changing. Music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory. Music can boost memory, build task endurance, lighten your mood, reduce anxiety and depression.

To put it simply, music adds value to our lives.

In addition to listening to music on your own, it is equally important to take advantage of the opportunities for live music in our community.

Just last night, the band Timberline kicked off its Nebraska tour in McCook in honor of 50 years of performing. The concert also served as a remembrance of Tor Olson, who cherished all types of music, but especially live music. Thanks to generous sponsors in our community, all ticket proceeds will go toward a future project in Tor Olson’s name.

While things are constantly changing because of covid, there are many upcoming opportunities on the community calendar.

The McCook Concert Association is gearing up for its 2021-22 concert season with season concert tickets currently on sale. It is one of the best bargains you can get with five concerts for one low price with the first concert planned for October through next spring. Instead of having to travel out of town for entertainment, this group brings national-caliber performers to McCook with the added bonus of enjoying the Fox Theatre for the performances. Contact any McCook Concert Association members for tickets.

The Community Hospital Health Foundation is planning on their fall concert later this month, featuring country performer Phil Vasser at the Kiplinger on the Red Willow County Fairgrounds. It is for a great cause with a great performer.

And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention what initially got me thinking about the role of music in our lives: the high school marching band. During most home football games, the high school band is providing music in the stands and sometimes on the fields bringing joy to others.

Will my daughter play the clarinet forever? Most likely not. Will she be in a band much longer? Only a few more years. But she will carry what she learned from playing an instrument and creating music with her for the rest of her life.

Whether you are a professional performer or an amateur musician, music brings value to our lives. Whether you are performing or just sitting back (or paddling) and listening, music brings value to our lives. Whether you prefer original songwriters or long for cover bands, music brings value to our lives. And in the end, music makes our communities an even better place to call home