The Realities of Playing Music Throughout Adulthood

History teacher, Jacob Wallace, former Watauga High Orchestra Director, Will Selle, and retired Spanish teacher, David Knight play in front of the student body at HITEC in Taxila, Pakistan through the Pakistani exchange program in 2014. “What I find is important is to keep some of the music and tradition alive, that people are not familiar with today,” said Wallace. “It’s music that carried over from Europe, which is part of the history of people migrating from Europe, they brought that culture and music with them. Playing it is part of holding on to that connection where we came from.” Photo Creds: Jacob Wallace

Abbi Clark, Sports Desk Lead for The Powderhorn

Watauga County has a culture deeply rooted in music, with many young people focusing their energy on playing instruments. And events like Boonerang and Music in the Valle solidify this musical atmosphere. But music as a career can be challenging, and not everyone dreams of becoming a musician. So what are the options for those who want to keep playing but don’t dream of being a rock star? 

Many adults throughout Watauga County balance demanding careers while actively pursing their passion for music.  Among these is Watauga High School’s teacher and coach, Dustin Adams. Adams plays acoustic guitar during church worship on Sundays, Wednesday night service, and FCA morning meetings.

“I play for my church and I hold a lot of value to playing in front of a congregation, leading them in a worship,” said Adams. “There's a purpose behind me learning how to play guitar, it wasn't just some coincidence or accident that happened.”

Besides worship and church service there are other options for playing in Watauga. Watauga’s community band holds weekly practice for musicians of all ages. 

“We meet [at the WHS band room] Tuesday nights,” said community band member Bill Robinson. “Some of the personalities are just so funny. One of the percussionists is a retired music teacher from Avery County. And there’s another one who could play the bells and the xylophone. It’s just amazing what she can do.”

Robinson plays primarily brass instruments, with the baritone being his principal instrument. He has been playing instruments since he was in 4th grade in 1968, so music is a major part of his life.

“I'm an attorney, so that's where a lot of my mental acuity and effort goes throughout the day. But, music requires a different kind of thinking”, said Robinson. “And one needs a hobby, you just need it. And that's what music does for me. It's a wonderful outlet for me, and I've developed lifelong friends.”

The Watauga Community Band performs at least once per academic quarter and often picks up other gigs throughout the year. They practice year-round and have about 50 members at each practice.

“In the mid 1980’s Charles Isley, a former band director at Watauga, noted that a lot of former band members from Watauga High School and other venues were out in the community and might be interested in playing in a community band. I have played in this group since about 1986,” said community band member Mike Wise. “Much has happened on the local music front since then. Locally we have added a Community Orchestra and community bands have emerged in several nearby counties.”

Wise’s principal instrument is the oboe, though he also plays the English horn and some saxophone. He has been a musician for seventy-eight years, having begun lessons at age seven. He played in classical bands throughout college and even while enlisted in the Air Force. And he has played in a multitude of bands throughout the High Country ever since.

“It is an art that allows us personal expression in areas where we are constrained by the rules of our jobs or the requirements of a classroom,” said Wise. “I feel pride after a good performance and guilty if I’ve hit a clinker. Music can involve uncertainties just like real life.”

One doesn’t have to be a famous rockstar to play music, they just have to love it. There are plenty of opportunities throughout Watauga to keep playing, performing, and doing what musicians love the most. Love inevitably finds an outlet, and for many, that outlet is music. 

“Think of all the significant events of our lives. We celebrate with music, we mourn with music. What would a movie be like without a soundtrack? If we listen to the words we speak, there is even music in their sound,” said Wise. “There is music everywhere if we listen, and without it life becomes dark, bleak and unbearable. Music is a fundamental way we express our humanity.”