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In it’s simplest form, music has been around for thousands of years. It has been a part of the sharing of cultural stories, and as the human population has evolved, so too have musical styles. Now there are many different styles of music, and we have come a long way from simple choral chanting and primitive instruments. Though music has evolved and is more popularized now, I believe that it still serves the same purpose. Whether you are listening to a choral arrangement by Eric Whitaker, or one of the latest pop songs by Iggy, music has a way of pulling everyone together.

As someone who has always had music play a major part in my life, I have seen the power that music has to change lives first hand.

I am a member of the chamber singers at High Point University, lead by Dr. Marc Foster. Not only have I learned so much by being part of such a talented choir, but also I have found a group of 36 peers with whom I have a common bond with. It is impossible to rehearse five days a week year-round, and not create the strongest of bonds with them. We have shared the best and worst moments of our lives with each other. We have contemplated the deeper meanings of the lyrics that we sing. We have seen each other cry because of the emotions brought forward through the weaving of meaningful words and melodies. This choir is one of the safe havens that I have found in my life.

When I was struggling with what might have been the darkest moments of my life, I had this choir and my a cappella group. These amazing people were my support system, whether they knew it or not. This is what music can do. Music can take groups of people who have little to nothing in common, and give them a common ground that creates the strongest bond and sense of trust.

This is the power of music.

I’m sure most people are familiar with the movie Pitch Perfect, and if you’re not, go remedy that as soon as possible. I myself am in an all female a cappella group at my college, and I figured that this was the perfect post to write this week.

This Saturday, January 31, The Petal Points will be competing at the Southern Quarterfinal of the International Competition of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCAs). Founded 11 years ago, The Petal Points is High Point University’s (HPU) first and only all-female a cappella group. This is the first time they have ever submitted to, or been accepted to compete at ICCAs, as well as the first year that a group has represented HPU in the competition.

Not only are we a group of incredibly hard working and dedicated women who love music, but we are also the tightest knit group of 13 girls I have ever had the joy of being a part of. We’re not just friends and fellow musicians, but we’re a family. I know that these girls will always be there for me no matter what. Even after having two hour practices every day for three weeks, I can’t think of anyone I would rather spend every moment of free time with.

The Petal Points became my family at HPU. They supported me as I pushed my body to the extreme as a Division 1 cheerleader. They helped me deal with the pain when I suffered a career-ending back injury. They listened to me cry about the things in my life that I can’t control. They talked me out of my own mind when I stressed too much. They are my rock. I don’t know what I would do without them.

And now, thanks to all of our hard work, we have finally managed to get to ICCAs. Whether or not we place well in this competition, I am so proud of every member of my group. We have come so far, and I know we will only go forward.

I love you all.

Keeping a blog has never really been my thing. I tried to keep a diary once when I was a kid, and I would get bored after about 2 days and forget about it; the empty book forgotten and left to gather dust on a shelf. That being said, I started this blog as a requirement for my social media marketing class, but maybe through this semester of attempting to keep a blog, I’ll find out that blogging could be my thing.

In any case, I’m planning on using this blog to just keep up with my own crazy life and thoughts; whether or not anyone else actually bothers to read it.

So read, or don’t read…and enjoy.