Article May 26, 2003 Issue

Making time for what you love

By Susie Rynerson

Most of my life I have played a musical instrument of some sort. I've played in bands, I've played solo. I've played classical melodies, jazz riffs, gospel and pop tunes. I've played out of joy with many others, and alone in large, echoing rooms, where instruments were the most comforting friends I could find at the time.

Although I can plink on a piano, manage a clarinet, bring a sweet vibrato to a flute, and a sassy swagger to a soprano saxophone, my favorite of all is the alto sax—so brilliant and yet deep at the same time. This instrument has been by my side ever since the fourth grade.

During my music career, however, I repeatedly ran into situations where I struggled with fitting music into my schedule. Sometimes sports practices would occur at the same time as band practices, or someone would say it wasn't possible to do well in academics, sports, and music at the same time. But I loved making music so much that I couldn't imagine not being able to jam with some pals or serenade passers-by in a park. It was an irresistible expresion of something very intimate, joyous, and powerful for me.

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