Numero Uno: Meet Allison
The year was 2011. The location was St. Stephens United Methodist Church. There she sat, kind of bored, while her mom worked in the church office. As it turns out, this was her lucky day. Her mom walked in with another person and they asked her if she would like to be part of a music-themed summer camp that would be held at the church that summer. Sure, she thought, why not?!
And that is the story of how Allison Sherrill became the first student of Rock 101.
Ok, I hear you and I agree. That was, perhaps, not the most thrilling of stories. What if I tell you that Allison fell in love with Rock 101 that summer and remained a student for the next several years? A little better. But what if I tell you that even now, in her 20s, she is still involved with Rock 101? That she was so very impressed with Rock 101 that she transitioned from a student into a teacher? Now we’re getting somewhere.
That first summer with Rock 101 was transformative for Allison, and she credits the Rock 101 instructors for this. Going into the summer she was a happy but reserved individual. She was very comfortable keeping to herself. What she learned from Rock 101 was how to come out of her shell (inexplicably!), how to believe in herself, and how to go outside of her comfort zone.
That summer reframed music for Allison. She had always thought about music as being something traditional with structured learning, such as school band. What she realized during that first summer was that, to be more accurate, music was a living and breathing entity. It could be FUN (capitalized, for sure). It was an opportunity to create connection and collaboration. It was expansive, aiding in personal growth.
All these years later, Allison carries these lessons and values with her. Music is the thing that gives her life purpose. In her own words, “If music is not present, then there’s something wrong.” Playing guitar provides a creative outlet for Allison. Not only that but she views it as something that helps to “paint the reality of what is going on”. It is a timekeeper, anchoring events in our lives and memories; it is a coping mechanism, helping moderate mood and express emotions; it is a way to connect with others without the use of words.
I happen to be partial to the Oliver Wendell Holmes quotation: “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” Allison experienced this first hand with Rock 101. Deciding to become a music instructor was an easy decision. As she looks back at her journey, she acknowledges the incredible power of a good teacher. She is grateful for the impacts Rock 101 instructors had on her life and she strives to be that person for her students.
Allison’s early years with Rock 101 shifted her perspective from being someone who quite happily accepted life to someone who actively experiences life. This is evident just from our conversation. She walks in wearing shorts and a sun hat (snapped up at the sides). When I ask how she is doing, she talks about spending time in the sunshine and expresses appreciation for all the good places to hike locally. When she is not teaching vocals, guitar, or bass at Rock 101, she is rock climbing, coaching little rock climbers, and spending as much time in nature as she can. She loves to read books of all kinds. She just finished Siddhartha by Herman Hesse (whew…that was a deep one), and she is adamant that everyone should read The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe.
As our interview ends, she stands up and walks out, headed to her next undertaking for the day. Whether teaching, climbing, or jamming, it’s sure to be a great adventure. For those who want to share in this, perhaps try recreating Allison’s ideal sandwich: mustard, bacon, avocado, green chile, 5 types of cheese (at least), 3 mystery sauces, and a fried egg on a croissant. Now that, my friends, is an experience.
- Danielle Parker