Pun Master Flex: Introducing Jameson Ray
Step up to the machine. Pull back on the lever, elastic potential energy. Release! - and watch the ball soar up and over. The game has begun.
Endless distractions: exclamatory sounds, flashing lights, mechanical vibrations. All attempt to deflect the player’s attention from the ball’s shifting trajectory. There is only one action available and this must be timed exactly. Use the flippers too early or too late and the game will be lost.
The longest games go to those who remain calm amongst the havoc; who sustain focus despite confusion; and who are able to wait patiently and then act decisively at just the right moment. When seen in this light, pinball presents the opportunity to practice awareness, precision, and joy.
I do believe this would be a good time to introduce Jameson Ray.
It does not take much time in his presence to understand that Jameson is professional, kind, and intentional with his words and actions. Having said this, I have also watched young students scream his name loudly, sprint across the room, and hug him madly. I have overheard the punny jokes he tells his students. I have witnessed tiny snippets of silliness that made me laugh out loud, even now at just the memory. I couldn’t wait to hear his story.
Jameson has always been surrounded by music. Although he grew up in Grants, New Mexico, his extended family is from Oklahoma. His earliest memories include the lively guitar circles at family reunions. Music was simply part of his life. He began piano lessons at the age of five and went on to learn guitar, drums, and a variety of other instruments.
During high school, he hung out at the local music shop after school, playing the guitars and learning new skills. Eventually, the store owner offered him a job and Jameson found himself teaching guitar to younger students. Word spread through the community and he began teaching classes out of his house ($5 per class). It is very clear that before Jameson was anything else, he was a music teacher.
And then life happened. He majored in Film at University of New Mexico and tried out the grownup task of getting a job. He was part of a band, Zagadka, and alternately toured with them and then worked at restaurants to make ends meet. While he loved performing, finding jobs to pay the bills was less than enjoyable. In hindsight, he says he didn’t realize there was any other way to do it. He didn’t know a job could be meaningful and personally fulfilling.
Enter Kevin Herig, Director of Rock 101.
Having met at UNM, Kevin and Jameson had already played together on occasion during college. After about ten years in the real world, they reconnected. Kevin had already established Rock 101 and convinced Jameson to be an instructor. Currently, Jameson has been at Rock 101 for over four years and teaches piano, drums, guitar, bass, and trumpet. He describes his job as the coolest thing ever. The ability to give something meaningful to others is an uplifting ability that fills him up. He also plays in two bands: Crime Lab and the Kevin Herig Trio.
When I ask what music means to him, at first there is simply the statement: “A lot!” It takes him a moment to gather the words to express and explain something that has been woven throughout his entire life. He does not rush the answer and, again, I take note of his calm and patient demeanor. As Jameson explains to me, music is a language, something that helps us to communicate. It creates an emotion that is difficult to describe. It transcends cultures. Everyone can feel it, regardless of who you are. “This,” he says, “is the magic of music.”
In terms of musical inspiration, Jameson was influenced by The Beatles, ever since he took a Beatles 101 course at UNM; however, these days, his real inspiration comes from anyone who dares to try. He loves the fearless attitude of his young students as well as the courage it requires his adult students to learn something new.
Just when you think you’ve figured Jameson out as being a kind and genuine teacher, pinball surfaces. Oh yes, friends, Jameson is indeed a caring and knowledgeable human being; however…plot twist.
Jameson credits his dad with getting him hooked on pinball as a child, a hobby that has continued into adulthood. First and foremost, pinball is FUN. Beyond that, it also holds a practical purpose for him. Jameson does not love sitting still. When he is out listening to bands, chances are high that there is a pinball machine he can play while he listens and enjoys the music. It allows him to fidget so that he can appreciate the music better. Over the years, he has taken this fun and practical activity to the next level. He plays every week at different locations and recently came in 22nd in the state (the top 16 went on to the state competition).
Before writing this blog, I already enjoyed Jameson. His favorite thing about Rock 101 is how caring the organization is; I would say he is part of why that is so. When you add in the element of pinball wizard, I can’t stop smiling. There is too much joy in pinball to do otherwise. Jameson is definitely patient, intentional, and focused; however, he is also fun, and lighthearted, and silly. Whether you need to learn how to play the drums, organize musical instruments and gear, or explain the difference between a fish and a piano, Jameson’s your guy.
(You can’t tuna fish…) 🥁
- Danielle Parker