Searching for Stories with Danielle

Hi. My name is Danielle and I am the Multimedia Specialist for Rock 101. That’s a fact. My purpose, however, lies in the stories. Anyone can search for Rock 101 online and find all of the facts necessary: instructor names/backgrounds, programs offered, contact information, even a mission statement. All useful but not, perhaps, the whole truth. My job is to look for the stories behind the facts and to bring them to the surface, to create the three dimensional depth and perspective that sets Rock 101 apart.

Example: I have been playing the piano since I was four years old, a hobby that I still enjoy. My first lessons took place on a brown, upright piano. I have taken lessons from many teachers. The piano, however, is not where I learned about music. It was my dad who taught me this lesson. 

These are all facts. Useful in helping you understand who I am, though perhaps providing only surface information. Let’s dig a little bit deeper, shall we?

My dad taught me about music accidentally, without either of us knowing it was happening. He was home alone that day. I do not remember where my sisters, mom, and I had disappeared to but I do remember that we returned home before he was expecting us.

We could hear the music from outside of the house. When I walked in, I found him in the living room, sitting on the steps. The two 6-foot speakers were blaring U2’s “All I Want Is You”. I remember the contrast between the volume of the music and the stillness of my dad. His body exuded complete ease. Eyes closed. (He did not know I was watching him.) One foot very lightly tapping. A nod of the head so subtle you would miss it if you were not watching carefully. His head tilted to the side ever so slightly along with the violin towards the end of the song.

I stood and stared. What I heard was music but what I saw was emotion. Although my dad was unaware of my presence, the world seemed to slow down and I felt a deep connection to him. Something was happening and it was bigger than either of us. 

And then it was over. Sisters rushed in and the spell was broken. 

My father does not know that I witnessed this moment. Nor does he know that I started paying attention to his choice of music. Out of the corner of my eye, I started observing him as he listened to music. I started playing the piano differently, realizing that more than chords and scales could be created.

That silent moment with my dad was the start of my musical education. Now, many years later, I describe music as sound that creates emotion. In a group, it creates shared emotion that can connect on a deep level. To be the person who writes music is to be the architect of these experiences. To exist on either side of the process requires a willingness to open the heart.

And so we circle back to facts versus stories. The facts are helpful, necessary. The facts are the 30 second trailer that describes the movie. Enough to relate the general idea, but not enough to capture its wholeness. The story, on the other hand, is rich, three dimensional. It provides background and perspective. The story, one might say, is where the truth lives.

And that’s where I come in. I am a collector of stories. What’s yours?

- Danielle Parker