The Paper Vinyl Rebellion
As every high school biology student knows, courtesy of Charles Darwin, populations evolve over time. Though he was referring to genetics and survival of the fittest, I would venture to say that this concept applies in many ways and to many situations. From infancy to adulthood, we are experimenting with how we interact with the world. As characteristics start hindering our success, we set them aside and step into better-suited ones that aid our physical or social survival. In the same way, businesses also shift over time.
Did you know that Rock 101 Summer Sessions used to be half-days for two weeks at a time? Or that they evolved through a phase of being full days for one week? As the people and community changed, so have the locations. Instructors have come and gone, while some students have remained to grow into instructors. Just as Darwin hypothesized, the variables of the community have changed in response to environmental factors and the desire for Rock 101 to persist.
There is one thing, however, one thing that has remained the same since 2011. One thing that is so perfect in its conception, so genuine in its impact, and so thoughtful in its execution that further evolution is not required.
The Paper Vinyl Award
Inspired by a similar activity in his high school Senate group, Kevin has used paper vinyl awards since the very first summer of Rock 101. For the uninitiated, a paper vinyl award is provided ceremoniously to students on the final day of Summer Sessions. It is a handpicked award artistically depicted on a paper plate. Each award is particular to the unique characteristics of each individual student.
Though the components of the award can be acquired at any dollar store, the award itself is priceless. The process, on its own, is intentional and time-intensive. At the end of each day, the instructors sit around the table and discuss each individual student. What did they notice about that student? Were there any musical achievements? How have they grown through the week? What unique personality traits do they exhibit? It is a combination of all of these elements that turn into the paper vinyl.
The essence of the paper vinyl is about being seen for exactly who you are. It is a recognition of being uniquely you. It is encouragement for both musical and personal abilities. It is also something that builds the Rock 101 community. Everyone, students and instructors, claps for each award. The individual is celebrated enthusiastically and authentically. Students have their picture taken, there is a final Rock 101 chant, and then it’s off to the big show. The confidence cultivated through the week and solidified in the paper vinyl awards preps the students for an awesome Summer Sessions Friday Show.
The Interns Spill the Tea
While it’s nice to hear about the history and intention of the paper vinyl awards, I wanted to find out from the students about the practical implications. I had the opportunity to sit down with the Summer Sessions interns and listen to their thoughts.
This laughing group of musicians took a while to corral but the moment I brought up paper vinyls, the conversation stopped and the tone became serious. The paper vinyls are a big deal, I was told. When I prodded for more information, they shared that the paper vinyls mean a lot to them because they are personal. It is obvious that the instructors put time and effort into every single award. The awards make them feel seen and accepted.
To help me understand, one intern explained to me the difference between being gifted a random store bought present versus being presented with something that is heartfelt and special. This is a paper vinyl award. I asked for everyone to give me one adjective describing paper vinyls: appreciation, funny, heartfelt, thoughtful, and exciting.
I asked for some examples of paper vinyls that really meant a lot to them. There is the GC award, presented to two students simultaneously. Of course, we cannot forget the Longwinded Joke & Vocals Award or the Killer Pipes Award. I loved hearing about the Lord of the Keys Award and the very meaningful UnBOlieveaBO Slayer of Strings Award. Listening to these award names, I realize that the names mean nothing to me. There is no significance in hearing the names. The power comes from receiving them.
Many students will receive several paper vinyls through the years, one for each Summer Session they attend. I asked if this diminishes the power of the award. The adolescent outrage directed at me for even insinuating this was intense and cringeworthy. NOT AT ALL, I am told. A few students have all of their paper vinyls hanging on their walls at home. Another has them stacked up in a corner of her room where they cannot be disturbed. Regardless of where they are displayed or stashed, no one gets rid of their awards. Though who they are may shift over time, each award signifies who they wholeheartedly chose to be in that moment. These awards are proof that, regardless of the trends or persona they move through as they try to figure out how to relate to the world, they are always accepted and they will always belong at Rock 101.
Belonging: The Ultimate Gift
It appears we have arrived at the foundation of the paper vinyl awards: belonging. To belong somewhere means that you are accepted exactly as is. You do not need to change anything. You are seen and celebrated for the weird and wonderful person that you are.
In a world where the simple act of going to school asks you to conform to certain identities and specific types of intelligence, the act of cultivating belonging is one of rebellion. In comparison to the pressures of the so-called real world, accepting someone for exactly who they are - no changes necessary - is an uprising. It’s totally rock ‘n roll.
It is very clear, from talking to the interns, how much Rock 101 means to them. They are both fiercely loyal and wholeheartedly sincere in their opinions. They have received many paper vinyls over the years, I posit, but if you had the power to give one to Rock 101, what would it be? The answer comes quickly and is confirmed unanimously.
And so on this day, the students and interns of Rock 101, with much joy and enthusiasm, present the following award to Rock 101:
THE HOME AWAY FROM HOME AWARD
Paper vinyls awards, keep doing your thing. No evolution necessary.
- Danielle Parker