I hate clubs. I make it a point to avoid them so most nights find me inside, flopped on the couch with my laptop. This week, however, I found myself out at all hours.
And actually enjoying myself.
Let’s get one thing straight. I came here for the music and this week I was swamped in it. Each event I went to was actually backwards from how I experienced it in my life. Let me explain. I started my journey in the music track in orchestra, switched in to drama and chorus, and now am working towards being a tour assistant. This week I experienced all of these critical steps in my journey. The regression really made me realize how each piece of my personal history shaped into my current ambition.
Tuesday night I went out with my coworkers to a little venue called The Waiting Room. Nestled underneath The Three Crowns pub, the venue is a small basement with wood paneling and the world’s smallest stage. One of the bands I work with was playing their first UK gig (check out their newest single here). For a band with six total songs to their name, Causes had a surprisingly strong pull as I found a hard time finding a space to stand. It made me incredibly proud to see all the hard work that the band pulled off, particularly since I had only heard the trials from the managerial end. Seeing all the work that goes in to performances and tours doesn’t discourage me. I look forward to the challenge. If anything, the show affirmed my career path.
Wednesday I saw Matilda at the Cambridge theater. I have never read the book nor seen the movie the musical was based off of. It was absolute magic. 
It may have a kid-centric pull, but I encourage you to go see it if it tours the US. The stage is covered in scrabble tiles and the chorus swings on the stage (new life goal). A simple tale made fantastic by a wonderful cast and elaborate set. I was around the stage for most of my high school years, whether running tech for drama or running in a fuss for choir numbers. Part of me misses performing, but without that experience I would never realize what goes into making that dream come true for others.
And we’ve come to the very beginning. Yesterday I attended my first symphony in years. It was so different than the ones I was used to. In elementary school, 
we were trained in the art of symphony attendance. Learn about the pieces beforehand, dress up, clap only when the conductor lowers his baton, and do not eat your mom’s bubblegum flavored cheese-its. You can imagine my surprise when popcorn and drinks were sold to consume during the show and photography was encouraged.
Stuck up in the nosebleed seats, I immediately panicked about not being able to see the lowering of the baton. What if I clapped in the middle of a piece with the rest of the hooligans? Oh the shame! But I had to throw my beloved rules of symphonies out the window. This symphony was a casual conversation between the audience and the musicians. Totally not something I was used to. There was a light show that rivaled some of the best rock concerts. Ballet dancers turned cancan dancers fought with the lights for my attention, but nothing ruled over the orchestra. I was won over with the first note of the 2001: Space Odyssey theme. When In the Hall of the Mountain King played, I couldn’t help reverting further and giggling over the cup game we used to play in music to the song around Halloween every year. Oh and when Palladio played, I absolutely lost it. We played it in orchestra in middle school. I remember fighting to even touch that coveted blue electric violin. The solo still gives me chills. And yes, the show ended in the most British way possible. God Save the Queen, fireworks, balloons, and union jacks everywhere.
There’s a unique kind of magic that only happens in music. Reaching an audience and tapping into their hearts cannot be done the same way twice. It’s a completely individual experience that creates its own unity as the entire audience is swept away. I realized this week, as I do every time I see live music, I never want to leave it.