Observation #18, 11/29: Almost, in Two Parts

(Theme: almost)

I used to go to church with my head hung low and arms crossed over my heart
you were a light for eleven months before you cast off playing a part
I convinced myself to belong to a boy until a week parted our ways
Almost only really counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.

#

The notes of a familiar song drifting through panes of glass
half intelligible, words muddled somewhere between
melting point and the classification "static liquid"
the music broken, fading in and out
weaving into my consciousness until
the chorus rings louder and truer than the solidity of brick walls
and I am no longer here
I am there
with the applause and the raised voices
my body left behind.

Survey Now Officially CLOSED!

Thank you so much to those who chose to participate in the Music in your Experience survey, which is no longer taking official submissions. However, if it opens up a forum of discussion or you want to answer some of the questions for the sake of it, please feel free. I would love to talk to everybody about music all the time. :)

Cheers!

Survey: Music, in Your Experience...

http://www.zastavki.com/pictures/1280x800/2010/Creative_Wallpaper_Music_024117_.jpg

This is a survey for a group project presentation in English 347: Young Adult Literature. My group and I are presenting on Music and the effects/impact is has on people from their middle school years to college (and beyond, if you like). Names, if provided, will be kept private, but please keep in mind this is for a presentation. Please explain your answers/give examples as much as you feel necessary. Thank you for participating! If you would like to respond without leaving it in a comment, please email me at whitmam2@students.wwu.edu with "Survey" in the subject.

1. In general, what kind of effect does music have on you?
2. In middle or high school, what were some of the genres, bands, or artists you listened to? 
3. Did you ever feel any pressure about the kind of music you liked in middle and high school? Does that pressure still exist now?
4. Was music ever a key factor in how you spent your free time?
5. Did music ever dictate the people you surrounded yourself with? If yes, what kind of atmosphere did this generate?
6. Did your musical tastes align with that of your parent, guardian, or someone outside of your age group? If so, did you view this positively or negatively?
7. Did you ever view music or music culture as a form of rebellion or identity?
8. Do you have any other stories or memories involving music which you think are pertinent?  

We acknowledge that there are many generalizations and stereotypes surrounding music and the effect it has on people. If you believe that this survey perpetuates these stereotypes, we would greatly appreciate being refuted! Please share thoughts, anecdotes, banter, and witticisms.