Music is one of humanity’s oldest tools, going back thousands of years. According to the Smithsonian, the first instruments date back over 35,000 years, and the first recorded piece of music was from 800 CE. For the longest time, music has provided meaning to people’s lives, including those of Ankeny High School’s students.

With so many high-level musical programs, very few seem to be surprised that music has a place close to the hearts of many Ankeny students. However, it seems that the full impact music has had on students isn’t as well-known.

“I definitely would not be the same person I am today without music. I really started to change my freshman year with marching band, because we had COVID [in] eighth grade, right? And so, the first day of marching band… I just fell in love with it. I fell in love with the people, ” senior Ellie Lyles said.

It seems that the impact that music has on people can go beyond just the notes on the paper. Many students feel that the people they found in the programs AHS offers have been the greatest reward, rather than the awards they earned or the skills they learned.

“I know several people who are heavily involved in music, and if they hadn’t had the experience…I wonder how our life [would be different] because Ankeny has such a strong music program, and we are so fortunate to have what we do.” Lyles said. “We all know the teachers. I wouldn’t have known them if I didn’t do this… And that’s just so weird, [you find] different parts of yourself you hadn’t known before.”

Other students also feel that music has not only given them meaningful relationships, but has also favorably impacted their lives in general.

“I’ve been a part of choir from sixth grade to sophomore year… it’s brought me some friendships and … has impacted my health and overall livelihood positively,” senior Malana Essex said.

Though many seem to agree that the relationships they gained from their participation in music, other students seem to feel that music itself has had a positive impact on their mental health, giving them something they can enjoy and celebrate.

“It’s just something I do that makes me happy. There’s something about listening to a song and it’s an interesting chord progression, and there’s some really cool production, it just gives you a certain feeling,” senior Clara Jero said.

However, Jero seems to feel that the impact of music goes beyond the beautiful chords and melodies and extends into something deeper.

“But I feel like what I like most about music is listening to the pretty stuff, the music that flows. Like the stuff that’s melodically and harmonically complex, that is just dramatic and when you get to the big moment of a slow, dramatic piece,” Jero said. “It’s just such a good feeling. It tells a story. And, if you really close your eyes and listen, you can, a lot of times, hear the story behind the music. It doesn’t need to have words in order to tell what it’s about.”

Others seem to agree that certain pieces tell stories, ones that can be deeply impactful and meaningful, sticking with them through hard times in their lives, and offering comfort that goes beyond what anything else can offer.

“We played Shenandoah last year, and that’s a really meaningful piece, if you have the chance to listen to it. That was really an influential piece for me. At that time, I was losing my grandma, and every time I hear that song, it’s just really comforting.” Lyles said.