Barn Jam

For many years, my boys have been playing music. It has definitely evolved

over time,but I was thinking this week about when they were in high school. 

Band practices were often held in our basement and the music was so loud, 

I would have to go outside to talk on the phone.  I would wear earplugs while

I did my housework and a few times I had to go and put a stop to the kind of

music that was being played.

I believe in being supportive and helping your kids find their talents, 

but that often comes with sacrifice on the part of the parents. There 

were talent shows and library shows and restaurant performances on 

Main Street.  To be honest,  we thought it was a phase and they would

outgrow this "band" thing.  Instead,  they have matured, as well as their

music, (thank goodness!) and now they find themselves playing in new

and more exciting venues. 

The brothers Wray (Travis included) have all been in bands together at

one time or another, but Dillon has been the most committed to making 

music his life's dream.  I have been impressed with his tenacity and ability

to give it his all.  The band members and band names have changed over

the years, but the love of music has stayed the same.  

When Jantzen moved to Colorado to attend school, he discovered

that he enjoyed performing, something that was a bit of an epiphany

for him as he had always considered those roles "taken" by his older

brothers.  On his own, and out of their shadow,  he picked up a new

instrument and started to play.  Later on, he convinced Dillon to join 

him in the west and they began a new band with a new style of music. 

Old North State has been working itself into the local music scene and

this summer they are doing a good bit of traveling in their new home

on wheels.  It's definitely a life geared towards a young person who 

can work long and hard, play a show into the wee hours of the morning

and then hit the road for the next destination.  When money gets low,

they take to the streets and literally "sing for their supper".  After a few

hours playing on the sidewalk they earn enough money, not only for

supper, but for groceries for the entire week!  Now, I think twice before

passing a street musician without throwing a little money in the case.  

And though this isn't a traditional approach to secondary education, 

it is an education nonetheless.  I've enjoyed watching their skills grow,

not only musically, but in many other ways as well.  They are becoming

savvy business men who know how to market and promote their craft. 

They are learning how to earn and reinvest, how to design merchandise

and promotional materials, how to network and give back to the community.

Along with  some real life lessons of hard work, commitment, frugality and 

sacrifice,  these are all skills that will serve them well, wherever they land

in life. They are making memories that will last a lifetime. 

They have been home the last couple of weeks for a visit and we have

been having a wonderful time.  The house has been alive with laughter,

music,friends and more friends.

I haven't cooked for such an appreciative bunch in a long time. 

Many evenings, music drifts up the hill from the barn. 

Mark has moved out the tractor and a few other things to make the

perfect place to hang out with friends and play a little music.   They

are used to keeping late hours, so hopefully the neighbors have enjoyed

the concerts as well.

We decided to join them one evening and what a great time we had! 

I loved the way they just grabbed anything they could find to sit on -

a cooler, an empty bucket, whatever.

Some old friends came by to visit and join in the fun

and they played for hours.  If you are an Old North State fan, here are

a few videos I took that night.  You will feel like you were right there 

with us.  Enjoy!