Here at Pahrump Valley High School, from April 21 through May 5th, interviews were taken on Gooch, and students talked about band class and how or why they chose music, to show people that music is much deeper than we think.

Band class is for learning and playing instruments, depending on which class of band you’re in. At PVHS, there are multiple different band classes, such as choir, beginner band, concert band, and percussion. Dr. Gooch, a beloved teacher here at the school, is known for his kindness, his patience, and his wisdom regarding music. 

Many ask themselves,” Well, how did he obtain all this patience and wisdom; how did he become a band teacher?” Dr. Gooch was always surrounded by music his whole life, or in his words, “Music was always something I couldn’t escape if I wanted to, music was just inside me. I was raised in a musical household.” He always wanted to be a professional musician, which he soon achieved by attending school, studying music through his school years to later achieve his goal.

After completing school, Dr. Gooch realized he wasn’t making enough money to support a family. And thus, he decided to become a band teacher to help and share the same joy he had as a kid with music. His favorite instrument is the French horn because that’s what he wanted to study; he is extremely skilled with it. 

One of Dr. Gooch’s favorite music pieces was four to five years ago; a band class here at Pahrump Valley High School had performed a song called “The Arabian Dances,” which is a grade four skill to play (grade one beginning; grade two, two year experience; grade three intermediate; grade four early advanced; and grade five, advanced), and a couple weekends ago, many guests had come in and played it again, which pleased Dr. Gooch after hearing a beautiful piece from long ago.

Music is great and helps people connect, but what makes music special? Why is it important? Dr. Gooch stated, ”Music has power; it affects your mood, your attention, even your intelligence in some way. Music is in everybody, like everybody has a story that involves some music that has touched them. And the people who pursue music tend to be the people who have their lives sorted out. “Music has touched or affected someone’s life at least once, and that’s extremely important to many people.

A great number of people don’t know the differences between the band classes, so here is a more complex explanation of all the music classes at PVHS. Beginner band, or level one, is the starting point of music. This is where you choose your instrument and learn how to get the sound out. Percussion is the big instruments of music, such as drums, shakers, cymbals,  or anything that needs to be struck to play. Choir is a different type of music, since it involves using your voice. Choir is rhythm and harmony with multiple voices. 

Concert bands are made up of more experienced people, such as level two and higher. This musical group consists of woodwind, brass, and also percussion instruments. Dr. Gooch is in charge of beginner band, percussion, concert band, and choir. If you’re pursuing music, give it your best, and as Dr. Gooch says, “Don’t give up on yourself; it’s a lifetime of learning.”

In conclusion, music is important for its big impact on lives, whether it’s good or bad. All of the music classes are here for all to express yourself and be yourself. And like said before, if you want to pursue music, meet Dr. Gooch in room 046, but make sure he isn’t busy. He loves helping people get into music, so don’t waste any more time and come join!