We held a writing contest for students at a local Jr. High where we asked them the question, “Is music important for a party?” The following essay was written by one of our two winners, ninth-grader Courtney Smith!

The Importance of Party Music

Music matters. If you’ve ever noticed, nearly every party has some kind of music. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why that is? It’s because music is a comforter, a force and sometimes even a friend. It’s so important for parties because it creates an atmosphere, conversation between guests and makes people feel more welcome and at ease.

The kind of music you choose for a party makes a difference. Different types of music make people feel differently or gives the party a different vibe. Music can make people feel many different things. Upbeat music makes people feel happy or fully of energy whereas slow music makes people feel more down. If you want people to dance and have a good time at your event, you should choose a playlist with a good beat and a relatively fast pace.

At certain events, a particular type of music is considered traditional, such as the the wedding march playing as a bride sways down the aisle. If you were to play something else, your guests may not feel that they are at a wedding. Likewise, if you play all slow songs at a dance party, guests might feel they are at some sort of formal event.

Music also has the power to spark conversation between guests. Two strangers at a party could become friends solely because their feet are tapping to the beat of the same song. They might talk about the artist, the meaning behind the lyrics or even what they were doing the first time they ever heard that particular song playing over the radio.

Mostly, music has the power to bring people together, and that’s why it is so important for parties.

Thank you, Courtney. Good job!