Ode to Rock Concerts
by Brenna Arnold '16

The thrill, excitement, and nervousness hit you as soon as you walk into the rock club or stadium. The scene of assorted people is what I first notice; ratios vary from men to women and the young crowd to the older ones. The favorites to observe are the hipsters who are there because it was a cheap ticket versus the die-hard fans who have seen this band 10 times already. But that mass of people who you think you don't know, you actually do. You attended the same concert, therefore have the same music taste and probably more things in common than you know. You may talk to some of these strangers or choose to ignore them completely. Nevertheless, you're simply there for the music. Soft rumbles of conversations hum over the pre-show music while the practicing of flickering lights shine down on the stage crew. Once the excitement has peaked, a hush rolls over the crowd, as if the quieter they are the faster the band will perform. The lights go completely dark and your favorite people for the next 2-3 hours emerge on stage as you let out a small screech. Flashes, the bass, screaming. All signs of a good show with tasteful music and some of the best people you will ever meet.