“Wake up! It’s Christmas morning,” five-year-old Keenan yells as she runs into her parents room. Eager to see what Santa has brought her, she rushes downstairs, almost hitting her head on the corner of the banister. The tree towers over her as she admires all the presents perfectly placed under it. She notices one peculiar-shaped present, and as she takes a closer look, she sees it is addressed to her. Bursting with excitement, she tears open the present to reveal a brand new ukulele.
That day, her dad taught her how to play the instrument. Sitting on the couch at her old house, he patiently taught her the chords to play “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” “I was so excited to learn how to play so that I could show off all my skills to my family at our Christmas party that night,” Keenan reflects. Never did Keenan think that thirteen years later music would still play a big role in her life. “I’ve been playing music my whole life, ever since I got that ukulele. From the guitar, to the stand up bass, to the banjo, to the fiddle, and even the tambourine, there was an instrument for everyone in my family to play. When I got a little bit older, my dad taught me how to play the mandolin, which I still play today. For my family and I, music is a form of communication. It brings us together in the good times and the bad times, too. It is a way to connect with our friends and family, and it’s a way to bring a little laughter and joy to all.”
Ever since Keenan’s first ukulele performance on Christmas night, it is tradition to play music with her family every year on Christmas day for all their friends and family. “Everybody gets into it. Ringing bells, singing Christmas carols, it’s the best night ever,” said Keenan. Not only do Keenan and her family play on Christmas, but they play at all different types of family gatherings and events: Thanksgiving, campfires, and even at her grade school talent show. Music has always been a way for Keenan to connect with others. It’s a way to show off her talents to the community, while also bringing everyone closer together.
While Keenan and her family enjoy playing music together in their family band, they also enjoy listening to it. From Billy Strings and Zach Bryan concerts to small local bands nobody has ever heard of, they always have a good time. “Music has played such an important role in my life and I am forever grateful for that. I’m especially grateful for my dad, who taught me how to play my first instrument. Without him, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. My family and I will continue to play music for the rest of our lives because without it, life just wouldn’t be the same.” Music has a way of connecting people together. It helps form relationships, brings people peace, but most importantly, creates lifelong memories for people, just like it does for Keenan and her family.