Liana Star, Grade 12
UWC Mostar
At UWC Mostar we have events known as “jam sessions.” They are nights in which the student body gathers to hear students sing songs, recite poetry, and play instruments. Any and all students are invited to participate, and most seem to at one point or another. The room goes silent as each student takes the stage and begins their performance, as we all give the utmost respect to our peers during their allotted time. Although the songs are mostly genuine, every so often there’s more of a joke performance to keep the crowd lively.
One of my first memories at UWC was a jam session that took place at Abraš, a local cafe with an outdoor concert space that we often utilize. The night was warm as we all sat on the hard pavement, waiting for our first jam session experience. I remember a boy sat down next to me, holding a violin case. I asked him if he was performing, his response was something along the lines of, “I have absolutely no idea how to play violin.” I thought this was hilarious at the time, as he was quite literally about to perform, yet had never played the instrument before. It sums up the UWC student body pretty well in my opinion, talented, yet underprepared students. That night was spent singing along to internationally loved songs and staring in awe as my peers never failed to impress me. I walked away from that jam session with a new level of respect for everyone who was brave enough to perform.
Another jam session that sticks out in my memories is one that I nearly almost didn’t attend. I was extremely ill at the time, yet somehow I managed to drag myself out of bed in order to go. My exhaustion was counter-acted by the excitement and happiness I felt at being able to see some of my closest friends perform. That night was spent laughing (and singing) along to the songs being performed, and diligently listening to the poetry being read. My best friend took the brave leap in performing a piece of poetry that they had written. The suspense of waiting for them to read their work was one I’m not likely to forget, as it is almost comparable to performing yourself. Hearing their words finally make the way from pen to paper to mouth was something extremely powerful and unique. It’s not often that you are able to hear words meant for paper aloud.
The jam sessions at UWCiM are times in which the community comes together to support the budding artists within, everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate, a quality which is common at UWC events. I am grateful to have been able to see multiple of these jam sessions within my first year, as they mark a special feeling of acceptance, which I’ve only found at UWC. I think I speak for my entire generation when I say we’re excited to see what the new first years have to contribute to our yearly jam sessions, and what new friendships and talent it may inspire.
Image Courtesy: https://unsplash.com/s/photos/microphone
One of my first memories at UWC was a jam session that took place at Abraš, a local cafe with an outdoor concert space that we often utilize. The night was warm as we all sat on the hard pavement, waiting for our first jam session experience. I remember a boy sat down next to me, holding a violin case. I asked him if he was performing, his response was something along the lines of, “I have absolutely no idea how to play violin.” I thought this was hilarious at the time, as he was quite literally about to perform, yet had never played the instrument before. It sums up the UWC student body pretty well in my opinion, talented, yet underprepared students. That night was spent singing along to internationally loved songs and staring in awe as my peers never failed to impress me. I walked away from that jam session with a new level of respect for everyone who was brave enough to perform.
Another jam session that sticks out in my memories is one that I nearly almost didn’t attend. I was extremely ill at the time, yet somehow I managed to drag myself out of bed in order to go. My exhaustion was counter-acted by the excitement and happiness I felt at being able to see some of my closest friends perform. That night was spent laughing (and singing) along to the songs being performed, and diligently listening to the poetry being read. My best friend took the brave leap in performing a piece of poetry that they had written. The suspense of waiting for them to read their work was one I’m not likely to forget, as it is almost comparable to performing yourself. Hearing their words finally make the way from pen to paper to mouth was something extremely powerful and unique. It’s not often that you are able to hear words meant for paper aloud.
The jam sessions at UWCiM are times in which the community comes together to support the budding artists within, everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate, a quality which is common at UWC events. I am grateful to have been able to see multiple of these jam sessions within my first year, as they mark a special feeling of acceptance, which I’ve only found at UWC. I think I speak for my entire generation when I say we’re excited to see what the new first years have to contribute to our yearly jam sessions, and what new friendships and talent it may inspire.
Image Courtesy: https://unsplash.com/s/photos/microphone
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