Laura Bass
“The part of this class that stuck out the most to me that I can remember vividly is Xavier Foley’s “Lonely Child.” I could really feel the story he was trying to tell and the emotions behind it. From the very first phrase, I was mesmerized. I’ve always focused on the melody when it comes to music, so to really be able to focus on the melody without the words was quite an experience. It’s another reason why I gravitate towards older music before words came into the picture. A melody/beat can tell more of a story than words can ever tell. Me being someone who doesn’t express how I feel in words very well resonated with what Regina and Eric said because music will always be able to tell a story or how I feel better than my words ever will.”
Serene Boyd
“After hearing from our special guests in class today, all I can think about is how much black excellence filled the room. I love how Xavier effortlessly played the bass. When I think of orchestra players, the first thing that comes to mind is not African American men or women. So, I enjoyed meeting these successful black players and composers. The biggest thing that stuck with me was hearing a little of everyone’s back story.”
Lisa Brown
“I was immediately drawn into tonight’s class with the performance from Xavier Foley. He did a wonderful job intertwining his craft and emotion into the music. The vibrations carried through the air as he played with passion.”
Richard Butler
“I noticed Xavier Foley most out of everyone. He played so well and detailed! My question for him was how long it took him to learn and play how he does because of all of the hand movement it took to play. Both hands were actually doing different jobs, something I don’t think I would be capable of doing, mainly because of my ADHD.”
Cquemiah Clark-Richmond
“I got a sense of calmness. My heart and brain feel relaxed. I think this helped me understand that there’s more to music, not just Hip Hop or R&B. I think a lot of times that we people in this world are so stuck on regular music that we forget the power in classical music. Xavier was extremely awesome. He has so much talent and has had so much success in music. I felt my heart beat to his rhythm. His bass music gave me different type of vibes like calm. Music is powerful and has so many meanings such as sad, happy, calm, wild, all types of things, and tonight I felt calmer than ever. The composers’ words gave me peace and wisdom that I did not know music had. I thank you, [Odyssey] so much for letting us hear them talk and play such beautiful music.”
Valencia Collins
“What I can remember about the beginning of class is not much because of such a stressful week and overwhelming work day. But I can remember how I felt. I felt emotional! I cried listening to Xavier and I asked myself why am I crying? I’m not sad. But what I noticed is that I felt a sense of release, like I felt lighter, calmer, peaceful. I do listen to classical music when I’m stressed, so today was yet again universal as almost every class has been a new endeavor. That’s what keeps the Odyssey so interesting. Tonight was inspiring because I want to learn how to play piano and now I have some insight/information on how to go about learning the piano, which has been on my bucket list for a while now. Tonight also inspired me to sign up and be a part of Endeavor concert Friday night.”
Paola Damiani
“I will remember hearing Eric talking about how he didn’t know exactly what he wanted to do with his life and how long it took him while everyone moved on. Xavier playing “Lost Child” was amazing! I mean, you could feel the emotion in each note. You could tell he was playing with his heart. It was so beautifully written. When the notes hit, they just flowed. I can’t explain how when he was playing you could just feel the song and what it was about without hearing the lyrics.”
Tida Drammeh
“What I got out of class is that a few of them grew up with a music background. From a very young age, for example, Regina started in a band and continued all the way to her adulthood. Eric had many people in his family who listened to different types of music; he took that and figured out his liking and got into music from the help of family members. Xavier playing the bass was really good but I don’t think band/orchestra is really for me. But if I could go to their concert, I could really see if I would like it. It is kinda slow for me, but overall I did enjoy it and it was pretty interesting.”
Kiana Galloway
“When Xavier started playing, I immediately was drawn to his music. I felt like I was getting lost into every note, in the best way. It was so soothing and emotional. All I could think was how talented he is and how enchanting his music felt. I could listen for hours and I will be looking him up to do so. He wasn’t a man of many words, but his playing said everything. The emotion in his face and how that flowed into his music was fascinating. Hearing how music is the composer’s life meant a lot. As a listener I love to know that the music means everything to the artist. I think that is what Bill was talking about when he referred to trash music. He can tell the mainstream media music doesn’t have as much soul and emotion. You really do experience music; I had never thought of it that way before.”
Tikoya Gilmer
“Hearing Xavier play his bass made me excited to attend the orchestra concert Friday. His pieces made me feel the title. I liked that he told us the titles after he played the songs and you can feel the emotion each song brings. You can see the emotion in the way his body moved with each sway of his bow. What stuck out to me is Bill Banfield stating that “what they are doing is real music, real talent,” which I can agree with. Each one of them studied their profession, learned to read and write music, and how to identify music with color. The music that is now advertised is not original. It has lost the realness of composing actual pieces -songs beats. A lot of artists now can barely read music or have actually studied.”
Larry Grant
“I think everybody had a unique story about their life and music. They learned about the different sounds of music, the instruments, just things they love that helped them in life and moving forward. Those were amazing people. I learned that music affects people in their own way. It’s a part of life, it’s a part of our culture, and it brings people together. It was an honor to hear from the composers.”
Anteijah Greer
“Stepping into each week touches me a lot. Music has always been a joy to me—singing in choir, playing violin, and acting in plays and dancing. I am hoping to find my inner peace again to express myself through music someday—a very expressive therapy.”
Shataya Hall
“We were able to listen to Xavier Foley play oh so beautifully two of his very own pieces. The first was called “Diva”; the second was something about a child. What I noticed about these two pieces was the tempo. In “Diva” it was a happier, up beat tempo. As for “Child” it was more of a sad story tempo and you could feel the emotion. Listening to Ms. Regina Baiocchi tell us about the piece she wrote for her father and how it was her way of expressing her words to him was beautiful. Music is able to put our feelings out that we are unable to say with words ourselves.”
Jacqueline Hawkins
“Honestly classical music is not something I ever thought about exploring, but after hearing Xavier play the feeling that came over me; it felt so relaxing. Hearing Eric speak about all the trials and tribulations he went through before becoming the genius composer that he is today gave me hope. It made me feel that with time and patience I can accomplish anything. Bill was funny and long winded and had very strong opinions about some things, but I think all music has a meaning, so you just need to know which music you should be influenced by.”
Brittany Hughes
“Each guest was very compassionate about their passion for music! I loved how they expressed the passion and dedication behind the talent they all have. The music we heard delivered a message which took years to develop. I loved how they told us to be great at anything and everything we do. I was actually interested in having Xavier Foley play at my wedding. I also loved how they all were from different places and were able to come together as one. After hearing from each of them, I see how so many musical geniuses could come together and make art.”
Angel Moore
“Xavier Foley. I felt his music, his feelings, his words through those five strings on that beautiful majestic instrument, the bass. What melodious music came from just those few strings. And then there was Regina Harris Baiocchi. I fell in like with her story and journey. I couldn’t take my eyes off her and couldn’t stop my ears from loving every word that flowed from her—her stories of her family, her mentor Gwendolyn Brooks and how she took her in. In summary the concert’s themes are shaped by soulful artists, poets, and classical music. Imagine that.”
Viwe Mpurwana
“Xavier Foley’s performance was truly emotional. I could feel the intensity and passion as he played. The mastery of his art was out of this world, and I was inspired by particularly the fact that he was a black male. I particularly enjoyed when he played his own composition. Once he played Bach, I could tell where his influence came from. Regina and Eric were also very impressive, and I for one was interested to hear their compositions. I was intrigued and very excited to learn how their writing process occurred. To compose a song seems to me like a daunting task I could never accomplish. It was nice to get a sense of how that process takes place. Their motivational words have inspired me to do more with my own art.”
Shelton Murphy
“Well, I can say the most unforgettable moment was Xavier Foley’s performance. After seeing him on the bass, it made me wish that we could have also gotten a snippet of music from Eric and Regina. You could definitely hear the soul in his music as well as pain. It seemed that they all were very dedicated to their craft. All of them immersed themselves in music of all types and varieties. And how amazing to be able to compose music on the level we witnessed Xavier display. I would have really liked to hear Eric play the piano. To grow up with so many different genres of music would make him an unpredictable composer. I’m probably going to look up some of his music.”
Roche Palmer
“Thinking back on this class today, it brings me back to when I lived in Iowa. My siblings and I would have to go to an after-school program. At this time, I was currently working on a puzzle; close to being done, I was ready to give up. It was time consuming. It was building up my frustration because I just wanted to be done. I got up and walked away. My teacher said, “Roche, persevere, keep going, just imagine how you’ll feel once you finish.” She knew I was working hard on it. This makes me think of all the words of encouragement that were given. It’s very reassuring. Listening to the bass being played brought chills to me. I felt like I was feeling his emotions as he played. Very inspirational.”
Lilibeth Sobrevilla
“Today marks an important day for me. I met and was able to speak to real life composers. Not just any composers but living genius composers. This will mark a day when in the future they will be talked about, and I can say I met them. I was able to see Xavier play Bach’s piece; the emotion he displayed and the feeling I felt as he played moved me to the core. After his song, I had decided I would see him play live no matter the challenges I might face getting there.”
JuJu Stallworth
“I really enjoyed the Bach piece and it was calming and beautifully played. Regina knowing since youth that she wanted to be a composer is so crazy because as an adult I still can’t figure out what it is I want to be LOL. But overall, the guests today showed me how inspiring it is to want something and go for it. I appreciate that insight on their earlier lives and journeys that led to them being composers.”
George Sydnor
“Having Xavier play on the bass was a new experience to me; having never heard that in person, it was cool. I learned about composers in music. I really can’t wait until Friday to experience great orchestra band. I hope I can get to learn about different genres of music because I really only listen to Hip Hop and R&B. I hope that this will get me to start listening to new things, thanks to Odyssey.”
Shaneece Taylor
“I valued and appreciated Xavier’s intention in expanding on his talents with playing the bass. Learning a new skill is hard, but with commitment and the soul passion, a dream becomes reality. He somehow managed to be nonchalant and astounding at the same time. That skill was natural. When Regina spoke about “writer’s block,” it spoke deeply to me. She mentioned believing that you are simply not meant to create that piece at this time. I personally, or others I know, will feel if we can’t force a product out or find a root of inspiration for it that it speaks to our own creative abilities. The truth is that authenticity and being organic creates the most beautiful pieces of art and life. What is meant for you will never miss you, including a creative spark.”
Joseph Thigpen Jr.
“Listening to Regina Harris was very inspirational. The fact that she said she was a composer before she knew what it was spoke volumes. I can relate to the point of being born to be something. For example, I believe I was born to lead, and every day I live by that giving back to my community. Eric Gould’s story stuck out to me; he said all of his friends were going off doing great things, but it seemed like he was left behind. He was patient and found something more resonating to his career. I will always remember how energetic and proud Bill Banfield seemed when introducing the composers. He gave them the flowers they deserved, and I know that left them feeling appreciated.”
Kharmen Thomas
“Xavier’s performance of “Lost Child” really spoke to the emotional place it seemed to be centered in. Before even hearing the title, you could feel his music. Eric spoke about the diversity of music he experienced in his life and the inspiration. There was a question on their process and it seemed emotion based but more goal oriented when it’s a job. Regina gave a lot of information and left music, and I appreciate that to be able to gain some insight on her.”
Shakila Woods
“What will stick with me from today on out is when Eric Gould explained music. He said music is like a heartbeat—each one has a sound but it beats differently. That stuck with me because it made me think about how we all can be listening to the same song but it will sound different to each person and mean something different. What sounds good to me could sound terrible to the person next to me. That idea opened my mind to how personal music truly is. I feel music connects through emotion. When Xavier Foley played, his music sounded so beautiful. You could tell it flowed straight from his heart. You could feel the passion in every note. The sound made me want to dance, nod my head, and create words in my head to match the rhythm. It was like the instrument was speaking directly to the room, telling a story without a word being said. He allowed his heart and soul to flow through his gift. I also had the honor of sitting next to Regina Baiocchi, and she was so warm and personable. She encouraged me to stay the course and follow my heart’s desire to be a nurse. She told me I was welcome to come to any of her shows for free. She even told me to stay in touch, which meant so much to me. It’s amazing how one moment can connect you with a lifelong experience. I’ll never forget that conversation. It reminded me that inspiration can show up in unexpected ways, through people who see something in you that you may not see in yourself. It pushes you to keep going.”
