I don’t think I would have continued to play music if it wasn’t for the incredibly inclusive, fun, stress-free ethos of honk. Coming from a small public school band program, I was lucky to have some really dedicated teachers, but the structure of a couple high pressure performances a year in front of a silent, stationary (and probably very bored) crowd seemed to be missing the point.
Honk changed my entire perspective on what music is and should sound and look and feel like. Learning simple but groovy parts by ear, trying different instruments, soloing without complicated and long lectures on theory, and playing outside for random strangers has given me confidence I didn’t think possible as an amateur teenage musician.
Playing with people of different ages and musical backgrounds has instilled in me a sense of respect for everybody, regardless of experience, who puts themselves out there and plays music for all to enjoy.