According to a study released earlier in 2018, people who attended a live music concert a couple times each month “were the most likely to score their happiness, contentment, productivity, and self-esteem at the highest level.”
Brett added, “The study said that listening to live music can extend your life by 9 years.”
Brett is the founder of Compass Rose, a business that creates enriching musical experiences throughout Springfield. He remembers his first concert and knew immediately that live music was something he wanted to do for a living. As Brett told me about his passion for music and its importance both in the lives of the performer and the listener, I was grateful Kaylea spent the afternoon practicing for her auditions.
This past spring, after a career as a full-time sports journalist, a failed business launch, and time working for area non-profits, Brett launched Compass Rose full-time.
“Helping connect musicians to play in their spaces, curating events, has been great. Patience is the key.”
The observations Brett made about the importance of music in a person’s life echoed the things I’ve learned about the power of play. In our interest to compete globally in science and technology, the arts and physical education are the first to be cut time wise, much to the detriment of the whole person. Time spent listening to music and along with time spent playing grows healthy brains and bodies, enabling creative connections to be made across disciplines.
Brett is also a Royals fan.
“I love the history, the stories, the stats, the smell of the stadium, and getting sprayed walking by the fountains at the K.”
Brett got quite excited when he started talking about the strike-shortened 1994 season.
“I loved, loved, loved MLB. I got so mad that they stopped playing that I never played again.”
Brett is also responsible for the creation of the downtown wiffle ball league. His tie-dyed, Jolly Roger jerseyed team is known as SGF to the Death. The wiffle ball league has grown in leaps and bounds the last couple of years. Next summer, I’ve got to find a way to get on a team.
There was no music accompanying our catch-playing effort today. We simply did our best to avoid stepping in holes in the park and keeping our hands and fingers warm.
When the warm weather returns, I’m looking forward to driving to Brett’s house to play catch, talk about the Royals, and sharpen my wiffle ball skills.
