Sophomore Ryan West was encouraged to pursue his interest in playing and writing music after an eye-opening middle school experience.
“I’ve been into music all my life, but I hadn’t fully branched out until my middle school years, especially in choir,” West said. “The director at Center Grove Middle School Central, Mr. Andersen, always made me want to push myself to be the best that I could be: not just musically, but as a human being. He always finds the good in everybody, and that’s what really inspired me. That’s when I realized that music could be something I could go into in the future, whether it’d be what he does, as a choir director, or even something completely different.”
West said he loves listening to songs that are relatable and bases his own creations on that aspect.
“Acoustic pop is my current go to for music at the moment,” West said. “I love listening to and writing songs that tell a story; not just the one of the artist, but one that you – as the listener – can relate to in your own way. My favorite artist, Ed Sheeran, is a great inspiration for writing songs utilizing the storytelling aspect. Especially on this 2017 album, Divide.”
West loves playing the ukulele and the cajón (a box shaped drum), but his attention is principally focused on improving his skills and making music on his guitar. In fact, what started his inspiration to learn the ins and outs of music led him to getting his first guitar.
“The main instrument I play is guitar,” West said. “I’ve been playing it for around four years now. I started off watching on YouTube, when suddenly, I came across a video of Ed Sheeran performing his song ‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You.’ I thought to myself, ‘I want to learn how to do that.’ During Christmas 2020 I got my first acoustic guitar. After a little over a year I started songwriting, and the rest is history. Funnily enough, I wouldn’t be who I am today if I had never watched that video.”
West is a part of the choir program, which he says is benefiting him in his future in music. He says challenges and successes that he experiences in show choir have inspired him to continue pursuing music as well as given him a community to share his passion with.
“I am involved in two varsity choirs here at Center Grove,” West said. “This is my second year in CG Sound System (the varsity, mixed show choir), and my first year in CG Singers (the varsity, mixed vocal ensemble). These activities have truly been a life-changing experience that I’ll never forget. Last year, we (Sound System) performed our [undefeated] Competition Show titled “The Crown.” Being able to pull off such an incredible work of art with an amazing group of people really changed me for the better. Competition season is when it really hits. However, it’s a completely different ballgame from anything we’ve done prior. But despite the challenges, we always grow and get through it, together, as a family. It truly is an amazing experience.”
Through his experience, West has become proficient in the different types of music and has been motivated to consider the different paths music can lead.
“As of right now, I’m honestly not sure where my future will take me, but I do know it’ll involve music,” West said. “It’s been my passion for years, and it always will be. It’s such a diverse and special art that can change your life if you let it.”
