Artist’s Point: Connor McGarvey

Artist’s Point, featured by the Tiger Hi-Line, is a series of articles exploring the world of art through the insights of young student artists here in Cedar Falls while also learning more about the artists themselves. In this issue we will explore the world of music with junior artist Connor McGarvey and his experiences using various forms of music making media.

In fifth Grade, students around the district have a chance to join the elementary schools band. This is usually a time when students begin to experiment with their teacher about the different instruments that they hope to play, eventually choosing the instrument that they will likely stick with as they continue to grow their music ability throughout their school life. During this time McGarvey joined the elementary school band, selecting the trumpet and immediately finding a passion within music.  

Playing a wide variety of instruments, McGarvey at the moment still plays in the school district band program, currently playing in the CFHS band as well as playing in a jazz group of his own consisting of McGarvey’s friends. For his future after high school, McGarvey plans to go to college and to study music education, hoping to play music on the side as he teaches future generations.

Although he doesn’t really consider himself self-taught in most of his domains of music, he does express the importance of learning some music on your own and finding your own style. He also, however, conveys the importance of mentors, stating that, “There’s nothing wrong with learning from someone. All music doesn’t have to be taught. Often for example, like with improv, it can’t really be taught. You kinda have to figure it out on your own.”  

McGarvey not only plays more traditional styles of music, though; he also dabbles in digital media as well. Using programs such as FL Studio to help create music, McGarvey argues that there is a difference between digital and physical forms of music, but, McGarvey said it’s important to note that there is still a strong deviation when it comes to AI vs digital music making.

“There is a certain thing about playing it on an instrument, but there’s nothing wrong with digital music. You’re still putting work into digital media. You still have to create and work with the notes on your own. For AI, it generates everything by itself,” McGarvey said.

Regardless of your stance defining digital vs. traditional media, there is a clear attack on artists everywhere regarding AI algorithms as shown by previous issues. Remember to support hard working, passionate artists like this who continue to share their art with the world.

To check out McGarvey and his band, click the link below to listen to their sound! With Andrew Goetsh on electric guitar, Ethan Jacobsen on trumpet, Aiden Blanschen on baritone sax, Rusty Sheehan on drums, Dominic Williams on trombone, Matthew Haht on tenor sax,and McGarvey himself on bass.

Click here to hear the band.