Intergenerational

by Thayer A. Horton

I remember attending preschool in the building across the street and playing on the playground. One of my strongest memories is sitting on the floor next to a grand piano while the teacher played and we sang. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the significance of receiving a music education at such a young age, starting at The Music Settlement and continuing through the Cleveland Heights schools. Even now, I still remember some of the songs we used to sing in elementary school. I played the saxophone through high school and was part of the marching band. While I truly enjoyed making music, I didn’t continue playing after high school.

During my time at The Ohio State University, where I earned a BA in International Studies and Spanish, music continued to be a part of my life in a different way. Through my studies, I traveled to Spain and spent time studying abroad in Mexico, and I still associate music with many of the great memories I made there. After spending a few years in Columbus, I moved to Denver, where I began my career in education, primarily working with English language learners.

After living in Colorado for 14 years, I moved back to Cleveland with my family. Returning to this community was refreshing—not only because we’re closer to family but because the arts and music are so deeply valued and accessible here. While in Denver, my kids didn’t have the same kind of musical community, but between The Music Settlement and their schools, they now have plenty of opportunities to express themselves musically.

Even though I didn’t continue making music myself, nothing makes me happier than watching my kids grow and seeing them form bonds while collaborating to create something together. My favorite part of the week is sitting in on their lessons or reading a book while they practice with their ensembles. Looking back, I realize just how much The Music Settlement has enriched my life — not just in my own childhood, but now as I watch my kids experience the joy of music in a community that truly values the arts.