The latest episode of the MYSO podcast takes you behind the scenes at Summerfest, the world’s largest outdoor music festival. There, MYSO’s vibrant Calypso steel band captivated audiences with their infectious rhythms and joyful energy. But beyond the music, this episode reveals what truly matters most to these young musicians.
At the heart of MYSO’s steel bands is a strong sense of community. Multiple students interviewed emphasize this as their favorite aspect of being in the group. Alex, a soloist, shares how the band has helped: “I am such a different person than I was last year… I was just so shy because it was harder for me to interact with everyone. But now I feel like I’ve really come out of my shell thanks to them.”
This sentiment is echoed by Ariel, who describes the band as “one giant family” with their own jokes and games. For many, the steel bands offer a uniquely inclusive musical experience. As Sophia puts it, “There are a lot of prerequisites that you have to have before joining any other band, but this is like anybody can be in it. I feel like it brings people together unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”
The man behind this welcoming atmosphere is Tim Rush, affectionately known to students simply as “Rush.” As the band’s director, Rush sees his role as more than just a teacher. He describes the students as “my best friends and my compadres and my favorite musicians and favorite people on the planet.”
Rush’s philosophy centers on creating an environment where students feel safe to make mistakes and grow. He explains, “Everybody who walks in that door is the same person…and we all feel the same. We all feel that same fear when we walk in. We all have the same failures when we walk in that door. We all make the same mistakes, and we all support each other in the same way.”
This approach has clearly resonated with students. Rush proudly recalls a thank-you letter from a student, who wrote, “Thank you for setting us up to fail.” While this might sound counterintuitive, Rush sees it as a powerful life lesson: “Don’t worry about it. Make as many mistakes as you can because you’re going to learn from those mistakes.”
The podcast also shares more about the electric atmosphere of the band’s Summerfest performance. As they play, crowds gather, drawn in by the irresistible rhythms. Rush notes, “It’s an infectious thing. I think anybody who’s within earshot can’t ignore it, can’t just walk away.”
For Rush, leading the band from behind the drum set allows him to direct “musically rather than just visually or orally.” This dynamic, responsive style of leadership perfectly embodies the spirit of the band–a place where music, community, and personal growth intertwine.
The Calypso steel band’s appearance at Summerfest is more than just a performance; it’s a celebration of what can happen when young musicians are seen and heard in a supportive environment where they can explore, make mistakes, and ultimately shine. As these rising stars demonstrate, the real magic of music lies not just in the notes played, but in the bonds formed and the confidence gained along the way.
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