Anthony Galli

I have always been fascinated with music as a result of my admiration for my father at an early age. “Take me down to the Paradise City where the grass is green…” rang out through the small crowd. Standing in his jeans and a worn-out t-shirt, my father stood on stage swaying to Guns N’ Roses while strumming his Les Paul electric guitar. He played in a band with a few co-workers, and they were hosting their annual concert in the drummer’s backyard. The quality of their music was honestly sub-par: the band was slightly off-beat, each musician would occasionally miss a note, and the singer’s voice struggled to find its place amongst the loud instruments. Axl Rose would not be proud.

Despite the mediocre performance, my eight-year-old mind was entranced by the band members’ ability to create this music with their own hands. At that moment, all my thoughts were pushed aside as I allowed myself to experience the joy of the music. This moment inspired me to learn the guitar and create a similar rhythm. A couple of days later, I heard my father practicing the guitar in his office. I barged into the room, interrupted his practice, and insisted he teach me how to play. This demand turned into regular guitar lessons. As I became more comfortable, I was able to play songs that provided the same sensation I felt that night watching my father perform. Guitar became a part of my daily routine, and the core lesson of understanding rhythm has affected me beyond the musical realm. I better appreciate the unpredictability and challenges I face by viewing life in a rhythmic nature. When I feel out of sorts, I find comfort in knowing the rhythm of life will bring things back to center.

As I grew older, that early lesson in rhythm shaped how I saw my world beyond music. At school, I pursued classes involving economics and have come to love the subject because it is the academic discipline that best expresses the naturalness of rhythm. I also joined the investment club at my school, where, as in my economics classes, I noticed a connection between markets and music. Because of music, I deeply comprehend patterns and harmonies in economics. Because I appreciate how each note meshes to create a melody, I also appreciate how these myriad factors combine to create a working economy. In fact, such factors remind me of musical notes. This is why I came to the University of Georgia to study business.

In short, I am very much my father’s son. Now that I am an eight hour drive away from my parents and three younger siblings, I am grateful for how they have influenced me and prepared me to take on the world independently.