Making Memories through Music
Violet St . Clair
With September , many of us are aware that “ something ” is in the air , that a great migration is about to start up all over again . And , although we are very content with our leisure pursuits , change of direction , or family involvements , there is a tug , a brief stillness that often catches us unawares . What draws you back ? What glimpse or sound puts you back in the classroom — if only for a moment ?
For some , it is the sight of a playground or the school ’ s office hours freshly posted at the entrance doors . For others , it is the sudden appearance of school supplies , shiny and new , prominently displayed . And I think many will remember , with a chuckle , the tongue-in-cheek commercial set to the tune of “ It ’ s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year .” I have a friend who inexplicably feels like shopping for new outfits come the crispness of a September morning and others who pause and smile as the neighbourhood school tests the recess bell . Departing geese and the changing colours of the leaves will conjure up memories of line-ups and packed hallways . A faded but garish Hawaiian shirt is treasured by another colleague for the many casual Friday memories it brings back ; whereas a line of goslings led by their mother put one colleague in mind of all the field trips where single file and “ follow me ” went hand in hand . For those of us who spent twenty or thirty years ( or more !) surrounded by students of all ages , those times are now part of what pulses in our hearts .
For me , it is always particular pieces of music that crook the finger and beckon me to reminisce . From the Stones to Strauss , I filled my classroom with music , matching songs and symphonies to subjects , activities , and transitions .
There was the Friday song that would draw past and present students to my door , smiling in anticipation of the weekend , while “ The Phantom of the Opera ” filled the room during our Halloween Fashion show . On St . Patrick ’ s Day , “ The Irish Washerwoman ” played as the students rushed to the room and stood aghast at the sight of their shoes hanging from the ceiling light fixtures . Past students would pop in and wink at me as they enjoyed the mayhem . The Jeopardy theme song announced any wind-downs and transitions and the catchy beat of the song “ Lollipop , Lollipop ” had everyone reaching for their February reading pamphlet ready to show me what they had read the night before , toe-tapping to the beat while forming the Great Conga Line .
I leave with one last song in mind . The last one I played as I shut down the computer on my final day as Miss St . Clair : Louis Armstrong , “ What a Wonderful World .” For decades it was the very first song I clicked on in the early morning , enjoying the hush before the hallways came alive with bustle and chatter . It was a delicious way to start each day .
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