COMMUNITY
It was a perfect day for a wedding. The sky was clear blue
and not a cloud in sight. The handsome bridegroom waited
anxiously at the front of the church, hoping for the first glimpse
of his beloved. This was a special wedding. The families had
been friends for years and it was truly a love match.
Amazingly, the bride was even on time. She and her
attendants waited behind closed doors listening for that
musical cue - the signal to march down the aisle. The girls
waited. And they waited. And… they waited…
Suddenly, someone realized that a musician had not been hired
for the event. The wedding would be silent – without music!
No Pachelbel Canon to walk the bride down the aisle. No
soprano solo for the signing of the register. No bridal march
to usher the couple out through throngs of well-wishers.
No thrilling recessional, only the sound of puzzled whispers
from guests.
This also meant no dinner music and no dance for the
bride and her dad.
Songs are like the trees, always there for us, giving us beauty
and comfort but usually being taken for granted – until they
are missing, of course.
Imagine this: A romantic dinner at a upscale restaurant
without music – only the clatter of silverware. No Raffi songs
at your granddaughter’s birthday party. A summer singalong around a campfire without vocals or a plunking guitar.
Nothing but talk on your car radio as you drive through rush
hour to get home. Doesn’t music make all the difference?
Scientists tell us that music can heal us, both emotionally
and physically. Stressful lifestyles cause illnesses these days,
even deaths. Using a favourite melody to calm you or give
you a motivating kick when needed, can keep you happy and
in shape. Ever tried Zumba?
A recent video, Alive Inside, captures the magical effect of
music on an elderly Alzheimer sufferer who, after years of
Music, headaches and pain relief.
Studies by have shown that listening to soft music can
help migraine and chronic headache sufferers reduce
the intensity, frequency and duration of headaches.
It can also lower blood pressure and speed up healing.
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THE POWER
OF MUSIC
– By Margo Jamieson
Dementia and silence, sings with Cab Calloway, a performer
he loved as a young man. Music has been around since time
began and can bring back wonderful memories.
Music also brings us together. At conferences, funerals or
gatherings where strangers meet, it’s the oil that helps us blend,
relax, and open up socially. Check out videos on YouTube
and be thrilled watching musicians from all over the world
perform music together through the wonder of technology!
The songs are often about bringing peace to earth and caring
for each other.
Music brings out the best in us. It can cause us to think higher
thoughts and rise to our feet in happiness and celebration.
Remember that Beethoven’s Song of Joy, the “Ninth Symphony”
was composed when he was deaf, yet is so brilliant that the
power of it inspires us to greatness – obviously the work of a
genius. Mankind at its best.
How music can enhance your life: Start your
day with music. Play tunes that are peppy. Sing out loud.
The neighbours might enjoy it! Jimmy Buffet, the Rolling
Stones, a Dixieland combo or Chopin done by a symphony
orchestra. The choice doesn’t matter. As long as it makes you
feel terrific. Avoid the blues. The words are important too
because they affirm messages. Watch what you are repeating.
Only the good stuff.
If you feel overwhelmed during the day, treat yourself to
home-style music therapy. Clamp on headphones, choose
a CD that touches your heart and settle into your Lazyboy.
Give yourself the gift of relaxing music and quality time for
yourself. Stereo headphones are best.
How you use the Power of Music is up to you. Music can
heal us. Music can bring us closer to others. Music can inspire
us to be at our very best.
Feeling depressed? Unhealthy? Take 2 Concertos and call
me in the morning! •
Margo Jamieson, a professional pianist, understands the a