Music Makes the World Go Round

National Music Week quietly glided by last week as I made preparations for a cruise vacation, Mother’s birthday, and Mother’s Day.  Nonetheless, National Music Week deserves recognition. Music reaches across all races and creeds “to promote understanding, friendliness and sympathy among all people.” The National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) proudly recognizes the importance of music by celebrating National Music Week. Music is the language of all people, nationally and internationally, serving “as a great force in creating peace and harmony.”   

Music can be traced back to the fifth day of creation. Why do I say that? Because that was the day God made “birds of every kind to fill the skies.” Birds sing, right? Well, there you go.   

The objective of National Music Week, according to NFMC, is “to create an understanding and appreciation of the value of music in the home, the community, the nation, and the world.” Many groups participated in the weeklong celebration: music clubs, service clubs, music teachers, schools, churches, recreation centers, libraries, and more.

National Music Week was first observed on May 4-10, 1924. Around 450 cities and towns participated. The first week of May is dedicated to observing National Music Week in honor of the first celebration.

A Senior with a Song

The theme for National Music Week this year is “Music is our constant companion.” No better way to demonstrate this theme than by highlighting a gentleman named Steven Swanger, who lives in Sudbury, Massachusetts. As Swanger approached retirement, he was concerned that his life would be empty. He needed something to fill his soon-to-be quiet days.

So, at age 60, he picked up a clarinet and joined the Sudbury Valley New Horizons Music Band. They, along with other retired seniors, taught him how to play. Swanger felt he returned to the music-making he enjoyed as a child. His music soon became more than a fun diversion. It became a companion and a central part of his retirement life, providing social opportunities, mental stimulation, and a place to escape.

At 76, Swanger experienced a bout of temporary blindness in one eye following surgery. His clarinet playing was put on hold. “My life has been terribly empty since I haven’t been able to play,” he said.

Fortunately, his eyesight slowly improved, allowing him to play again.  

“My life has improved by 2,000 percent!” Swanger exclaimed.

Another musician in the Sudbury Valley New Horizons Music Band has seen the benefits of her French horn playing. Joanne Berry, 77, says playing is her “anti-Alzheimer’s exercise.”

Music in the Bible

Music in the Bible is deeply woven into its pages through singing, playing instruments, and making melody — all ways to glorify God and show gratitude. Jubal is the first musician mentioned in Genesis 4. He is described as being the “father of all who play the lyre and pipe.” I like to stretch the notion that he was the first organist. Moses and the Israelites are recorded in Exodus 15 singing a song of victory after crossing the Red Sea. Moses’s sister, Miriam, led the women in dancing and playing tambourines.

David is another musician in the Bible – perhaps the most well-known. He was quite a skilled harp player. In his younger days, David spent hours playing the harp and composing songs while tending sheep. Later, he used his skillful harp playing to calm the evil spirits tormenting King Saul. The power of music for healing and comfort was utilized even then. Today, music therapy facilitates that same healing and comfort.

David played a major role in Israel’s traditions, organizing a corps of musicians to lead musical worship in the temple. He viewed music as an important component for worship, as we do today. David is associated with 73 of the 150 Hebrew poems, prayers, and songs that comprise the Book of Psalms. Solomon and Moses were also contributors.

The Tehillim (meaning “praises”) included songs expressing themes of lament, praise, faith, and hope.

From My Perspective

Each week, I enjoy contributing to our church’s worship through playing the organ. My loud and soft preludes and postludes exhibit a gamut of spiritual emotion from reflection and meditation to praise and exaltation. I feel privileged to bless others and lead them into a deeper worship experience.

For the past few years, I have enjoyed being a part of the Bush Hills Music Club in Birmingham, Alabama. Bush Hills is a member of the National Federation of Music Clubs. We meet monthly to discuss activities and enjoy a program. Our agenda nearly always includes a Song of the Month. We have had some incredible musicians share their talents playing the violin, cello, piano, dulcimer, flute, harp, organ, and more. We’ve also had singers ranging from folk to opera. Educational programs also dot our agenda.