Music in our lives

Before I jump in on the importance of music, I thought I would share a reminder about conferences. Next Monday and Tuesday, please take time to come in a talk during conferences. 7th and 8th grade teachers have some scheduled times and some open times to come in and talk. I'll be out in the band room, and I'll have open time between 4-5 and 6-7 both nights.

As I mentioned in the last post, it was great to have Ms. Lau play along on the fight song the other day at our assembly. I know that she really enjoyed it. Music--whether it is singing or playing--is one of those things that you can do and enjoy throughout life. Not that you have to haul out you trumpet after it has been sitting in the attic for 30 years (not that it would be a bad thing), but even the appreciation for the work and skill it takes to produce something that surrounds nearly every aspect of our lives is important.

I understand that very few people go on and have a career in music, but everyone encounters music on a daily basis. Whether radio, TV, movies, iPods, an elevator or so many more situations, music is all around us. It brings joy, recalls important events, reminds us of those gone before and is a great way to relax. While I don't have a list of Presidents who were singers, the list of those who played instruments is quite interesting:

Thomas Jefferson played violin, Woodrow Wilson played violin, Harry Truman and Richard Nixon were pianists, Bill Clinton plays the sax and it has been rumored that Warren Harding sat in on rehearsals with "The President's Own."

Perhaps the most important thing music does is span country language and culture barriers. Trips by orchestras to countries have opened the way for dialogue and other interactions with countries with whom we would otherwise never talk to. The New York Philharmonic relatively recently performed in North Korea to standing ovations--not necessarily the response Americans would typically receive.

Music is all around. It is a part of every life, whether it is our profession, our passion, our hobby or our fun. Educating our students about it is even more important, whether they become teachers or Presidents of the US or anything in between.

www.playpiano.com/Articles/presidents-music.htm