Support the Arts: Kiss a Musician

I recently spent time with family in Kentucky. We normally spend time there over the Christmas holiday and are usually so busy with all the festivities, we rarely spend any time relaxing and getting back in to the culture we were raised in. This recent trip was pretty busy, but we had more opportunity to feel like we were "home" than in previous jaunts. One thing that resurfaced is the importance of music in everyday life in Kentucky. Both my family and my husband's family are full of musicians. Either by singing, playing guitar, piano, auto-harp, flute, banjo, dulcimer, "spoons" or just flipping on the radio, everyone loves and relies on music in some form.

We went to the Berea Arts Festival and while walking the paths looking at the beautiful "locally" created crafts, we were serenaded by several very talented groups. Most singing songs from Appalachia and bringing up deep memories of my childhood.

This got me thinking about something I take for granted. The effect music has on my life and probably for most of you. Some of my very first memories are of my dad softly humming - something he still does today. Nothing in particular, just a melody that was running through his head at the time. There was never a family function without someone strumming a guitar or plucking away on a banjo. And almost always, most of us kids dancing in the center of the circle while the adults laughed and sang. Such happy hearts!

Every church service (and there were a LOT) was always full of the songs from the weathered hymnal books. Sometimes people just sang an old song from their heart and everyone just followed along - no books needed. Most of the piano players played without music. They just play "by ear" we used to say. More appropriately perhaps - they played by "heart."

There is no human culture without music. Music is the "universal language" including that of animals. Think of the whale "songs" and the songs sung by birds. Or even the buzzing of insects on a hot summer night. The phrase "music to my ears" suggests that what is being said is pleasing to you - like music.

So I challenge you all to incorporate music into your lives. More than you already do. Search through your collection for that favorite song you haven't heard in a while. For some of us, we'll have to dig out the vinyl records! Turn it on and crank it up. Use music to soothe you at the end of a long day or to wake you up on an early morning. But be sure to really listen with your heart to the music. Connect with it and the emotion you are experiencing. It will do your body good!

I found an old "All-State Band" t-shirt when I was home (I was a huge band geek). It had a cute phrase on the back that said "Support the Arts: Kiss a Musician." Many of us are lucky enough to be able to sing and and perhaps play an instrument. Others never learned but appreciate the art. Which ever way you fall - be sure to express your appreciation to those who entertain you with their music ability. It is a gift that we should honor each day and open our heart to the music within.