July 15, 2017

Quote of the Week

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything." --Plato

Four Ways Music Strengthens Social Bonds

Music is a universal language that humans have used since they first appeared on Earth. Consider that in 2009, archeologists found a flute carved from bone and ivory that was over 35,000 years old!  In addition to being a form of expression, music builds bonds between people, strengthens our empathy, and can build bridges that mere language cannot. Celebrating world cultures by listening to and sharing different kinds of music is a powerful means of mediating social change. This article from Greater Good magazine describes the ways in which music connects us to one another and grows empathy.  Learn more about how music can transform society and build community in this incredible story of kids in Paraguay who made an orchestra out of trash from a landfill and who travel the globe with their beautiful music.

Reading Corner

Title: "What a Wonderful World"
Author: George David Weiss, Bob Thiele, and Ashley Bryan
Ages: 4-8

Why? This book was a gift to our newborn son and we loved reading and singing it together for many years. Our friend inscribed the message "May you bring music to life", and indeed he has. In fact, he played this beautiful song (made famous by trumpeter Louis Armstrong) at my brother's wedding! The vibrant colors and simple yet profound lyrics convey a heartfelt message of harmony, wonder, and hope. Young children will love looking at the gorgeous pictures while you sing to them.  Listen to the song here before or after you read the book together!

Be the Change

Watch a free summer concert in the park together, listen to music from another country, make your own instruments out of household items (great practical ideas here) and play music together. Plan a "music night" where kids get together to perform or ask an older musical teen to organize a "musical petting zoo" where younger kids can try out different instruments.