For about 5 years now I have been playing the piano for the local pre-school's Christmas party. Parents and grandparents and siblings come. The children present some songs they prepared and gifts they made. Santa arrives as a surprise guest, and there is lots of singing. The excitement and purity of emotion in those little people always makes me smile.
Having just played holiday songs and carols for an assisted living center in town, I am feeling grateful for the privilege to be part of a thread that connects these two ends of the spectrum of living. As long as I have a keyboard and some music with me (I envy those who can just sit down and play out of their heads!), I can make an offering that is well received by 2 years olds and 92 year olds.
It is kind of amazing how music transforms the atmosphere. Have you ever been in a room full of people, and suddenly music begins? There is almost a visible settling of everyone's bodies into a new position - a relaxed, or listening, or relieved new position. And when people sing together it creates a connection between them - they smile, they feel, they join together.
I wish to everyone during this holiday season some moments in good company, wrapped together by music and song.
No comments:
Post a Comment