Through music, a pure bond can exist between the physical world and the soul. Music offers unity, connection, and value greater than many other aspects of life.
Rhythm and pitch bring a sense of peace, where your soul drifts amidst the clouds. Perhaps you last felt this when you heard a song you couldn’t refrain from singing, played your favorite instrument, sang in a choir, or felt the satisfaction of hearing your notes fit into a piece and make the music sound the way it should.
In some form or other, we all strive for unity. We want to see how the sports we play, the food we eat, and the travel we experience complement who we are. Yet it is music, in and of itself, that results in a complete sense of integration for those who value it.
In Kindergarten, I began singing in a children’s choir for my church, where I learned how to sing in a group setting and to delight in fellowship. Through our shared squeaky, high-pitched, small-child voices, we became friends. We sang anthems during worship, which brought joy to the congregation.
I progressed to the youth chorale and then began singing here at Haverford. The Glee Club has offered me music different from that of my church choir while still maintaining the connectedness I find at church.
Recently, I joined a handbell ensemble.
I stepped into our first handbell rehearsal, unable to sight-read music, and needed to highlight my score to follow along and contribute. I then taught myself the basics: eighth notes, quarter notes, half notes, different techniques to ring the bell—there’s a lot to it.
Now, I am capable of following along with other musicians, ringing my bells at the appropriate time to keep the ensemble in sync. This takes tremendous concentration, and when putting my undivided attention into it during rehearsal, it is the only thing that can truly keep my mind away from the stressful aspects of my life, such as schoolwork and tests.
When it comes together and you hear your part within the group, it is glorifying.
Recently, the ensemble began preparing for the church’s Christmas concert. We began with some of the most fantastic hymns like “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” I was able to follow along and keep rhythm, missing a few notes here and there, but ultimately, I walked out of the room feeling awestruck by beauty, knowing we had put the music together and that I had contributed.
This makes music so unifying. It takes all the notes to make the piece sound right. Without one, it would not be the same. When it comes together and you hear your part within the group, it is glorifying.
In music, the soul can dance along with the rhythm and free itself into the openness of the world.
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