Music, a necessary part of being human?

My dear sister Anna has been on a music tour around the US with a wonderful group, Music Camp International.  This ministry is dedicated to the work of bringing music to children here in the US and in Romania and the Ukraine.  Many of the children who participate in this program overseas have their first taste of personally participating in music during their week of camp.   The director of Music Camp, Int. often speaks of the music that she believes that is in every child, the music that she wants to help them discover and appreciate.

I must admit, the first time I heard this I thought it was just a little hokey (I have a, umm, cynical side…just so you know.)  But I am beginning to appreciate this idea more and more.  I absolutely love beautiful music-it makes me cry every single time.  I cry at every Schola Cantorum concert, I cry EVERY time I hear the Messiah live and sometimes when I hear it on CD, I cry at a particularly well done symphonic concert. And I don’t actually consider myself to be a “crier.” 

What would it be like if I never experienced the beauty of music?  Would I be less human, or less of who I was created to be?  Is music needed to really pursue the idea of knowing and enjoying God forever?

 I am thinking that without music, I would be less of a person.  I can’t imagine a life without music.  And I have been thinking that there is a really good reason that the Church has for so long preserved and used beautiful music-it is indeed part of knowing and enjoying God.  If all of this is the case, I am delighted that there are Christians committed to excellent, beautiful, meaningful music.  I am delighted that there are Christians committed to giving music to people who might not have much of it.   I am delighted that there are Christians committed to teaching children to love and enjoy this amazing gift of God.

     Psalm 33

 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.

 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.

Beautiful, simple, inspiring music

You must listen to some of this.  I so enjoyed this Speaking of Faith broadcast.  This is an old interview with Joe Carter and hearing him talk of the Spirituals, their meanings and their role in the lives of the slaves is informative and moving.  It is wonderful to hear him describe the role of faith in their daily lives.  The reflections on the basic elements of our faith are wonderful-love, faith, hope. 

The very best part is when he decides to sing the song he is discussing-wow!  You’ve just got to take a couple of minutes and at least listen to some of the music.  I know the interview is long, but it is good, I assure you!