Billy Joel once said, "I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music." Bono said, "Music can change the world because it can change people."
Before I was married, I was advised to fill my home with music. I am not a musician. I did not sing. In fact I had actually been asked once upon a time to not sing with a choir group. I do not play any instruments other than being able to pick out the melody on the piano for a few favorite songs. But I knew the power music can have on a home and I knew the importance of this council.
I have tried to heed that council. As infants, my children listened to lullabies. The boys had their own cassette player and cassettes, then CD player and CDs. They girls have their own, and now everyone has their own MP3 player. At home, we listen to rock, gospel, country, Broadway and Mormon Tab depending on the mood. We have taken our children to concerts, ballets and Broadway plays.
When they were old enough, piano lessons were provided and upon reaching junior high/middle school, the boys joined the band. Each of our sons can play multiple instruments and two have served as the drum major for the high school marching band. Our oldest daughter is already playing the violin and both girls take piano lessons. All the children have sang in different choirs, both for school and church. I love church when our choir sings and all my men are standing up filling in the bass line (although Wil does try out the soprano part with his falsetto when he is feeling mischievous).
Recently we attended our youngest son's jazz concert at the high school. It is so great to watch him play while tapping his foot along with the music. The boy really does have rhythm. This week we have Lela's orchestra concert and Jon has a band concert. Next week is the elementary school's dance recital that the girls are excited to participate in. Lela will be dancing with her class to a song from Phantom of the Opera and Emily's class is dancing to a song from Grease.
Music has opened many doors for our family. In college, Rick performed with the BYU Marching Band at the Citrus Bowl. My boys have performed with the Army Band. They have been selected to perform with other bands were able to receive instruction from professional musicians. While on his mission, Hunter was able to participate in a recording of gospel music and helped with many special musical programs that testified of Christ. Hunter was also able to perform with his school choir at Abravanel Hall during the 2002 Olympics as part of the Cultural Olympiad. Wil has chosen to make music his career and will be majoring in Music at SUU when he returns from his mission.
Sunday at church was the Primary Program. This is when the children's group in our congregation presents the worship service. The children and their leaders work all year to learn the songs and each child is given a special speaking part. Lela and Emily were asked to participate in a quartet for a special musical number. As I listened to their beautiful voices sing of the importance of putting on the Armour of God, I again received a witness of the importance of filling my home with good music, because nothing touches the soul and awakens the spirit the way music can.
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