“Without music, life would be a mistake.” In that, Nietzsche gave expression to my feelings toward music – I cannot imagine my life without music playing an integral part. While I love to listen to music, I’m not content to just be an observer – I want to be a part of its creation, whether singing or playing an oboe. There is no experience that compares to being a part of that. But even when a group isn't made up of all stellar performers, every band, every orchestra, every choir has "moments." These are the moments I live and work for. That moment when everything comes together just right -- everyone is in tune, on pitch, at the right dynamic, and the perfect tempo. Something special happens. It's like the planets are aligned, the Moon is in the Seventh House, God's in His Heaven and all is right with the world. Everyone in the group is transformed into something more than they could ever have been alone. The music reaches inside all the walls, all the pettiness and conflicts, all the grief and despair, and surrounds your heart and soul in a warm embrace. It's like being hugged at once by everyone you have ever loved in your entire life.
I think that's because it is so hard to write about music. Someone said it was like trying to dance architecture. Music is something that fills all the empty spaces in me. It doesn't matter what kind of music it is -- happy or sad or profound -- it all flows into me. Music is the first cry of a life born and the last sigh of the dying. Music is the miracle of a rainbow, or blossoming flower, or a child's laughter.
Each year, I participate in a Medieval Yuletide Feast produced by the local college – it is medieval dinner theatre where the audience is immersed in the play. All the performers dress in period costumes and play various roles from the “Royal Court.” It has become a Christmas tradition for many in the community and I feel a great sense of joy and pride to play my small part in this production.
