The Music You Make
I went to a chamber music concert on Friday night. I just learned about this kind of classical music a couple of years ago (what can I say…I’m more of a 70’s/80’s music fan!)
Chamber music is a beautiful and precise musical style, usually played by a quartet playing two violins, a viola and a cello. It began hundreds of years ago – played in grand palaces and ornate homes to entertain the rich aristocrats who lived in them. Now it’s played in concert halls and is affordably priced so that anyone can enjoy it – students, working professionals, retirees and seniors.
In a purpose-built space, the perfection of each instrument’s part in the musical piece can be heard as clearly as if the players were in your own living room. Each musical note layers flawlessly on the last one played. I’m always amazed at how the musicians remember all the notes without sheet music, and I love how they watch each other carefully as they play, to make sure their collective music creates the best possible sound.
On Friday night as I listened (when I wasn’t nudging my husband who kept nodding off, that is), I found myself thinking about the power of music at Bethany and the meaning it brings to our residents. Whether that music comes from a caregiver singing to a resident, a children’s choir visiting one of our care centres or a therapist led sing-along, music has the power to bring people together in a special shared experience.
Our work brings all of us together in a shared experience, too. If you think about it, Bethany is a bit like an orchestra. We all have our instruments and parts to play. And I’m always so grateful that others know their notes so well! Like a chamber music concert, our work is better and more meaningful when we play it together, each knowing our part and making sure our instruments and notes are in tune with the music others are playing.
On that note, thanks for all you do – and have a great week!
— Gail
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