“The Hills are alive with the sound of music”.  So sang Julie Andrews fifty years ago.  As a matter of fact the world is alive with the sounds from the heights of the sky to the depths of the sea.  Nature is expressing itself in melodious notes to the Divine Creator.  Technology has enabled us to hear the calls of the whale and the dolphin as they answer and communicate with each other way down in the deep blue sea.

Up in the sky we have the lark in the clear air enchanting us on the ground as we try to locate that little dot singing louder as she is soaring.

Where would we leave the two-noted harbinger of Spring – the cuckoo, with his two notes cu-cu, calling a mate so he can propagate his species, before returning to South Africa.

The blackbird, the robin and thrush enchant us, even throughout the Winter, despite the snow and the cold.

Music is produced by the voice, or by instrumental means. Wind, string, wood or brass. Harmony is a strong component of music.  The African women sing in natural harmony as they go about their usual daily work together.

To express emotions, music has been used, whether it is sadness and loss or joy and love.  Colours and nature have been an inspiration for music and song in every age and every country.

Many people say, “I would love to be able to sing”.  Some experts say everyone can sing. Archie Simpson, with the Lismorahan Singers, drawn from all strata in society, is a firm believer in this.

David Brophy, conductor with the RTE Orchestra, has formed choirs from the most unlikely musical backgrounds.  His “High Hopes Choir”, formed from the homeless, was a joy to listen to and he said the most magical moment of his experience was to see an old man, with his eyes closed, singing his heart out – out of tune totally and being transported to another world…  Purists might think differently.

Music can relax the troubled mind and brighten the dullest day.  Music enhances prayer – if you sing, you pray twice.

COVID-19 has been the ‘killing fields’ of live music.  Now that life is gradually opening up again we hear musicians say that their music was magic, and their food, and of course a livelihood for thousands.

If you have a Smartphone you can get any kind of music you want – from nursery rhymes to classical.   So get listening and enjoy that pleasant sound of the vocal or instrumental chords.   And, move to it.   DANCE.

Kathleen Conway rsm
South Central Province