Music for our Children

There are all sorts of studies about why music is important for children, it is a well-documented fact that children who do music tend to do better in school, but beyond that, it is good for the soul. I think that is what we often miss in our rush to “justify” music to those in power as being something that aids in “STEM” classes so we can keep funding music and the other fine arts in public schools.

Yesterday, we had a quick “run-through” for our “Ad-Hoc Children’s Christmas Concert.” It is a VERY low-stress concert we do every now & then. I send out the songs we’ll sing ("Rudolph" & "Jingle Bells",) the kids learn the words, we’ll have 1 “formal” practice Sunday @1, and the concert is at 2.

We sang over the songs, then some of the children who play instruments ran through their pieces. They’re mostly students of one of the moms, a Suzuki teacher. She plays with them and it is just charming. (See attached video of her playing with her children.)

(Notice the younger children sitting in the foreground, watching & listening.)

After they rehearsed, the moms were standing around talking and 2 of the boys just started playing together. The cellist is a bit more advanced, so he played slowly so the violinist could feel his way to find the notes. It was pure music and pure love of music. The other children sat there, transfixed, as did the moms once we realized was happening.

This is the essence of music.  It opens our children’s souls to beauty, and to collaboration. Imagine, they could have been sitting there with their heads buried in electronic games- instead, they were communicating with each other and sharing with us. Does it get any better?

If you’d like to come to the concert Sunday, it will begin at 2. We’ve got around 8 children playing in various combinations, too, from piano solos to chamber trios with violins and cello. One of the best things I believe you can do for children is encourage them in music, and get them started early. The concert is at Central Presbyterian Church, 200 East Eight St. (at Brazos.) It likely will last barely an hour. Parking is always a little bit of a challenge, but that time of day, you likely can find street parking rather easily. The lot behind the church, IF there is no sign on it saying it is “closed” (we don’t own it) is also fair game for parking- just please don’t block anyone in! They will tow you! You can also park in the alley behind the church that joins San Jacinto to Brazos, or only 2 blocks to the East is First Baptist Church’s parking garage (corner of Trinity & Ninth- enter from Trinity.) They always have parking, but there should also be street parking on Trinity, too. I *think* it is free until around 4, but check and make sure!