SAYING IT IN SONG

SAYING IT IN SONG
In 19?? I was performing a recital in St. George, Utah at an exquisite performance complex called Tuacahn. During intermission, word came back to me that a group of challenged adults from the community were present at the concert and would like to see me at the conclusion. When the recital was over, I made my way out to the lobby where I was greeted by a group of adults with various forms of disability. Having enjoyed similar opportunities like this one, I have discovered that there is a sweetness and joy than can come if one can get past the difficulty of conventional communication. One man, who appeared to be close to my age wanted very much to communicate something to me. His sponsor explained that he wanted to tell me something very important to me. He began with great difficulty, and though I struggled to understand what he had attempted to communicate, it was beyond my ability to do so. I could see through the earnest expression in his eyes that it was critical that I understand him. He took a deep breath and eloquent articulation he began to sing for me “I have a testimony, sacred and dear to me, Something that lies within my soul, something I cannot see...” He continued, uninterrupted through the entirety of this lengthy song. It was exact and clear and beautiful. I recognized the song from my childhood when the song was popular. I had not heard it since the 1960's. I suspect he had learned it at that time as well. There it lingered in his mind for over 30 years enabling him to communicate in fluency. There is a great deal of scientific data to explain this phenomena. Earlier we discussed the way with which music forces the brain to interface with both functioning hemispheres. In addition, music has an inherent order that in many cases can supercede the lack of order on the brain, forcing it to function at a higher level. In addition to the wealth of scientific data which supports these theses, it is incumbent upon us to not lose sight of the illusive if not spiritual dimension that music may possess.