2020-09-21
"Spirit instruments"
Over the past weekend, I stopped for a moment or two to think about what writing topic might be out there for this week. I thought back over the last few weeks and noted the seriousness of those past themes. I decided this week we need to consider a lighter-hearted idea.
I have always half-jokingly maintained that each person has their own "spirit instrument". It is well known that various world cultures hold beliefs that individuals embody the attributes of an animal, their "spirit animal". Right here in North America, native peoples have often cultivated this belief. As I understand it, the amazing totems of the Pacific Northwest are artistic representations of these spirits.
If you are a young person who is lucky enough to grow up in a place where the older people might ask you "what instrument would you like to play?", then you might be in a position to name your spirit instrument. When my daughter was five, we teasingly asked her this question. Without hesitation, she answered "The one that goes like this!" and she proceeded to saw back and forth with an imaginary bow. Well, we are a family of musicians, and none of us, and I mean none of us, play viola or violin. Where did >that< come from? My wife believes that some of the young string players I was coaching in theory at the time must have caught my daughter's eye and ear. So she began! We found her a teacher; and, today, if you have made my daughter's acquaintance you know that she is a very fine violinist indeed. She is actually focussing equally deeply on the oboe nowadays as well, but that's a whole other story...
My son's elementary school has a fantastic music program that is the envy of many a surrounding school district. At the end of grade two, the high school kids visit the elementary schools and stage an instrumental "petting zoo", or chance to try out one of their instruments. That way the 3rd graders can choose their instruments and start orchestra or band. So one late spring day, I am near the door as my son returns from school. Normally I would hear "Hi Dad!" or "You won't believe what happened today!" Instead, he marches through the door, looks me straight in the eye, and says "We are getting a cello." After I completed my double-take and asked him what he was talking about, I learned that he had tried a cello in the petting zoo that afternoon; and that was that. There was no peace in the house until we went to the string rental place the following Saturday. And, yes, he has grown into an accomplished young cellist. Like his sister, he is also a force to be reckoned with on his second instrument, drums and percussion; but the cello grabbed him one afternoon and has never let go.
I think it is somewhat like love at first sight; for some kids, it takes one exposure to the look, sound, feel and mechanics of an instrument and they are hooked. Others might need some more time, some trial and error (I have taught some youngsters who experienced that). I have come, however, to believe that there is something about how one instrument in particular works for you that gives you the energy and discipline to make it part of your whole life. Your "spirit instrument". Elders, one of the finest things you can do in the lives of young people is to help them make that discovery. You will almost always change their lives for the better.
If you have more questions about this topic, don't hesitate to contact me and we can chat.
K
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