Norris Hall
I have just returned from Cambridge after helping that town’s pipe band play at the monthly Lions’ Club Trash and Treasure Market. The event was well supported by both stall holders hopeful for good support and patrons hopeful for a good bargain or two.
Many of those who came obviously enjoyed the music we provided, evidenced by photos and videos being taken and small groups of people stopping to listen. Hopefully, and maybe assuredly, it was music to their ears, enhancing a village fair atmosphere, enjoying glorious sunshine.
I come from a musical family. Two of my older brothers played in the then
Te Awamutu Municipal (now Brass) Band for numerous years. My mother was a soprano in a local choir, and my Danish grandmother played an accordion.
So, the musical genes or DNA somehow filtered their way through the various generations within the family. And I, being the youngest of the brood, much preferred the pipes and drums.
Norris Hall in the Cambridge Christmas Parade.
The wonderful thing about music is that it is so varied in different genres ranging from acid rock to classical and everything in between, appealing to all sorts of aficionados. And one more wonderful thing about music is playing it; deriving much pleasure and satisfaction not only to the listeners who may appreciate every note being played, the melody, the performance, and also to the players in gaining more expertise in public performance and appreciating the composition of the tunes, plus that important feeling of personal accomplishment.
Te Awamutu is not short of opportunities in musical performance, through schools, bands, choirs, theatre and such like. The sharing and appreciation of numerous musical genres helps to raise the awareness and appreciation of culture, and how it affects us.
Music is also important in worship conducted by the varied churches and other religious gatherings. Hymns and songs convey teachings based on scripture and other sources of reference, carefully selected to emphasise the theme of the service. It helps to round out and enrich our lives.
It also seems to be ageless. David, the Shepherd King known for exploits both good and bad as recorded in Holy Scripture, was also celebrated as an exceptional writer and composer of many psalms. His inspired offerings plumbed the depths of emotion, ranging from contrition and reflection to rejoicing and ecstasy. But he was not the only psalmist, since others, including the ubiquitous anonymous to that of Moses the Law Giver himself.
Each had a message to tell, an emotion to express. They were often referred to as the Songs of Jesus, or the Songs of Israel, becoming an important item in the agenda of worship to this very day.
In the busyness of our day to day lives, it is important to both stop and listen, to admire and to appreciate. Whether it be music, or art, or some literary activity, or even physical recreation, by taking advantage of such interests and through participation; it enhances our sense and feeling of ongoing wellbeing and fulness. Try it sometime if you haven’t already done so. It may be music to your ears.
The Te Awamutu and districts pipe band begins its walk down Alexandra St. Te Awamutu members were supported by members of the Cambridge and districts pipe band, the Te Kuiti and districts pipe band and Bay of Plenty pipes and drums.
