Now that September is here again, not only are we getting ready for another school year and looking forward to the future, we are also taking a moment to look back into the past.

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2011 were horrific acts, a shock to many of us.  Remembrances of 9/11/01 have been on the news and in the media lately; our Jamie also has thoughts he wants to share (below).

-Meg

“Since the incident of 9/11/2001, this month has a lot of people talking about it and remembering it. 10 years ago this month seems like a long time ago. It feels like just yesterday due to the fact that we all remember what we were doing “exactly” when it happened. Whenever something extreme happens in our life we remember it and what we were doing, even if it is a horrible extreme like the attack of 9/11. I remember what I was doing and it started out as a good morning for me. As horrible as it was, everyone came together to help out and it is unfortunate that sometimes it takes an incident of that caliber for us to help each other.

However, music can give people a tingly feeling, just like I had when everyone rushed to help dig through the rubble, and again, another tingle when I heard that the passengers on another plane did what they could to stop whatever the plan was for the hijackers. I am passionate about music because of those tingly feelings that it gives and we all know what I mean: The first recital for a child or even the smile on their face when they play their favorite song for you.  We tie memories to music, a song can have meaning for us individually, to the point that hearing a song can bring us back to the day the memory was created. I found some words by Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” and yep, you guessed it, it made me tingle.  The lyrics follow:

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

Were you in the yard with your wife and children

Or working on some stage in L.A.?

Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke

Risin’ against that blue sky?

Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor

Or did you just sit down and cry?

Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones

And pray for the ones who don’t know?

Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble

And sob for the ones left below?

Did you burst out in pride for the red, white, and blue

And the heroes who died just doin’ what they do?

Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer

And look at yourself and what really matters?

I’m just a singer of simple songs

I’m not a real political man

I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell you

The difference in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God

And I remember this from when I was young

Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us

And the greatest is love”

“I was walking around through the internet. Wanted to see what new fun and exciting things are on YouTube as it is always fun to see new things. I came across a really unique ensemble that was done by a family. Check it out, proof that families are still playing music together. Haven’t seen much of that since the Partridge Family. Of course that was a lot of singing also. Anyways, enjoy the video, I thought it was pretty creative…Jamie”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Music is one thing many families use to build a bond, I know my own family had nights where we’d each hop on an instrument and have a little fun.  I’m not going to say we sounded great, but it was fun and I wish we’d had the time to do it more, now that we’re so far from each other.  I also often hear about the influence of families with music when meeting with teachers, I’ve learned that many people follow music as a lifelong hobby or career because they had a family member introduce them to their instrument or a love of music in general.  I know this is also true in my own family.  It’s great to see families continue to bond and grow together with music.

We sat in the grass, listened to some great bands, danced, watched other people dance and in general had a great time.  The weather was great and the music was fantastic!  It was great to see local musicians and to also see the local community support them.  The festival was free to attend, you could purchase bottles of water, homemade ice cream, tacos and other snacks at a variety of vendors.  There were also booths with information on the Minnesota Bluegrass Association, the Loring Park Friends, etc.  The festival was from noon to 8 pm.  We left for a while but ended up coming back for more in the evening, we had such a good time!

Being at the festival made me think of how rich our community is in music performance.  Throughout the summer cities and groups sponsor events that include live music, often for free!

Here are some websites to check out:

The Schubert Club in St Paul
City of St Paul
City of Hopkins
City of Shorewood
City of Rochester
City of Minneapolis Event Calendar for Parks
City of Minneapolis Music and Movies in the Parks

Let us know if you find any other interesting things you’d like us to share!

Here are all the students and teachers participating in the Spring 2010 Recital.

It's kind of like "Where's Waldo" isn't it? Can you find yourself or your teacher?

Do you have photos you want to share from this recital?  Feel free to send in your own photos for us to share!  Email cs@alongcamemusic.com

A school in Madison, Wisconsin asked that question of their 7^th and 8^th grade band students; the answers are amazing and wonderful as shown below.  Music exercises the soul – I never thought about music in that way but it is really true.

Why don’t you take a few minutes out of your busy day and ask your children, grandchildren or even co-workers why music is important to them (I’ll do the same and ask my grandchildren).
Report your findings back on the Along Came Music company’s blog site… as a company that provides in-home private music lessons we believe very strongly in the importance of music in every person’s life.

Here are some of the statements given by the students in response to the questions, “Why is music important in your life?” and “Why is music important to the world as a whole?”:
(We’ve highlighted some of our favorites!)

♪        “Music is important to life because it brings happiness, tells stories, and adds detail to plays, movies, and many other things in life.  I don’t think I could live without music!”

♪        “Because sometimes, words aren’t enough.”

♪        “Music is a universal language that everyone can appreciate.”

♪        “Music can tell stories.  It is also a very good way to pass the time.”

♪        “Because music is basically in everything you do.”

♪        “Music exercises the soul.”

♪        “Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without ‘O Christmas Tree’!”

♪        “By playing music, I get to learn something unique and new.”

♪        “Music expresses who you are and your personality.”

♪        “Music is a way of learning about different cultures.”

♪        “Life would be really boring without music!”

♪        “Music is important in my life because it helps me understand things, and makes life more interesting.”

♪        “It is entertaining.  It expresses our feelings without talking.”

♪        “Music is what keeps me going when I do homework.”

♪        “What would a scary movie be without scary music?!”

♪        “It can add mood to something that wasn’t visible otherwise.”

♪        “Music adds color and without it, the world would be very plain.”

♪        “Music is an outlet for everyone.  It is a way of expressing yourself.  It is a way to be creative.”

Through our membership with the MMTA we learned of a program called MusicLink.  MusicLink, the MMTA and Schmitt Music will be sponsoring a Play-A-Thon where students gather pledges similar to  sponsored races or walks.  Pledges are made per song, so if a student’s family pledges $5 and the student plays two songs the family donates $10. 

All donations are tax deductable and a receipt will be offered.  Students of all instruments can play up to two songs apiece, in any style.  They can even play in duets!  Pledges gathered will be pooled together and used to help disadvantaged children get music lessons, access to instruments and printed music, etc. 

We have asked our students to participate in the Play-A-Thon and are hopeful that many will choose to perform.  The performance will be held at the Mall of America on May 1st and 2nd.  We are so excited to make donations to MusicLink and their very important program through the participation of our students!  If you are interested in participating, please fill out the application to participate.   To pledge donations for a student’s performance, fill out the pledge form and follow the instructions on how to submit the form and your donation. 

For information directly from MMTA about the MusicLink Play-a-thon, click here.