Music Matters A story about creating harmony
Over 17,000 islands make up the colourful country of Indonesia, each is unique. Some are predominantly Muslim, others mostly Hindu, a few for vacationing party-ers, and the majority are just islands by definition: they have a tree. Each has its own language or even several languages. Yet together they make up one wonderful nation.
The island of Java is vibrant, artsy, colourful and loud. The non-stop noise is a cacophony of calls to worship, honking horns, chirping birds, screeching cicadas, and rude early morning roosters. But above this constant chatter, there is the sound of music. The tunes range from restaurant singers belting out Beiber, to karaoke clubs, to traditional Javanese song and dance. Wherever we go, music has been part of the experience.
One of the coolest experiences we had while touring the island of Java was a trip to Udjo, a performing arts school. Students here are keeping their culture alive through instruction and performance of traditional music.
We went to watch their show along with people from all over the world; a tapestry of race, language, religion, gender and age. We sat in rows with the groups we arrived with, politely distant and disengaged.
BUt Then, something magical HappenEd
Each of us was handed an Angklung. A bizarre bamboo instrument.
This group of misfit strangers, from different places, with different languages was about to play together. The conductor used hand signals to indicate when each numbered instrument should be played, and then, without training or talent, we produced the perfect melody from the Sound of Music--Do Ra Mi--we were on fire! Despite all of our barriers, we worked together to create beautiful music. Within moments, this group of strangers was suddenly "a group!"
From discord to harmony
We each played our respective parts, led by a master's hand, to create a harmony that resonated deep within each of us. In that instant all of our differences were forgotten, meaningless. We were united. And we were happy. I took a moment to look around the room, everyone was smiling, filled with joy and a sense of accomplishment. Music had bridged the gaps that divided us.
And then we danced
This experience was so powerful that it has had an equally cool ripple effect. Our guide, named Gede (pronounced G'day), has borrowed the magic of this idea and started a school that teaches music in his own remote Indonesian village.
Gede's story is that he is the only surviving child out of ten babies his mother carried. Against all odds, he finished school, learned English and went to University. Now a tour guide, he has travelled the country, and has seen the value that comes from tourism and tradition.
By his efforts, the children in his home village of 800 families are learning to play traditional music, and speak English. He hopes that this will open up new opportunities and revenue sources for their future.
We loved the music and mayhem of Java. In a world that often focuses on the things that divide us--borders, beliefs, terror and hatred--it is good to remember that music has no boundaries; we can all still rock to the same tune.
The besT of java
