Finding Yourself Through Music

"The orchestra not only transforms the public that hears it. Before transforming the public that is listening, it has already transformed itself" (Tocar y Luchar. Dir. Alberto Arvelo. Cinema Sur and Explorart Films, 2006. Film).

Tocar y Luchar is a documentary about the Venezuelan Youth Orchestra System, a network of hundreds of orchestras throughout Venezuela. This film focuses on how the system has affected participants, "feeding their souls" and transforming them into people who can better lift society.

Watching the kids' dedication reminded me of the scripture, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 25:16 King James Version). Practicing an instrument faithfully does require losing yourself: shutting out distractions and giving the instrument total attention. As a pianist, I know that hearing a song once is completely different from hearing the song after practicing it time and time again. You become familiar with the song's intricacies. You know what to expect and recognize more fine details in playing techniques. You come to see the music in a different light.

But the Savior was referring to losing yourself in the service of others, while practicing a musical instrument can be very individual.

The Venezuelan Orchestras exemplify such service. They serve their listening audiences. They serve each other through the teamwork required to play as a group. The musicians listen and respond to each other, working for the group to create harmony and union of sound.

The biggest service, however, is from the teachers. Indeed, the majority of teachers are former students of the program. "They understand both the social and musical mission of the program — they nurture both the individual person and the musician at the same time. Teachers are able to provide individual attention to each student. If they notice a child has missed a second day at the nucleo without prior notice, they often go to the home to inquire about the absence" (http://elsistemausa.org/el-sistema/venezuela/). Such teachers remember the impact music had on them growing up. They might hear a melody, or see someone's facial expression, and remember the thrill of learning. They delight in witnessing others improve as a result of their teaching. It inspires them to continue reaching for something higher and helping others do the same. Such teachers "find themselves."

Me with my piano teacher, Betty Alexander