Notes
Rests
Sound
Silence
Working
Together
To make music
Pleasing
Not only
To the ears
But also
Body, mind, soul
And yet,
One key
Element
Is often
An afterthought-
Silence
If not
Savored
Disappears
Transposing
Sweet melody
To mere noise
Leaving
No time
To breathe
No time
To sing
Tag: silence
Thirty Seconds of Silence
We live in a busy, sometimes chaotic world. It is hard to be quiet. This is true not only for my students but for me as well. Recently, I experienced the power of purposeful silence during my first-grade class.
To introduce our lesson, I asked students to look at a picture on the Smartboard. A beautiful winter scene complete with a horse-drawn sleigh. I wanted them to tell me what they saw. If all went as planned, this activity would transition us right to “Jingle Bells.”
First-grade is at the end of the day. The kids were wiggly and chatty. Getting them to focus is not always easy. But I had an idea. I asked them to look at the picture for thirty seconds without saying anything. At first, students looked puzzled. But when I began silently counting, only mouthing the numbers, the room became quiet and still.
All eyes were fixed on the winter scene. And when I finished counting, hands started going up. Students took turns sharing answers and ideas. Some had surprising insights I had not even considered.
This was not something I had planned. After school, I thought about why this worked. I think part of it had to do with purpose. This wasn’t me simply asking students to listen or be quiet. I asked them for a defined amount of silence with a specific goal.
Granted, it was only thirty seconds. But that thirty seconds brought a successful time of sharing. And the sharing easily flowed into our singing and rhythm activities.
Before you envision a picture-perfect music class, things did get a little crazy during our next transition. I am definitely not Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music. But that’s ok. I did stay calm in the chaos and class continued. Maybe because of that thirty seconds of silence?
I’m afraid I can’t take full credit for this idea. I think the inspiration came from Mr. Rogers. I’m currently reading “The Good Neighbor-The Life and Work of Fred Rogers.” I also saw “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” last weekend.
I have always appreciated the quiet, kind demeanor of Mr. Rogers. When I need to feel calm, I sometimes watch his old T.V. episodes. Revisiting his work through this current book and movie seems to have the same effect.
I am particularly struck by his use of time. His actions are never hurried. One scene in the movie displayed this so clearly. Fred asked a friend to be silent for one minute, but with a specific purpose. The time was set aside to consider all the people who had loved them into being. Profound.
Granted, our studying of a picture in a first-grade music class may not qualify as profound. But it was certainly beneficial. And it opened my eyes to the power of defined silence with a specific purpose. Even if it’s only thirty seconds worth.
You Could Hear a Pin Drop
I’ve always thought that was an interesting phrase. Yet, even more interesting the situations it describes. Intently listening as someone shares words of wisdom. Witnessing a momentous occasion.
No matter the situation, this phrase describes a specific kind of silence. One which leaves everyone waiting with anticipation for what is to come. Unknowingly holding their breath. Walking away with a lasting impression.
I had the pleasure of witnessing such an event this past Monday evening…
Previously I shared about my daughter, Rachel, and I attending a James Taylor concert. Bonnie Raitt was also performing that evening. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. Such an unmistakable voice and style. However, I am not as familiar with the whole of her music.
Following a warm introduction by James, she took the stage, commanding with energy and passion. Her raspy voice was strong and guitar licks impressive. The rest of the band? Phenomenal.
This particular concert venue is large, arena-style. Not exactly the type of place you think of for intimate musical performances. Oh, my goodness…after several upbeat, rocking tunes, the lights went down and most of the band exited the stage.
A single spotlight, a stool, Bonnie and her acoustic guitar was front and center. She said something like, “Let’s turn this place into a nightclub for just a moment,” and began to play and sing the blues. My eyes scanned the audience, motionless. All I could think was, “Wow! You could hear a pin drop in here!”
Witnessing this one seasoned performer command this entire space with her voice and guitar-An experience I won’t soon forget.
Now if you will excuse me, I am going to go add some Bonnie Raitt to my Apple Music playlists. 🙂
Piano Girl 