The Spirit of Music

“Youth is wasted on the young.” 

The quote sneaks into my brain once in awhile. I often want to concede to it. But I’ve decided not this week. I believe someone also said, “You’re only as old as you think you are.” That's the maxim I'm subscribing to right now…makes me a little more self-assured.

My husband and I had the pleasure of watching our daughter (and her cohorts) perform at the vocal small group contest for the first time last Saturday. While the pieces weren’t technically perfect, they were pretty darned good—especially for a group of freshman girls. What I found most inspiring was the pluck, the spirit of all these teens! Singing Spanish tra-la-la's to make you smile, or folksy ballads to make you weep. I mean, these kids really felt the music…as did I! There was no rote memorization or forced expressions. Just lovely melodies and harmonies. When that kind of music is made, joy abounds.

It brought back memories. Music was a much bigger part of my life once. Listening. Performing. Sharing. Somewhere between twenty-nine and forty-two, I started to shut off my radio. Playing piano in front of a crowd began to make me nervous. You could say I started thinking like an adult–and really worrying about stuff. 

Turning off the music allowed me to meditate in silence or increase my knowledge by listening to NPR. (Just like my mom!) And silence is healthy—once in awhile. No one would disagree that NPR is engaging and informative. But perhaps, just perhaps I can wander into another channel to grasp a piece of that spirited youth by finding the music once again.

I started playing piano more. Making Alex sing some Norah Jones or Coldplay with me. (She loves that.) And when I accompanied the children’s Mass this week, I enjoyed it for the first time in a long time. No, it wasn't "technically perfect", but I felt the music. I even caught myself smiling a few times. (Who doesn't smile during "This Little Light of Mine"?)

Sometimes, I think God uses our children to help us to find our spirit. Oh goodness. I don’t “think” that. I know He does. My gratitude to my Alex for your voice...and your musical spirit.

Genre-Switching!

I divert from my usual format to discuss another topic near and dear to me -- music. There are few genres I don't like or at least have some level of appreciation. But I have noticed a major shift in my music preferences as I edge nearer to the big 4-0.

An old college friend and I were having an email discussion today about the current whereabouts of Def Leppard. Now, Def Leppard was HUGE when we were in college. (Some of you have probably guessed my fascination based on the title of my book. A young colleague of mine emailed me the link to sign up for their fan club just today!) Now, I will always love Def Leppard. When I hear them on the radio, my heart smiles as I remember the fun days of my youth. And, of course, my kids must pass the "Okay, what artist is this?" test if they hear any lines of "Pour Some Sugar On Me." (I'm positive the sexual innuendo escapes them. I hope.) But I think my fan club days are over. As a matter of fact, not one Def Leppard song made my playlist. They're not even an artist on my IPod.

My college friends may be shocked to find Coldplay, Rhianna, Fergie, Pink, Fall-Out Boy, Linkin Park, Christina Aguilera and even Kelly Clarkson on my playlist. Oh, sure, there's still U2, Smashing Pumpkins and even Ozzie. But there's no Def Leppard, Aerosmith, or even Van Halen.

Often, (almost with guilt)I attempt to switch the radio channel if I hear the first few strums of a Bon Jovi song. (Sometimes Cole won't let me if he catches 'Livin on a Prayer' in time.) So, what happened to this girl who, with her chummy roommates, faithfully watched MTV's Daily Top Ten and Headbanger's Ball?

In 1984, I sat moping in my bedroom while Eddie Van Halen played what was to be his last concert with David Lee Roth. When they broked up in 1985, I vowed that if they ever, ever got back together, I would not miss the concert. Van Halen were my rock gods. I had every 'cassette'. I carried a David Lee Roth/Eddie Van Halen writing pen. Eddie was to me as John Lennon was to my mom. I grieved for years after their break-up. (Van Hagar was only mildly healing.) Fast forward twenty-eight years. David Lee Roth has rejoined his old pal for a Van Halen reunion in Omaha on February 2nd! Where was I?

In Disney World with my family -- the best vacation of our lives, by the way.

This summer Tom Petty is on tour. Oh, sure -- it will be a good concert. But it sure wasn't text-worthy -- like the concert announcement of Coldplay on August 3rd!

So, what happened to this spandex-obsessed girl of the past? Maybe I burned myself out on the prosaic, catchy guitar riffs that eventually copy-catted themselves to death. Maybe I don't want to be reminded of my big, frizzy hair. Or maybe I've just grown up.

But I do like to remember the fun days of the hair bands. But if I have a choice of a sentimental journey or the newest John Mayer song, what will I do? It probably depends on the day. But there's a good chance, Birddog, I'll select a "chicken band".