I don’t know about you, but I am tired of all the negative news. The Big Three are in trouble, Circuit City is closing all their stores and the stock market is playing havoc with my 401K. For one day, we shared the miracle of the pilot landing his plane in the Hudson River but good news always gives way to bad.
Last week, we began rehearsals for Gonna’ Lift You Up! and Love Stories. When I selected the music for these concerts, I had no idea our world would be surrounded in negative news. Starting rehearsals reminded me how music can impact our spirits. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale once said: Change your thoughts and you can change your world. I believe if you change what you are singing or listening to; it can alter your outlook.
There have been a number of studies regarding the effects of music on the human body. Music has been proven to lower blood pressure and pulse rates. It helps regulate stress and strengthens our memory and learning ability. (During our Christmas concert, I asked the audience to recite the words to White Christmas. Every person admitted, they could not recall with the words without the melody.) Music is said to boost the body’s immune system and even helps reduce pain levels.
Perhaps most important, as it relates to this post; Music generates a sense of well-being and safety. (In contrast, rock concerts have been proven to raise anxiety levels.) As we work our way through this period in our history, we need to find those opportunities where we can lower our stress level and blood pressure. If like me, you are trying to regain your sense of well-being; you need look no further than the BeckRidge Chorale and Village Voices.
On March 1st, Village Voices will present Gonna’ Lift You Up! The title says it all! This concert is an uplifting affirmation of faith. In April, the BeckRidge Chorale will focus on our most important human need when they take center stage to present Love Stories. Both concerts may be less expensive than your co-pay and are exactly what the doctor ordered!
