Page 73 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2020- Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS

MUSIC, MUSIC AND Inspiration

MORE MUSIC

by Jess Peterson
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the
Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing! Psalm 100:1-2

During the Covid-19 Virus different audiences, I try to that made memories for us in
shut-down, I have been vary my programs each month our younger years. A certain
organizing my piano music. to hit somebody’s hotspot. And song might recall a particular
I have sorted it by genre and I find that those hotspots differ event in life or a particular
copyright date and put each as the years go by. relationship. This is true of
song on a spreadsheet with pop music as well as gospel
a description and location so When I first began performing music. We worship, to a large
that I can easily find it again if at senior adult venues, it was extent, through our memories,
I need it. always the music of the 1930s and music can revive so many
and 1940s that people wanted memories for us – memories
As of my current calculation, to hear. I am finding that of both good and difficult
I have over 1,200 songs in my this is no longer true. In fact, times. The same can be said
possession – either for piano or many of our oldest generation of the visual arts (paintings,
guitar or on karaoke. Many of don’t remember those songs sculpture, photography,
these songs are for more than anymore. They were too young etc.) And what can be more
one instrument, some for all or not even born when those touching than a dramatic
three. Some songs have more songs were first released. performance that hits where
than one version. If you looked the heart has been?
through my music library, you Last year, I began doing a
would find Broadway hits, program of pop music from So, today, make a joyful
country, folk music, classical, sixty years ago. I was amazed noise unto the Lord, whether
easy listening, gospel, pop, at the response I received, through your own talent or
opera and more. The songs especially as I asked my through appreciating the
range from the year 1500 to audience to recall where they talents of others! And be
2013, with heavy emphasis on were in 1959. “That was the thankful for the gifts of music
the 1920s to 1960s. year I graduated from high and the arts that fill you with a
school.” “That was when I got lifetime of memories!
Obviously, music is important married.” “I was in my first
to me and one of the things full-time job then.” And the
that keeps me going. I love to music I was singing was what
share music with others and they listened to and loved!
thank the Lord for providing
me the ability to do that.
Because I sing and play for I find the music that is most
important to us is the music

Be filled with the Spirit, addressing
one another in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing and making Ephesians 5:19
melody to the Lord with your heart.

Lubbock Senior Link 73