Make a Joyful Noise...

or... Small Children with Loud Instruments

Today was Harvest Festival for the 7-9 year olds that I have the privilege of teaching music to. 80+ kids crammed into a very small village church and I was in charge of the music- Two hymns and one very fun upbeat song which I had arranged with multiple parts and... 25 rhythm instruments. (Why?!) The great thing about leading others (especially children) in song is that you REALLY have to let go of the outcome. I am not performing; I am preparing and, hopefully, inspiring others to experience the joy of music and share it in a performance. That said, I would of course have liked all of the various parts to come out exactly as rehearsed, exactly as I imagined them to sound in my head... although I have worked with young children long enough to know to expect the unexpected :) 

Another lesson I have learned is that sometimes this unexpected, imperfect stuff is the best bit. And with children it is adorable anyway! The kids sounded gorgeous today, and that wasn't a perfect sound but an absolutely joyful sound. When they sang their favourite bits at the top of their lungs it made my heart sing as well. Then there were the 25 rhythm instruments... Starting and finishing together was a long shot but we pretty much managed it! Although one child in the front was so in the moment that she kept on playing her shaker very loudly while singing, when everyone else had stopped shaker-ing. Brilliant.

The parents who spoke with me afterwards were glowing and some said it brought tears to their eyes. I feel really lucky to have this as my 'day job' and to be a part in helping people share their joy and touch hearts through music. I can't think of anything more fun than coming up with songs that make others want to join in, and seeing how children instinctively 'get' the spirit and fun of music (or anything creative really) is such a great reminder that being creative is about the being bit, so much more than it is about the outcome. What makes you want to sing at the top of your lungs? Or what form of creativity calls to you to express your (imperfect/ unexpected) joy?   LD

Commitment

Commitment

Over a year ago, I started a blog. I published one entry and then didn't write again as I was absorbed in finishing my CD. I wanted a daily, or even weekly practice of blogging as a way to keep myself honest about being creative on a consistent basis, and to share this process with others who are looking to do the same. I got so caught up in thinking about how I wanted to do this, share it, how often etc. that I quickly felt a back-up of creative ideas that I wanted to share, and didn't know how to begin. Sound familiar at all? Sometimes I have so many things I want to start that I just don't.  SO.......... I am starting! I was on a walk this evening and looking out at this view I decided I just needed to commit. It feels really good actually to imagine dipping into this creative space as often as I can, and to share it. As soon as I made the decision I felt a buoyancy and delight... which reminds me how important it is to SHARE our creations... it completes the process. I am excited to begin this journey and look forward to hearing from people who are on similar journeys, and who want to start being more creative on a daily (weekly/monthly!) basis, whether that means making art, music, or just looking at life through the lens of creativity as the force that drives us... I become more and more convinced that for myself, engaging in the creative process makes me feel more like me, more alive, and connected to what I am meant to be doing. I'm curious how you experience creativity in your life- is it a part of your daily life and if so in what way? LD