In Ghana there is no word for performance. The act of
sharing music is called play. The children craft elaborate clapping and singing
games and watch adults offer traditional songs to each other. Drumming is common
and singing accompanies most daily activities. Music generates fraternity.
In our society with a few exceptions people feel that they can't carry a tune or
keep time to a beat. They feel that music is something that the talented do.
This form of art highlights the celebrity and commercial ends, is isolationist
and egotistic having little to do with the ecological, spiritual and social
challenges of our time. There is, however, another form of art: one that
inspires, uplifts, and serves the greater purpose of life.
One movement to improve the state of the arts is called Music Together. Starting
from humble roots 20 years ago and now in 23 countries, Music Together
cultivates children's musical development from infancy to kindergarten with
classes where parents and kids sing, dance, chant and play instruments together.
Specially trained teachers encourage the native ability in all human beings,
children and adults, to make music and dance. “We are on a mission to change the
world, one song at a time.”
Music, the songs of the Muses and the harmony of the living universe, has roots
in shamanic traditions and ancient civilizations including Egypt and
Mesopotamia. It embraces ritual, song, dance, drama, poetry, eloquence, gesture
and deportment. It's about expression, celebration, growth, joy, emotional
honesty and community. It fulfills emotional, psychological, aesthetic and
spiritual needs like no other human endeavour. We may have much to learn from
our brothers and sisters in Ghana about transmitting the transcendent and
invisible through the magic of music.
