MusiCANs' Importance

            Music hath contain history. 'Tis the pinnacle of representation; thine world hath been encased within such notes. Methinks such a concept is often overlooked.

            How can we show culture to the world? Andrew Ford displayed these feelings and worries in an article for Inside Story. “The arts in general are how we explain ourselves to each other and to future generations,” he explains in his story and I can’t help but full-heartedly agree. How can we show the development of society, its values and its place during a given time period? It’s difficult to portray passion and emotions in a more concrete manner through writing and/or hard facts. Sure, everything is poured onto a paper in a, presumably, poetic way, but can the reader truly understand a feeling or a mood? Punctuation and diction can only go so far.

            For instance, I could write a message to a friend saying, “I obviously fell in love with him instantly.”  Does the “obviously” denote a sense of reassurance, or a sense of sarcasm? Does this mean that I’m infatuated with someone? Does this mean I’m mocking his potential cocky personality? My friend won’t know unless she hears from me directly.

            Key word: “hears.”

            Music not only combines the art of poetry but also the art of writing. Put together, perhaps the clearest image of any thought can be conveyed. It is for this reason that music is such a wonderful representation of history.

            Can you name the presidents of each decade? Probably not, but I’m sure you can list the popular styles of music.

            '20s and '30s: Jazz.

            '40s and '50s: Swing; show tunes.

            '60s: Classic rock

            '70s: Disco

            '80s: Hard rock

            '90s and 00s: Pop; boy bands

            Music is a way of keeping in touch with the past, be it factually or emotionally. This notion of “keeping in touch” with the past only reminds me of Joan Didion’s non-fiction piece "Slouching Towards Bethlehem." In one chapter, she talks about the importance of keeping a notebook. “It all comes back,” she writes. “Perhaps it is difficult to see the value in having one’s self back in that kind of mood, but I do see it; I think we are well advised to keep nodding terms with the people we used to be, whether we find them attractive company or not … It is a good idea, then, to keep in touch.”

            Keeping in touch. Remembering the past and working toward the future. This is what music has taught us over the years. Simple melodies and harmonies will always have a way of finding a poignant moment in history or in our lives. The mood of the lyrics and the instrumentals is far too difficult to ignore. It’s our job to keep in touch with the past, and anyone can do so with the art of music and “… plug in to a form of philosophical discourse.”