October 1st is International Music Day #MusicDay if your a Music Teacher or #Homeschooling your children then your lesson plans today could be all about different styles of #Music. For a Field Trip you could visit a music store, Symphony or a Concert featuring music your children would enjoy.
Movies about music would also be nice to see today or you could go to a play like Rent or Grease which are musicals. In the meantime is there a movie you love because of the music? I have several including Grease and Pretty Women or Sweet Home Alabama but I also love musicals like Hairspray.
In 1974, the International Music Council declared that International Music Day would be celebrated on October 1st every year. If you have the opportunity today you should celebrate International Music Day even if you don’t play music by actively appreciating and enjoying the power of music in bringing people together.
Since its inception in 1949, the International Music Council, an associate organization of UNESCO, strongly felt that music had the power to unite communities and foster world peace. The Council, especially its President in 1975, Lord Yehudi Menuhin, firmly believed that music can strengthen relationships and bridge cultural gaps among communities. Realizing this, the Council decided to devote one day in a year to music. The aim was to harness the power of music to unite communities and cultures and inspire them to coexist harmoniously.
Lord Yehudi Menuhin, arguably America’s most prolific violinist and music conductor at that time, as the President of the International Music Council, wrote a letter to the IMC members proclaiming October 1st as the International Music Day. In the letter, he clearly spelled out the reasons for marking October 1st International Day of Music.
The International Music Day was intended to:
- Encourage promoting musical art among all the sections of society.
- Motivate the application of UNESCO’s ideals of peace and friendship among people.
- Create space for the evolution of cultures through the exchange of experiences.
- Encourage mutual appreciation of cultures, especially their aesthetic values.
Since the first International Music Day on October 1st, 1975, over 150 Countries across the globe have celebrated the power of music to unite societies, communities, and people. International Music Day offers people an occasion to celebrate music and contribute towards a more peaceful, joyful, and harmonious society. Events on International Music Day include concerts, exhibitions, seminars on creating music, lectures, music conferences, and so forth.
How To Celebrate International Music Day
- In every neighborhood, there are budding musicians who would love to play in front of an audience. Organize an orchestra or solo performances at the Church or even at a business, with permission from the authorities. Livestream the performances over Facebook and Instagram for maximum coverage. The musicians will be thrilled to bits at the opportunity.
- Try to persuade people in your condominium or apartment complex to switch all noise off for a moment. This will reduce the sound pollution and give them the chance to listen to the sounds of nature including Birds chirping, wind whistling, leaves rustling, etc. People will appreciate listening to the music inherent in nature.
- The music teacher of your local school is perhaps the most respected authority on music in your neighborhood. Perhaps the person who owns the shop selling musical instruments also knows a thing or two about how music unites societies. Get them to speak and inspire kids and youngsters to take up music as a constructive pastime.
Music Rights Advocated By The International Music Council
- All people, including children and adults, should be able to involve themselves in music through participation, listening, creating, or sharing and gathering information.
- All children and adults have the right to learn any musical language and skill.
- All children and adults should be able to involve themselves in music through participation, listening, creating, or sharing and gathering information.
- All musical artists should have the freedom to develop their artistry and communicate through all media, with proper facilities.
- All musical artists should be allowed to obtain fair remuneration and just recognition for their musical creation and performances.
Why People Love International Music Day
- Listening to music in any form including jazz, classical, instrumental, folk, etc., is therapeutic.
- The great philosopher Plato rightly said, “Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life.”
- Just allowing yourself to indulge in music in the moment can soothe our perennially frayed nerves.
- In some Countries, the authorities ask people to observe traffic stoppages briefly to maintain a few moments of silence and curb sound pollution. Such rare occasions need to be savored.
- At many City Squares worldwide, soulful and melodious music is amplified through public speakers, etc. It is a feast for sore souls and minds. Experience your muscles relax when you hear the Symphonies playing out, especially early in the morning.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
