My husband has decided that he wants to learn to play the flute. I feel fortunate that he chose a relatively quiet instrument. During early marriage, he decided to learn the guitar, but was too busy with work and family so gave that up. Now in “later marriage” we’re back to learning music again. Thank goodness he has his man cave. I can close the door. Maybe lock it if need be!
When our children were old enough we got instruments for them and they took band at school. They played their little concerts for us at home, and we enjoyed attending the school performances. One played the trumpet, one the clarinet, and one the modern day flute.
The Native American flute has a lovely, soothing sound that has been used for centuries for inspiration, healing, meditation, and even love. Legend has it that a young man was totally smitten with a lovely lady but could not get her attention no matter what he did. Eventually, he discovered that a branch with holes in it from a woodpecker’s handiwork made a lovely sound when the wind blew through it. He wondered if his breath would do the same, and it did. He learned to create beautiful, soulful music with the instrument and finally got her attention leading to gaining her love. It then became customary to play the flute for the lady whose attention you want to attract.
Flute music is rich in folklore but some very serious issues can be addressed with the help of its amazing music: “I heard how playing the flute and creating music enhanced people’s lives. I heard stories from caregivers, how playing their flute eased their patient’s discomforts. Other therapeutic stories, involving people with asthma or C.O.P.D., war veterans who found comfort in playing their flute. Teenagers suffering from self-esteem issues were suddenly finding confidence. I heard from those incarcerated, who found joy at having a new way to express their feelings.”– Odell Borg on High Spirits Blog
As always, there is lots of mixed information in history, but it appears that the Anasazi had flutes as early as 625 AD. Through the years there have been many different designs used by the various tribes. The famous Kokopelli, a widely recognized image today, is a symbol of fertility and is usually shown playing the flute. Its music is now found in New Age and world music recordings, as well as in western music, rock bands, jazz, and symphonies.
Bob is doing well with his flute, and I have no doubt that he will be playing beautiful music for us very soon. He may be planning to expand his horizons though. I found his letter to Santa and he was requesting a drum for Christmas. So much for quiet music!
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