Music brings folks together during time of uncertainty

It’s been a whirlwind the past few weeks, for all of us.

We practice social distancing, work, school, and play in quarantine, and navigate the world of unknowns. And still, we witness music bringing people together. People playing songs to each other from their apartment windows, posting mini concerts through social media, free live streaming of the Met, collaborative online music projects of powerful songs like “Imagine” and “What the World Needs Now is Love” and recently I found a new song and uplifting music video by Shane Tutmarc, “A Brave New World.” Some musicians have set up donations for their posts. Support them if you can! As we say in the nonprofit world, every little bit helps.

The world knows music will help us get through. If you Google music and COVID-19, the list of stories and videos is long and beautiful.

One North Valley Music School educator and music school family recently both shared letters about what the music school has meant to them.

Don Rees, who teaches guitar and banjo for the school, recently got a staph infection that circulated in his body and adhered to his artificial knee. He learned that an hour delay in getting to the hospital from the initial time he felt intense pain and he might not have lived.

“I cannot express my gratitude enough to my friends at NVMS for taking care of me, from shuttling me and my car home, to taking me to my follow-up appointments, when I was in a lot of pain and not mobile,” he wrote. “Now the first hurdle is over. I have till August, if all goes well, to get to where I can focus on strength building.”

He is hoping to be out cross-country skiing this winter, but says he couldn’t have gotten to where he is today without the help and support of his colleagues, especially during this scary COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am so grateful to have NVMS as my family and the messages from many of my friends from there have really helped me mentally adjust,” he said. “I regret not being able to teach for a while because I really believe that you all continuing on is a wonderful thing. It’s providing these students with something to focus on during this difficult time. This whole virus thing is really bringing out good in people and our emotions are one thing that we have to express. I never really wanted to depend on people and I’ve always tried to do things on my own, even in my fire career; it was my program, my crew, and I had to make all the final decisions. Now, when I find myself in a position where I need someone to help me, it is truly great to have people that I can rely on when I need them.”

The Strom family is moving from the Flathead Valley and recently shared their experience noting that they will continue to look for musical opportunities.

“Thank you so much for everything, your kindness, safe space, kid snacks, teachings, and hugs,” they wrote. “We really appreciate it and will never forget you or NVMS. The staff has been a second family for our kids and it is irreplaceable. The scholarship program has been a godsend. Music will go on for them with many teachers in the future.”

North Valley Music School is committed to continuing its mission through this crisis. Private lessons and classes for all ages are now offered online. Enrich your life through music! Listen, learn, inspire, and support music in our world! Go to www.northvalleymusicschool.org to learn more. Be safe, stay healthy and have music in your life.

Deidre Corson is the executive director of North Valley Music School.