The first time I saw this video, was probably 4 years ago when it was sent to me by another musician. I remember sharing the video with one of my 5th grade classes and although the subtitles went by very quickly, the students' response to what they saw was amazement. They couldn't believe that children that were probably around the same age as them were playing instruments made out of recycled trash.
When one of the musicians in the video talks about getting butterflies in her stomach every time she hears a violin, it reminds me of the readings from module 3. Music is an aesthetic experience. From my point of view, life in that little village in Paraguay is probably more challenging than I could imagine. Those people are living a life where they are trying to make money from re-selling other peoples' garbage. As a child, there probably isn't a lot of joy being experienced. However, having a recycled violin (which isn't even a real instrument in most Westerners' minds) can bring so much joy. Music give this girl, and others in the orchestra, a way of self-expression.
The other view expressed by another musician, "without music, life would be worthless," really stresses the importance of music and music education for all. These children are learning so many things - how to read music, express themselves, learn discipline through practice - are giving these children something positive in their lives.
This video shows us the power of music education. It can be the bright light in a world of darkness. It can provide the happiness that so many people long for. Music education is something that should be available to all children.
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