This winter my family added a one hour commute to school as part of our daily routine. We found our “dream house” and of course bought it before it went to someone else, however, we also weren’t willing to give up the small community pre-school we so love for our two little ones. Thus, for the remainder of this year we spend a significant portion of our day in the car. There are downsides to this for sure, yet there have also been some unexpected upsides. One of which is singing.
I grew up with the radio always on, at home and in the car, so naturally that remains common for me today. Add to that a music streaming service and I’m likely to always have songs playing that are to my liking. I have no rhythm as a dancer, but man do I like singing! Well, let’s clarify that: I like singing to myself. In the car, alone, I’m belting out Tom Petty, Dave Matthews, and the occasional Taylor Swift, like it’s nobody’s business. I don’t see any harm in continuing this with a 4 and 5 year old in the back seat.
Generally what happens is that they also start singing. But not what I am singing, rather it’s a song they know. These aren’t songs they hear on the radio. They’re from singing circle at school, from the Music Together class we attend, or the songs we sing during meals at camp.
The thing is as soon as the singing starts the mood changes. I’ll be honest, I can be a bit persnickety in the morning, yet, a good full sing changes all of that, instantly.
And that’s why singing is so key to our every day at Brown Ledge. Whether you’re feeling down, homesick, or tired once the songs start in the dining room the smiles break out. It unifies us as we find rhythm together, share the lyrics, and coordinate our movements. And even if you don’t know the words, or engage in the singing, you can’t help but absorb the happiness of those around you.
Singing is the epitome of the Brown Ledge Spirit and, like a good song in your head, the Brown Ledge Spirit never dies.
Brooks Johnson
