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Essay by an Educator An Exceptional Journey on the Wings of Music
Charlotte Guérette Faced with this realization, it is not easy, as Gilles Vigneault says, to "leave time the time to linger" [translation], to settle in comfortably (as at a friend's house), in the everyday reality of each home, each class, even each library. Once settled in, with ears, eyes, spirit and heart opened wide, children will discover that they can count on each musical pause offered by the story or its telling, to help them blossom and live out their childhood intensely. Infinitely precious moments of which no adult worthy of being called an adult would dare deprive them! Books that express various aspects of musical life have been selected from the wealth of best works of literature for children and young people published in Canada since 1980. And as happiness never comes alone, well known or emerging illustrators have chosen to decorate these books with their best work, expressing their personal impressions and interpreting the text on the pages that they share. Is it pretentious to believe that the intention of each of the illustrations is none other than to send them straight to the heart of each child? And what about all the possibilities of animating reading which may derive, thanks to the planning, preparation and realization of activities, from relevant readings aimed at encouraging the thirst of knowledge for those youths? These activities represent an incomparable stimulation of their creative spirit associated with certainty, to participate in one or another of the great musical movements: those that revive great times of the past, or even all the others who register themselves in perpetual human dynamics in search of truth, depth, authenticity, joy of spirit and happiness. All that, thanks to authors and illustrators who, in the light of knowledge which the authors and illustrators acquired through works, instrument creators or even sheet music, choose to use the universal aesthetic language of music to reach each growing child. In order to be sure to achieve this end efficiently, it is important to make every effort to create reading activities that are fascinating for the adult mediator and the child. These activities will be directly associated with, or complementary to, significant aspects identified in the book; it could be a matter of exchange, discussion and exploration activities or simply a promotion of a book for youth. A unique book or a group of titles dealing with a theme, an era or even… could also constitute a reading or writing activity. Why could books not become the trigger for the preparation of a play featuring a composer or musical instrument which would provide a place for expression which would not normally exist? These are only a few of the paths for the desired and desirable use of works of children's and young adult literature which it will be necessary to explore in the various educational milieus in order to give music the homage it deserves and that it renders us as well. Here is an overview, a part of an infinite wealth of literary works of which musical time lightens up the lives of youth, once one opts to put the works in the forefront for every youth. Parents, teachers and librarians who spend time on this subject already know that it holds an adventure, where the meaning of life and the growth of children harmonize and resonate in unison. Life is expressed through music! No child, even when he or she has become an adult, could live without it. Devouring the books in which music can speak is more than a luxury, it is fundamental. Ensuring that children have access to these books does not depend on a random decision: for each of them, it is a right. Take note: a child is never too small to discover the music of words understood and read, thanks to books. No one ever becomes too old to read and understand; the artistic result definitely gives the child wings. What better way to ensure that the best path is taken on this fascinating voyage through life? May all children grow up with a pair of musical wings solidly attached to their back! |
