Saturplay Stories, Pics, Highlights!

Music has always been present and important in society. We all know it’s a source of comfort and enjoyment, used to mark the most pivotal moments of our lives: Falling in love, having a baby, getting married, or choosing that first tune to play the moment you drive a car all by yourself. It adds to our general well-being… what’s a massage without the soothing sounds of a flute?

A few days before the first Saturplay event at Palmwoods, I read an online article by Jill Suttie about how music strengthens social bonds. In it, it described how in 2009, archaeologists unearthed a flute carved from bone and ivory estimated to be more than 35,000 years old. This proved that even during the hunting/gathering stage of human evolution, music was present and important to society. Why else take time away from survival tasks to create a musical instrument?

In a 2013 review of the research on music, Stefan Koelsch, music psychologist at the Freie University Berlin, described several mechanisms through which music impacts our ability to connect with one another – by impacting brain circuits involved in empathy, trust, and co-operation – perhaps explaining how it has survived in every culture of the world.

While playing your favourite music on dad’s old turn table or iPod is one thing, the power of music as a social magnet is quite another and we saw this in action at the first Saturplay event we hosted at Palmwoods on Saturday, May 30. The moment we announced we were putting on a free community jam, people showed interest, making and changing plans to be there. And then, when everyone turned up and sat down where they felt comfortable, the things that usually divide us suddenly fell away and we connected by making music. Most of these people had never met, yet they played together like old friends.

Interestingly, according to the article’s researchers, when we try to sync with others musically – keeping the beat or harmonising, for example, we tend to feel positive social feelings towards those with whom we’re synchronising, even if that person is not visible to us or in the same room. Though it’s unclear exactly why that happens, co-ordinating movement with another person is linked to the release of pleasure chemicals (endorphins) in the brain, which may explain why we get those positive, warm feelings when we make music together. Evidently, people who like the same music or instruments, instantly have a better opinion of that person! So … you can imagine the vibe between a bunch of djembe drum lovers.

I have always said djembe drumming has a way to connect people not only with others but with themselves and it was wonderful to see how many people enjoyed our first event. I am sure those of you who were able to make it will agree making music together not only creates and strengthens social bonds but certainly has the ability to uncreate the judgements we all too often have about ourselves and one another.

Now, I must give a special mention of thanks to Lee Hardisty who brought his divine and inspirational saxophone talents to the circle. Also to Bec Mount and her African Co-op dancers who shared some moves and Boris and Mitch Francis joining us on duns and balaphon. To everyone else who came, brought guitars, hoola hoops and harmonicas, you rock!

It was a great afternoon, filled with laughter, love, families and friends, old and new. We hope to see you again at the next Saturplay, on June 27 at 2pm, Renae’s Pantry, The Lane, Palmwoods.

PS: Here is a quick video and from the day. Thanks Dave!