The Sound of Music: one more stanza!

The school grounds at Nan Jung provide a beautiful setting for music practice of all kindsGood news! The pictures for “The Sound of Music” post are now up! You can revisit The Sound of Music to see them. I was glad to be able to do that finally. And in the process of doing so I found a lot more I thought you all would enjoy so I decided Teacher and student on another dulcimer-like instrument, this one with 40 stringsto go ahead and post them here in addition.

One day a couple of weeks ago I was amazed to hear the sound of music, around noon, coming from a door opened towards the center of the town. Going (once more) to the porch to Practice on the reed instrumentslisten, I discerned the clear melody line of a hymn. When it was finished there came another … and another. After an hour I hopped on my bike to investigate and found a small band playing up and down the streets of Chaojhou. A procession followed leading me to believe it The sound of music fills the whole schoolwas a Christian funeral this time. I’m still not sure.
And at church it’s been pure joy to teach music for the Sunday School. They’ve been very attentive learning Jesus Loves Me and in February we start God is So Good. This instrument was reminiscent of the Mongolian ar huThey are such an encouragement even teaching me Chinese along the way. And by the way, though fighting a cough at the time, the Lord enabled me to sing for the church Christmas party too. Silent Night. Six straight verses without an interruption. Praise the Lord.
Xylophones are a real part of the orchestra in TaiwanLife lived in harmony with His harmony–ascending or descending, progressing slowly or quickly–is glorious.
.
.
.
Seventh-grader with her xylophone close-upA simple instrument with intricately-written musicPart of the brass section

7 Comments

  1. Jonathan DeSeno January 16, 2009 at 12:30 pm #

    That’s intersting to see. Thanks for the pictures Donald.

  2. Joshua January 16, 2009 at 5:24 pm #

    The dulcimer is remarkable. Never seen one quite that large. Thank you Donald for posting those pics. That first picture has me wondering – looks like a cross between a harp & a dulcimer – dulciharp? 🙂

  3. Michael January 16, 2009 at 10:07 pm #

    Interesting how music is such a part of every culture. You can tell a lot about the general philosophy and morality of people by their music. You have witnessed such beautiful things there in Taiwan, it must be such a blessing, and I’m glad you haven’t taken it for granted. Thanks for posting.

  4. James January 17, 2009 at 9:49 pm #

    Donald, this is very good news! I absolutely loved looking at all the pictures. I can tell that you went out of your way to get a few of them.

    I’m glad you still had a Merry Christmas even though you were away from home! May God continue to bless your work there.

  5. Crystal January 18, 2009 at 4:53 pm #

    Great reminder of the importance of music in culture. Also reminded me of how one accord and music relate to each other.

  6. Dad and Mom January 28, 2009 at 7:42 pm #

    Very interesting. We enjoy keeping up with all your adventures – singing, teaching singing in the Sunday School, bicycling, picture-taking, etc. as well as the English Village work.

  7. Iris March 14, 2009 at 6:22 pm #

    Hi Donald,
    I have linked your website in our Nan-Jung English Village. Hope you get chance to see our English Village and Nan-Jung ICT blog.

    Best wishes,
    Iris

Leave a Reply

Notify me of followup comments via email.