We may not be doing much traveling these days but we can still enjoy a little cultural flair and escape from the day-to -day. This week at Juniper Village at Mount Joy we enjoyed an aural vacation! Professional Singer and long-time friend of Juniper, Jeanie Kent, zoomed in an extra special musical treat. Our Connections team dropped off iPads for residents to join in from the comfort and safe distance of their own suites. Then we were ready for takeoff! The program began with a tour of Europe including folk song Santa Lucia of Italy, Schlaf In Guter Ruh of Germany and The Last Rose of Summer of Ireland. Then we traveled to Asia for the Korean folk song Arirang and Kangding Love Song of China. The contrast of these songs is evident in more than simply language. Melodic pattern, rhythm and form vary among cultures. Yet one constant that remains with folk music the world over is its transmission through an oral tradition. We’re grateful for these beautiful songs being passed down over the ages. We are grateful for Jeanie sharing them with us this week through her talents and we’re grateful for the lessons shining through a program such as this – an appreciation for our differences, for what makes us truly unique, while recognizing still, our unity.
