Clovis' music programs are important to young people

Gladys Birdsong

Editors note: This is the fourth in a series of columns celebrating music in our schools week.

Music is special. It is the harmony in my life. It affects our mood and it is truly the universal language.

I can’t imagine my life without a song in my heart, whether it is happy, sad, or somewhere in between. I am so thankful for all the people who have been an influence in my life, especially those who taught me a deep appreciation for music.

I have loved music from the age of 6 when I sang solos for the church congregation and when I sang in ensembles in elementary and junior high school and in duets at church. I learned to sing harmony at an early age, and friends and I kept the school bus group entertained (whether they liked it or not).

A special family in Roswell took me to the violin lessons in elementary and junior high. I was privileged to be the only junior high student to play with the high school orchestra for baccalaureate services.

Then, I could hardly wait until my 14th birthday so I could sing in the adult church choir where I continue to be an active member. One of my life goals has been to learn to play the piano, and I have enjoyed this wonderful and challenging experience for almost two years now.

Church choirs, the Clovis High Plains Chorale and Community Choir provide opportunities for us to participate not only for our own pleasure, but also to serve our community.

Clovis is fortunate to have many talented music instructors, private as well as a wonderful school program. I am so thankful for those who teach that music can be so very special. It is a hobby, a career, therapy, community service — whatever we want it to be. It is important that our young people have the opportunity to appreciate music and participate in music programs where they learn the universal language and add harmony to their lives as I have mine.

Gladys Birdsong is the 27th Civil Engineer financial manager at Cannon Air Force Base.