Reflections from a Former Band Teacher

Well “I woke up this morning” to a “zippity du dah kind of day.” Last night was quite a Rock and Roll time with big waves and wind.

Over the last two weeks I’ve become fascinated with the peace of no cars, construction sounds, feeling of hustle and bustle and have to get there.

Instead I’ve felt a real touch with music through visuals and sounds. First I noticed with both the moon and sunrises, the beginning of a crescendo as they rose and small beginning become larger and then a beautiful beam of light across the ocean.

The swish sounds of the boat going through the water with a little emphasis on their beginning if the bow hit a wave. The sounds of clatter if we are headed up or down too much and the sails would then talk to us in an angry racket. Sometimes just the crack of a whip (as in Sleigh Ride). The reaction of the dodger material as it felt the wind and boat movement. (Someone playing on a set of 4-5 toms with a soft mallet and ending with a buzz rather than single tap).

Of course there’s the sound of water drops if a wave splashes up too - like a rain stick in slow motion.

The moon sets with a decrescendo visually on the water, while the sun sets with beauty and color, a soft suspended cymbal roll that if one sees the “Green Flash” could end with a sizzle.

Of course then there’s the wind. At times it’s like an Alto voice humming and as the wind gets higher, the alto tone slightly rises and falls with the wind velocity. And of course, the rush of fresh sounds and feelings in one’s ears as the velocity strengthens and diminishes.

Besides the peace, beauty, and musical moments, the being with a fun group of very diverse but like minded sailors with a skipper, mate, and intern that have routed us around storms, fixed mechanical issues way above my knowledge, and encouraged and made this voyage a magical time. Thank you!