by

On Beach Walk: No. 28

Embed from Getty Images

 

I like walking the beach. It’s good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.

Because music has been part of my life for many years, I think about the many musical instruments – let alone adding voices to the mix.

I think of the many instruments – brass, strings, woodwinds, percussion, and keyboards.

I think of all the instruments that are variations on a theme – as instruments causing vibrations so the air can transmit their designated tones to our ears.

I think of the vibrations caused by striking, plucking, picking, strumming, bowing, vibrating reeds, fingers and hands changing the length of columns of air, or influencing vibrating strings of different lengths, diameters, and composition – many times followed by boxes collecting the waves to distribute its resonated result into the air for transmission.

I think of all the unique instruments of global cultures – most of which are variations of other instruments found elsewhere – yet deliver something unique.

I think of a guitar – six strings of different diameters with the player’s fingers changing the length of each string to create the notes – unique vibration of air at different frequencies that nobody can initially hear.

I think about the created vibrations transferring into the guitar’s body where it resonates before exiting through a large opening. Along with string’s material, the body’s shape, type of wood, and it thickness are factors determining the final outcome that we initially cannot hear.

I think about the outer ear collecting the sound waves then the inner ear converts them into nerve messages. These are the messages that nerves transmit to the brain for interpretation – Now we hear the music.

Even without words, music speaks to each of us as it engages our soul, stimulates our minds, moves our imagination, and sparks different emotions.

One could say that music is magical – just like walking the beach that is good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.

38 thoughts on “On Beach Walk: No. 28”

  2. When I despair at what human beings have done to the world and each other, I sometimes think about music and remember we are capable of great things too. It’s a silly, romantic notion but I wonder if we could bring everyone together to sing, the positive energy created could help us overcome all our problems. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Your beach experiences are always so much nicer than mine. I’m still trying to get sand off the bathroom floor. The vacuum doesn’t pick it up, and my crawling around on my knees with a brush and dustpan doesn’t appear to be as thorough as picking it up with my bare feet unintentionally.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Jo,
      Sometimes my mind races – not focuses – or unable to keep sequence of thoughts. However, a topic can come forth! I obviously like a variety. Keep in mind that there is more to come! 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  11. I love the Beach Boys and listening to them always makes me feel a lot younger than I am. 🙂 I think when we consider the influences that create “good vibrations” and raise our level of contentment, beach and music are a wonderful pairing. Very nice post, Frank. Puts me in a relaxed state of being.

    Like

    Reply

  12. Good description of how the majority of musical instruments produce sound in your sentence “I think of the vibrations caused by striking, plucking, picking, strumming, bowing, vibrating reeds, fingers and hands changing the length of columns of air, or influencing vibrating strings of different lengths, diameters, and composition – many times followed by boxes collecting the waves to distribute its resonated result into the air for transmission.” What came to my mind was how the sentence included the accordion (referring to a box). I have recently toyed around with learning to play the accordion, for use in church, especially after reading an article in a recent music education journal talking about the phenomenal success of accordion classes in public school music programs.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Tim,
      I’ve been anxiously waiting to see what you had to say about this post. The sentence you mentioned took a lot of thought! Meanwhile, fascinating about the current use of the accordion!

      Like

      Reply

  13. Musical post, Frank. I do so love the symphony of sounds one finds everywhere. Just yesterday, I stepped out of the house at 3:30, to make my way to work. I was struck by the initial silence. Then the wind picked up and the rustle of the leaves of my trees and the neighbour’s, the hum of the distant highway was a constant… then a cyclist came by, adding his notes… I just stood there and listened. Then had to move my tush or be late!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Comment with respect.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.