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Music and Peace Go Hand in Hand

Aug 22, 2013

 

By Yury Zavala Castro, 2013 BYUH Kosovo Intern

A few semesters ago, I took a psychology course that left a phrase engraved in my mind: “Difference is not equivalent to deficit.” My stay in Kosovo has helped me come to a more profound understanding of that phrase. The differences were evident and as transparent as a clear summer day. Although at the beginning I felt out of place, the welcoming smiles of the people and the pure happiness of the children can make anyone feel at home. The Shropshire Music Foundation does truly what it states: “Teaching peace through music.”

Ever since I was younger, I dreamed of having the opportunity to work with children. This program has been one of the most impacting experiences in my life. Not only am I learning to love a culture completely foreign to mine, but I’m also learning along with the children. I’m learning music. I’m learning to smile. I’m learning to be happy. I’m learning to genuinely love others. And I’m finding peace.

 

We began this week by going to work the Roma kids outside of the city. From what I’ve come to understand from the volunteers native to Gjakova, the Roma society is not integrated into the Albanian society. We arrived at the school bright and early, but the kids were even more awake than us. The innocence and happiness coming from the children’s eyes once they saw us arrive was overwhelmingly majestic. To receive that reaction upon the first moment you arrive is reinforces the desire to try to make them even happier. There is absolutely no way that you can look them in the eyes and not smile. Our time at the school consisted of the singing songs with and playing games for about two hours, but it time flew so fast that it seemed less than an hour. The environment truly does change once the music and singing is introduced. It becomes even livelier than what it begins as.

On Tuesday, we traveled to the Mazllum Kepuska school in Gjakove and waited for the children to come, but many were out of town. So that day consisted mostly of intensive training for the volunteers. I have always considered myself to be music illiterate since it was something I never mastered. Although I love music, art, and dancing, I was never in the right environment to be able to progress further in it. This program has not only allowed me to view the impact of music on others but also on myself. It has restored my self confidence and reminded me of a something I had forgotten, I can do anything I wish as long as I dedicate myself towards achieving that goal.

Wednesday began with singing and clapping with the younger “camp kids”–kids from who used to live in the IDP camp for families left homeless during the war. After we sang a couple of songs with them, we took them outside to play games and eventually did a couple of artistic activities with the children. When I work with these children, all I wish to do is to solve all their problems. However, that’s neither my goal nor this foundation’s goal. Personally, I feel that this program not only teaches them to play music, but also gives them a refuge from the daily troubles of life.

Thursday consisted mostly of introducing rests to the older “camp kids”. The children picked it up so fast that I honestly wished I had their musical ability. We also taught the kids the “cup song” which they enjoyed very much. Their mistakes were easily forgotten and overcome once they conquered the movements and beats of the song. After a couple of tries, we were even able to play the cups to a melody. Finally once the session ended with the children, they returned home and our day consisted more of intensive training. On Friday, we were able to visit a historical town of Prizren. Fridays are usually like the other weekdays which consist of working with the children, but due to special circumstances we switched our Friday schedule with the Saturday schedule.

In Kosovo, every day is a new experience and the working with the children gives the days a priceless enchantment. This program has discovered how impactful music can truly be in everyone’s lives. It’s impossible to not feel at peace when you learn and play the music in this program. Without a doubt, music and peace go hand in hand.