The Universal Language of Music

During Bradley's job hunt, he had several interviews. One was with a local music school which has a mission to bring the love and respect of music to the Khmer culture. We were privileged to visit a concert at this school, and it was an odd familiarity to be sitting in a group of strangers, enjoying their children's talent. Although there were several differences, part of me felt like I was back in the cafeteria at Perry Middle School, waiting for Bradley to take the mic. However, Bradley, sitting next to me, was not the MC for the evening. Then there were the small quarters, where roughly 40 of us huddled on couches and make shift chairs, pretending we weren't hot and uncomfortable. The audience and musicians took turns, shifting and scooting in between performances, as the current entertainer climbed over others to take the stage. Another difference I quickly noticed was audience etiquette. Apparently, conversing at nearly any volume is acceptable. As the former audience patrol woman for Bradley's concerts, it was very difficult to ignore the chatter. It was a good lesson in patience, since my American self was struggling with frustration. Thankfully, though, I was able to remind myself that etiquette is a cultural thing, varying from one place and time to the next. That enabled me to better enjoy the entertainment before us.

Guitar is really big here, as most other instruments are too expensive or difficult to find.

Here's a young pianist, with a mere handful of lessons prior to this concert. She was a cutie.

This young lady did a great job playing, but I have to admit to a level of discomfort during this performance. 

Unless I misunderstood, each musician chose the piece they performed. This young lady picked a song with a few explicit lyrics. Nothing horrible or trashy, but not something I would want my young daughter singing. Some may think me prude, but to hear the voice of someone who has yet to reach puberty, singing about making love, is border line creepy. Although I realize that it might simply be a language barrier issue, as her mom was sitting in front of me, beaming with pride. I say that because the majority of the culture here frowns on PDA, and in general, are very conservative with relations before marriage. Bradley and I are often stared down in public, as we're hand holders and huggers... and sometimes we even kiss! I know, I know. Scandalous, but true.

This is one of their new teachers, and he played elegantly! Before this, I had never had the pleasure of hearing a classical guitar live. His talent had all of the young ladies swooning and giggling.

She blew me away. Although her accent is still pretty thick, she had only 1 or 2 lessons before this show. WOW. She sang "Counting Stars" by One Republic, and she nailed it.

This young man played beautifully. His violin was the only classical stringed instrument (non-guitar) represented.

Unlike the other musicians, this young gentleman had to be led to his place, as he is blind. In this culture, without any kind of government assistance, people with special needs must rely on others. As adults, they lean on a specific skill for any kind of income. The most beautiful music I have had the privilege of hearing here is from the blind men and women who walk the streets, led by a companion, as they play a traditional Khmer stringed instrument. This is how they make their living, or at least part of it, as they accept donations for their playing. I have also seen massage parlors where all of the masseuses are blind. I love that there are those who are helping people with special needs overcome a life of poverty and begging, as that would, otherwise, be their only option in this country.

Very talented young man. He took a few lessons from the school, but then had to quit, due to funds. The school still allows him to come practice though, and it was obvious as he strummed his guitar...

...and then tickled the ivories. 

Traditional Khmer music has a different sound and feel from what we're accustomed to as Westerners. Because of this difference, most of the people here struggle with the execution of most English songs, but this gentleman is an exception. His natural talent was evident, and I hope he continues to hone his God-given skills. It was a joy to partake in this intimate showcase of varied talents. We felt a camaraderie with the teachers, performers, and fellow audience members, as we all shared the peace that can be found in music. Some of the pieces were moving, reaching into your core, plucking your heart strings. Some were sweet, with adorable little hands, trembling under the rush of their first concert. Some were fun, turning you into a toe-tapping, bouncing fool, resisting the urge to jump up and sing along. With the inadvertent communication wall between us and the people here, it was a relief to sit with fellow humans, all of us relishing in the universal language of music.