Music in Community

by Martha Tecca

Shared 3/20/24

Music has been shown to contribute to wellbeing in many ways. 

Music can improve mood, decrease pain and anxiety, and facilitate opportunities for emotional expression. Research suggests that music can benefit our physical and mental health in numerous ways.

– from “9 Health Benefits of Music”, on the NorthShore Endeavor Health’s Healthy You Blog.

It has always been central to my life and, I’m happy to say, that’s carried on through our children’s lives. It has been a source of some of my most powerful memories and deepest friendships; and it continues to bring new friends, shared experiences, balance, joy, and moments of peace to often stressful and always overfull weeks. There’s nothing like music in community. Whether you’re singing or listening or dancing along, the music creates a physical resonance between the participants. A real connection.

It’s exciting that, since the pandemic, the Upper Valley has come alive with music sharing opportunities and musical performances for all ages and tastes. I hope you’ll make a point of getting out and into the music! Here are some highlights in the next few days:

  • Sunday 3/24 3-6pm, CommunityCare of Lyme presents a Cabin Fever Live Music, hosted by Mark Sunderwirth. Come to the fabulous sound space of the Lyme Center Academy Hall and share an afternoon of music, friends, and food – a simple spread of potluck soups, stews and finger snacks and sweets. Bring along something to share if you wish. Donations welcome.

  • Thursday 3/21 7pm, Converse Free Library presents A Singing Tour of South Africa with Village Harmony, with Sarah Shipton. Hear about her extraordinary January-February 2024 trip with a multi-national singing group. She’ll share South African sights, sounds, complex national history, and fun.
  • Friday 3/22 5:30-7:30pm, the Upper Valley Music Center hosts a Community Song Circle, with former Lyme neighbor Patricia Norton. “Add your voice to the circle with songs for soothing, energizing, strengthening, and digging ever deeper for resilience.” $20. Also explore Patricia’s remarkable Juneberry Music site, with a number of ways to engage your voice and your heart. Truly impressive, and, for many, transformative.
  • Friday 3/22 7-10pm, there’s a Cuban Dance Social at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Hanover. There will be an intro to rueda de casino class from 7:00-7:45 pm. No partner needed.
  • Saturday 3/23 6:30pm, it’s the Thetford Hill Church Extravaganza, with an array of music and stories, followed by a big buffet spread. It’s a fundraiser for the church and will be a fun night together. Among many others, Mark, Dan Freihofer, and I will be part of the show. And you’ll have chances to sing along! By donation.
  • Sunday 3/24 2pm, Lyme Congregational Church presents Hyannis Sound, an a cappella supergroup, back again with their almost annual alumni tour. Hanover High’s Dachords, with Lyme talents Tessa Cullin and Andrew Davis, will open the show. Make it a double-header and pop up the Hill to the Lyme Center Academy Building, perhaps with a potluck snack, and join in the fun!

Here’s to your music-filled health!

A few of many research-based articles on the connection between music and wellbeing:

“9 Health Benefits of Music” from the North Shore Endeavor Health Healthy You Blog , 12/31/2020

“Music and Health” from the Harvard Health Publishing, 9/11/2021

“Why Singing for Health & Wellbeing” from the Sing Up Foundation website, full of research, tools, and resources 

Every Wednesday, CommunityCare of Lyme lifts up a wellness topic, embracing the widest possible definition of individual and community well-being. We include local and national resources, individual and group programs and practices, and personal stories, videos, or songs that have something to teach us all. We are always seeking guest contributors! 

If you have a wellness-themed topic you would like to share or learn more about, please reach out to shelby@cclyme.org

Shelby Wood
Manager of Volunteer Participation
CommunityCare of Lyme
Shelby@cclyme.org
802-468-7776 (cell)
603-795-0603 (CCL office and help line)