Music and Religion

    Music connects in so many social aspects and forms. It's what connects to our ancestors and paves the way for the generations to come after us. A big role that music plays in my culture is through religion. Music can be used through religion to deepen the meaning of words. Music provides the opportunity for a more involved worship experience, incorporating song performance skills and in return gives a heightened sense of praise. the-desire-for-music-and-its-importance-in-religion

    My form of religion is Christianity. At church, I am a member of the praise team. Every Sunday, we sing about three to four songs during praise and worship, a song during tithes and offering, and a song before our pastor preaches. I believe that music is used to draw people into the worshipping atmosphere. Every time we sing, I believe that it presents the opportunity to allow the congregation to join in if they please. By the praise team leading songs, along with the congregation joining in, it allows everyone to join in together and lift up one voice to God. When singing we sometimes use a bit a conjunct and disjunct motion. One thing that we sometimes like to do is harmonize through consonance rather than dissonance. The tone colour can also vary based on the mood that we as the singers are trying to portray or the mood we are trying to set. Upbeat songs tend to make the congregation join in with clapping, stomping, and one or two people playing tambourine. On the other hand, slower songs open the gateway for a more reflective environment. 

    Another form of worship that is apart of my religious culture through music is praise dances. As we have learned in class, Native Americans used dance as a part of the ceremonial practices. In praise dancing, the dancers have the ability to openly interpret the music as a way of personal expression to God. Normally, when praise dancers raise their arms toward the sky or in front of their bodies, it is seen as a way of reaching out to God. Arms being held out to sides are known to symbolize Christ, surrender to God, or openness to healing and restoration. https://dance.lovetoknow.com/Praise_Dance_Moves

   One year, Christmas Eve fell on a Sunday. Usually, my mom always hosts a big Christmas Eve breakfast at my house, but because it was on a Sunday, we had it at church along with a small church service. As the youth of the church, we participated in the program by doing a couple of praise dances. We danced to the songs Now Behold the Lamb and Mary Did You Know. As we danced we were able to witness to the congregation, and connect with them dance through the story of Jesus and just how good God is! It was nice to see people drawn in on such a deeper level. The lyrics of the songs have so much power that people started praising God and thanking Him for His goodness and mercy. 

    Music will forever have an unimaginable power that can connect people from all aspects of life. I believe the purpose of music in religion is to draw people into having a deeper connection with God and letting themselves grow through the worshipping process.