The Harry Potter Alliance

By samantha

July 26, 2008

Day 6: Music Appreciation Day!

“Ahh…music, a magic far beyond all we do here.” – Albus Dumbledore

Music has the magic to bring tears, bring laughter, recall memories, and make peace. It can move your soul and change your life. Even in the world of Harry Potter, which we experience through reading alone, we can see evidence of how important music is – the Sorting Hat uses music regularly, we hear mention of the Weird Sisters more than once, people walk around the corridors singing during the holidays, and of course the phoenix song. Dumbledore was at his wisest when he spoke the quote at the beginning of this blog – music truly is a very powerful magic.

For me, music practically is my life. That may sound a bit strange or maybe perhaps like I have my priorities in the wrong order, but let me explain a bit. Music plays a vital role in my life. When I think back over my years, it is the music from that time that brings back the memories in vivid imagery. Music connects to my heart and in turn my heart connects to other people through the same music. In fact, I very often use music to express my thoughts and emotions. When I share music with others, I am sharing a part of myself and sharing my love with them. Yes, there are countless other aspects to my life but music is a constant across them all – a magical aspect that ties all the little things together.

Because music is so magical and very often a huge part of our lives, we feel that taking a day to explore our music and the music of others is an important way to celebrate the magic of our own world. Your task for today is two-fold.
1. Listen to one of your favorite songs and think about why you love this song so much. What do you feel when you listen to it? Does it conjure any memories or specific images? Write this information down in your journal, or if you want to share it with others let us know in the forum!
2. Find a new song that you’ve never heard before and listen to it as well. It may take a couple of times to really get a feel for it. While you listen to the song, think about what elements of the song you like (even if you really don’t enjoy it, you can think of at least one thing you can appreciate!). Again, does this song conjure any memories or images? Does it give you a particular feeling? Remember to write this information in your journal as well. If you are having trouble finding a song you’ve never heard, or if you are just curious, check out the HPA staff recommendations below!

Please feel free to discuss your favorite music as well as your thoughts about the new music you experienced today here on our forum!

Staff Recommendations:

Amanda, Project Manager, says, “When I’m feeling down, I enjoy listening to “Crash & Burn” by Savage Garden. But for sheer fun, I love Weird Al, especially “Attack of the Radioactive Hamsters from a Planet Near Mars” and “The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota” (which I’ll be visiting again this summer!). Jonathan Coulton rocks too, especially his “Re Your Brains”!

Ami, Wizard Rock the Vote Co-Coordinator, recommends “Be My Witch Tonight” by The Mudbloods and “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure.

Karen, Chapter Coordinator, recommends “My Life” by Billy Joel and “Song of Man” by Phil Collins (from the Tarzan soundtrack).

Tita, Forum Manager, recommends “Origin of Love” by Hedwig and the Angry Inch and “No Day But Today” by the cast of Rent.

and lastly I (Samantha, Wizard Rock the Vote Coordinator), recommend “Bus Stop” by The Hollies (This song is just amazing – so upbeat and adorable. They need to make a romantic comedy based on this song.) I also recommend all the tracks on Sufjan Stevens’ Come On, Feel the Illinoise and “Rhapsody in Blue” by George and Ira Gerswhin (this song fills me with happiness!).