Landfillharmonic

In the video about the “Landfillharmonic” the two girls’ statements offer some insight into the power of music. For the girl who feels “butterflies” in her stomach when hearing the violin, she is experiencing an aesthetic quality in music that cannot be replicated in any other way. Even other forms of art miss the temporal qualities inherent in music. She may also be experiencing “butterflies” due to the fact that music can be a means of self-expression. For the children that live in the landfill, music can help them have a voice and communicate their thoughts and feelings. The girl who states that “My life without music would be nothing” is speaking to the expressive power of music. Her life in the landfill may feel desperate and lacking in purpose. Music can be a source of engagement, self-expression, and development as a person. The ensemble camaraderie may also be a source of “something” for the young girl, but there is no evidence to support this claim directly.

In general, the video demonstrates how people everywhere value music. Though it serves no practical purpose, music is so important that people will make instruments out of recycled garbage. The video is truly a testament to the power of music and people’s desire to make music no matter the obstacles. I see the video as an excellent example for advocacy. The desire of these kids to play an instrument is clearly visible and they state directly how they feels about music in the video. There is value in music as a core subject because it teaches things not taught anywhere else. It speaks to students’ need to self-express, have an identity, and engage in aesthetic feeling among other reasons. I have seen this short video several times and each time I am amazed at the audacity of the situation. No matter what, people are drawn to music and music making.