Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 10:39 PM

I remember being sent to Silk Grass Village at age 17, as principal of the Methodist school there, by Rev. Goff, who was in charge of the Methodist diocese in Belize at the time. Silk Grass, like Hattieville, was built to house those displaced by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. It was a small village, a mile away from Hopkins, and it was one of the few villages that had electricity at that time. The light plant would be on until 10:00 p.m., when it would shut down, replaced by millions of stars made visible through the darkness of the night. I missed my parents, especially my mom, since I had left home for the first time, and because of my innocence. Wat a ting!

What l looked forward to most late nights was music on Radio Wimsol, a station in Managua, Nicaragua, that came through loud and clear, even clearer than Radio Belize, back then. They would play all types of music all night, especially the latest American hits, some classical music and a lot of Ennio Morricone! The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, For a Few Dollars More, A Fistful of Dollars, all those Clint Eastwood spaghetti western soundtracks. It was a different kind of music back then, new music in the late 60s, that I loved and looked forward to every night and listened to, till I fell asleep. Hugo Montenegro and his orchestra’s interpretation of those classic western songs on Radio Wimsol was perfect. Morricone is one of the greatest modern composers, especially of movie soundtracks. Memorable music for memorable times!

I have never been able to fall asleep without music. It’s mostly classical or new age or just ambient sounds these days; but I’ve always found it all so comforting, so reassuring, telling me that tomorrow will be a better day. Some of us older folk have trouble falling, or staying asleep at night, and for me, music makes the lack of sleep more bearable. I miss those days when my head would hit the pillow and I was out till morning!

I believe that music, like books, should be an integral part of everyday life, especially for our children. It’s cleansing and transforming, and like books, takes you on unimagined adventures, especially in the uber-active minds of children. Some people prefer silence as they journey into dreamland; I prefer to be accompanied by music.

I know that it might sound ridiculous, but music is one of my coping mechanisms. We all have our ways of coping with life; for me, my music is a constant and dependable companion, not only late at nights, but throughout my day! Some good punta or soca music during my workouts helps to stimulate my enthusiasm to push my muscles a little harder. During a long drive I prefer music to talk radio; it has to be music that keeps you awake, though; you don’t want to end up in a ditch, or worse, while listening to Vivaldi!

I guess that music has always been a part of my life, has helped me through hard times, has inspired me in romantic moments, has sobered me up to the realities of everyday survival. Dancing or relaxing or working, music helps one through the day, through life’s challenges. The first song I remember hearing is, “How Much Is That Doggie in The Window?” Then Nat Cole, Jim Reeves, and the soundtrack of my life begins.

I love all types of music; I keep adjusting my taste, and am seldom disappointed. Right now, my favorite song is, “Liar”, by Jelly Roll. I can’t imagine how different life would be without music, any music.

“If music be the food of love, play on.” — Twelfth Night, by Shakespeare.

Glen