Rhythms, Harmonies, and Cadences of Life
Again and again, I am reminded of how music echoes life, and life echoes music, and of how this echoing unfailingly inspires my days.
Each week, I have the treat of working with a high school student who assists me with our North Coast Strings program. She approaches every task with energy, precision, and enthusiasm. Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking with two university students working on a “Music in San Diego” project and enjoyed answering their very thought-provoking questions. And in recent interviews for a position here at the Museum, I was struck by the number of deeply capable people in our midst. These encounters with the next generation remind me that they are setting their own rhythms, writing their own melodies, and shaping the world with fresh takes on life’s themes. I am excited to hear and enjoy their future creations.
Amid the whirlwind of work and life outside of work, I often find myself just a bit behind on emails and tasks (yes, I admit it). This brings on the distinct sensation of musical dissonance, i.e. the tension created when notes clash, producing a sense of instability that seeks resolution. It is not a comfortable place, and it begs to resolve quickly! Yet within this dissonance, I am grateful for those who wait with patience, like a steady sustained chord. Their grace humbles me and makes it easier to clear the tension and restore consonant balance as soon as possible.
Then, there is the harmony that grows stronger every day among the museum team. Each person contributes a distinct melodic line—from the deep tones of curation to the flowing arcs of storytelling to the rhythmic pulse of organization, planning, and the unexpected turns of creative strategic thinking. Together, these voices create fascinating harmonies and rich chords that resonate far beyond our walls, ultimately forming the impact of our work.
Beyond the Museum, other notes continue to strike chords of inspiration: visiting a fine woodworker whose devotion to his craft evokes the artistry of an instrument builder; a friend’s generous invitation to attend an important event, reminding me of the way music is meant to be shared; and the honor of inducting an esteemed musician into the San Diego Music Hall of Fame, reminding me how important it is to celebrate a life whose contributions have made the world a bit richer, a bit better.
Together, these rhythms and harmonies, seasons of dissonance, and cadences of generosity form a soundscape that somehow points toward hope. And it excites me to no end to see so clearly how our experiences on this earth are reflected in musical concepts and forms. Life, too, is made of dissonance and tension, surprise, deceptive cadences, key modulations, rest and renewal, and the gift of resolution. All are necessary. All are integral parts of a fully lived life. All are reflected in myriad musical ways.
