Joe and Elle Adoption Profile
Music
Whether it be singing, dancing, playing or attending live events, lovers of music are who we are. Joe plays the Bass and his father, formerly a university music instructor, still continues to play piano/organ for church in his retirement. Joe's sister plays piano. Like Elle, her mother plays piano and her father, the Saxophone. Alex is still undecided but can't pass an hour without singing one of his favorite songs. We enjoy listening to music at live concerts, at church and on our devices.
Music connects us to others and is a language all can understand.
Playing Various Instruments
Under the balmy 75-degree sun, Elle twirled with Alex in her arms. Soon, other parents, visitors, kids were up and dancing to melodies streaming from the electric guitar, bass, piano and drums from Joe's band. It was Saturday, July 1st and American flags hung high in celebration of the 4th of July. Avid music-lovers, we are instrumentalists.
Elle started out with the clarinet, but now enjoys playing classical or church music on the piano. Joe plays the Bass no matter the genre and Alex jumps on his drums to heavy metal music or his “compositions”' on Elle's grandfather's classical guitar.
Singing
Singing is good for you and singing with others is even better. By increasing blood flow through the body, singing also encourages the brain to release feel-good chemicals such as endorphins, and helps to strengthen neural pathways and increase neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to change and adapt to new experiences).
Elle grew up singing in the church where her mother was the choir director. One of our favorite memories of singing together was to Joe's father's arrangement of the Battle Hymn of Republic for Joe's sister's birthday. Not a day goes by where Alex doesn't grace us with his renditions!
Attending Musical Events
"How many more minutes?" Alex sighed and covered his ears as sopranos, altos, tenors and bass singers belted out the choir director's version of "Rock of Ages". He is a trooper. Attending live events is a way of life for us. Musicals at the local Y, gospel music at church, heavy metal shows, salsa/merengue/bachata dancing along the river, concerts at school -- you name it -- if it's music we'll be there.
Living in New York affords the opportunity to not only hear different music in person but also to learn about other cultures. Life without music? Not a chance.