I have learned many things about accordions and the people who played them. But I recently learned something about how powerful music can be in the lives of people.

A few months ago, I had an older couple visit us. There were several people already in the museum and I was about to play a few songs for them. Most everyone present was older looking and so, I decided to play “Moonlight Serenade” by Glenn Miller. As I started to play, one elderly man stood in front of me staring at the accordion. He seemed to be deep in thought. But he suddenly walked over to his wife and taking hold of her, they began to dance. Everyone present smiled and enjoyed seeing them together.

When the music stopped, the fellow got embarrassed and exited the room very quickly. His wife however, slowly began walking out as well. But then she stopped, turned, and came closer to me. With tears in her eyes, she told me that her husband had not danced with her for over 30 years. This was the first time. It was amazing to see the power of the music at work.

More recently, I had two semi-professional musicians come in for a visit. Both men were in their late 30’s and both had experience playing in orchestras. One played the bassoon and the other, a clarinet. They were in the area for a several week course of music instruction for playing in an orchestra. They met and decided to bunk together for the duration of the course. They wanted to see an accordion and to try playing it. I watched them turn into two 5-year-olds laughing and joking as they worked with the accordion.

I asked them where they lived. The fellow who played the bassoon came from Iran and was visiting here in the USA. The other man who played the clarinet was from Israel. I was shocked to hear that, considering all of the news these days of the conflict between their two home countries. They told me that they decided to not allow anything to come between them that could damage their love for music and the friendship bond that had developed because of that love. That musical bond was sacred to them.

So now I wonder. Could music be the “glue” that helps keep us together rather than be separated in hatred? I have democrats and republicans who visit us often at our accordion museum, both at the same time no less. We all laugh and enjoy the accordion music. The music reminds us of those times in the past where we all shared our love and concerns with one another regardless of our political beliefs. Invariably, someone always asks the question…

“Isn’t this how it was meant to be?”

Life seemed better back then because we valued our friendships. It was more stable and less stressed filled. We were meant to work at creating and maintaining those friendships. Music helps us do that (especially accordion music!).

I know we have tapped into something very special here at our accordion museum and shop. All I can say is that you have to come and experience it. I bet you too will leave feeling like this is how things were and should be once again.

Paul Ramunni…Owner and curator – Shared from https://www.facebook.com/paul.ramunni.1

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