May 22 - Buy a Musical Instrument Day

How many musical instruments can you name?  That's your challenge today.  Think of all the brass instruments (trumpet, trombone...), woodwinds (clarinet, saxophone...) percussion (drum, cymbal...), strings (cello, guitar...), and keyboard (organ, piano...).  There is also a new classification of instruments called "electronic instruments" which includes things such as a laser harp, synthesizer, and turntable. How many did you come up with? Wikipedia has a list of over 1000 different instruments, including many instruments used in native countries.

The first mention of an instrument in the Bible is in Genesis 4:21-- Jubal,  he was the father of all who play stringed instruments and pipes. There are lots of other instruments in the Bible. Psalm 150 names nine instruments in that one chapter!  Can you name a Bible character you know who played a harp?  Yep, David played the harp for his sheep and for King Saul.

I know many students at Pillager school learn early how to play a recorder. That is much like a clarinet and you can play lots of great songs on it.  A recorder is an easy instrument to start with and you can even buy them at the Dollar Tree for $1. In fifth grade you get to choose a band instrument, and even before that many kids start piano or guitar lessons.  Those are great instruments to learn because you can use them for the rest of your life.

So, today is "Buy a Musical Instrument Day".  If you can't buy something today, try to make an instrument -- maybe a drum with sticks.  Use your instrument to sing to God and enjoy music today. It is a gift from God!!

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