Music and Rituals

I absolutely cannot start my morning after I wake up without some chill music throughout my morning until I have to leave to go wherever that may be. The very first thing I do when I wake up is put on some kind of lo-fi or relaxing guitar music to help me stay focused and have a mindset for a positive and productive day.  It really makes my morning routine go a lot smoother and it becomes more enjoyable; when normally, it would be tedious and frustrating. The same goes for when I get in the car. The first thing I do before buckling, adjusting mirrors, etc... is to find some music I like. I normally listen to the classical radio station because it's relaxing and puts me in a good mood for the drive. Also; a shower with music is a lot better too. (No million-dollar ideas happening anyway) Music enhances pretty much everything in life; Why not have music playing before everything you do? 

Another example of a ritual involving music; although cliché sounding for this blog, is the happy birthday song but in Italian. I used to work for Carrabba's Italian Grill and every time someone's table had a birthday, I was asked to sing Italian Happy birthday. It was fun for a while at first but sometimes there would be so many birthday tables...about 8 or 10 sometimes all in one evening. It would be pretty much awkward and annoying by the third or fourth time being sung in a row. Most of the time I wasn't even tipped. Although, now when it's someone's birthday, I have this urge to sing happy birthday in Italian to them. I know it did mean a lot to some of the patrons at the restaurant, though. I've been told a lot of the regulars miss having "the opera singer" at that Carrabba's location.

Another music ritual that comes to mind is; before any baseball game, you can guarantee that the national anthem will be sung. Usually with some unnecessary, virtuosic vocal ornamentation. Maybe with a pop or r&b stylistic twist but nonetheless, it will happen. I grew up playing and watching baseball. It's just something that happens before any baseball game. Being an American Past-time, it's only natural to stand, hand over heart, with respect and pride as you listen with everyone else in honor of this country. It's only appropriate to do before a purely American game with so much history behind it. I trust that everyone knows all the lyrics to this tune. "Take me out to the ballgame" 

Music has a ritualistic aspect in everyone's lives for a lot of different reasons. It's interesting. I wouldn't assume people really think too much about it, especially referring to it as a "ritual". Although it's happening so much every day, whether it's big events like weddings, funerals, birthdays or sporting events; to just a simple morning routine.