Unexpected Joy, Column for Iron County Today

 Unexpected Joy

by Sara Penny

A melody or a painting can trigger "unexpected joy" in a most delightful way. This phrase jumped out at me when listening to a music therapy podcast.  It is why live music is more exciting.  We aren't exactly sure what is coming next.  

When a dancer makes the perfect leap or the soprano hits the high note beautifully it can be thrilling. A painted landscape or photograph can reveal beauty we didn't notice when we were in that location.  

Recently I was able to enjoy the 30 year celebration of the SUU Ballroom Team with many exciting jumps and lifts.  It was fun to have the alumni dance together.  One of the most moving performances was the "Dust Bowl" piece, which was quite the contrast with the more exuberant and celebratory dances.

The Cedar City Music Arts performance with the Kruger brothers was another fun evening. It felt like family on stage.  They were originally from Switzerland and have made their bluegrass career in America.  The older brother looked like he belonged to my Grandpa Hafen's family from Santa Clara. The Hafens in Santa Clara were originally from Switzerland.  I sat up front so I could see their hands. The mandolin player was unusually good and barely lifted his fingers from the strings so he could go super fast.

The women's choir,  In Jubilo, gave an inspiring concert with heartfelt stories and music about hope. It was fun having the Canyon View Middle School students and OSU musicians performing as well.

The men's choir, Master Singers, also had a wonderful Easter concert with a wide variety of music. Caroleen Lee rose to the occasion with her piano skills as the accompanist. It was an "unexpected joy" to hear Pete Akins sing "Glory! Glory!" and enjoy music with the True Life Center Band.

You might see this column in time to go to the Cedar City Community Band Concert on Wednesday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m. in the Cedar High Auditorium. The concert features the "Movie Magic" music of John Williams. There are twists and turns in his music that provide unexpected surprises.  

We are looking forward to the last of the Cedar City Music Arts concerts on May 7 with the La Vida Guitar Quartet.

Another May highlight will be the Cedar CIty Junior Ballet performance of "Midsummer's Night Dream" on May 2nd and 3rd. They have lovely productions with a wealth of talent and lovely costumes.

There are so many performances at SUU it is impossible to get to all of them, but the students and faculty appreciate community support. You can check out upcoming events at https://events.suu.edu/calendar. They are at the end of the academic year, but  there will be plenty of performances at SUU during the summer with the Utah Shakespeare Festival. The Southern Utah Art Museum has a new exhibit available.

Back to the music therapy podcast with the harpist Judy Friesem. She tries to calm herself before she plays for people because "no one wants a distraught harpist." This is something I need to remind myself before teaching a violin lesson because the children do pick up on negative emotions. Music can aid with healing and with emotional recalibration for all ages.  To hear the talk go to https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/podcast/ethics-talk-therapeutic-music-and-peace-health-care. An easier way to find the podcast is to search for Judy Friesem and the podcast pops up a few lines down.

Wishing you many moments of unexpected joy as you enjoy our local arts community.

(printed April 2025)