The Kentucky Derby...and Music??

What does music have to do with the Kentucky Derby? Tomorrow about 6:20 PM will be the 132nd running of the Kentucky Derby. In case you don't know about this world-famous event, it is said to be the most exciting two minutes in sports. Thousands of people try year after year to get a Derby box but end up in the stands of this historic track or even in the infield. Right before the horses begin their jaunt into the gate, one carefully chosen trumpeter plays the famous long trumpet. The tune is known world-wide as the "call to the post." Like most fanfares it is intended to get your attention and it does just that. It is no more than 8 bars of music but it is so well-known even among non-afficionados of racing, that the tune immediately stirs up images of the Churchill Downs and its famous twin spires. It is a classic example of music's conditioning effect. There are a handful of tunes that are so familiar and linked to specific events that they could be recognized by most anyone in the street. (Another that comes to mind is "Pomp and Circumstance" by Edward Elgar, played at most graduation ceremonies around the world.)
The second musical event at the Derby is the playing of "My Old Kentucky Home," which is sung by the entire crowd right before the horses run. I found a description of this event from many years ago, that I thought you might enjoy:
"At 4:20 there is the blare of a trumpeter playing the call to race on the track public-address system.
Led by one of three mounted outriders attired in white pants and bright red polo shirts, the horses emerge from the tunnel. The lead outrider raises his hand. Across the rail in the infield the University of Louisville band, dressed in crisply pressed red-and-black uniforms with red berets, strikes up Stephen Foster's mournful "My Old Kentucky Home." As the Derby field jogs slowly onto the track in front of the clubhouse, 100,000 voices join in singing what has become the Kentucky anthem. It is perhaps the most emotional moment in all of American sports, a moment that brings tears to thousands as they sing the words:

The sun shines bright in the Old Kentucky home,
'Tis summer, the [people] are gay;
The corn-top's ripe and the meadow's in the bloom
While the birds make music all the day.
The young folks roll on the little cabin floor
All merry, all happy and bright;
By'n by hard times come a-knocking at the door
Then my old Kentucky home, Good-night.
Weep no more my lady, Oh! weep no more today!
We will sing one song for the old Kentucky home
For the old Kentucky home, far away."
So what's the point here? To remind you dear readers, students, colleagues and friends that music of significance is everywhere. Though often taken for granted, it has a powerful effect in our every day lives. Tune into it a little more intentionally and begin to reap the emotional and healing benefits.
Want to know more about how YOU can use the powerful effects of music in your everyday life? Dr. Cash has a book and CD "Notes on Tuning Your Life with Music" that you can purchase online and download immediately. Go to http://www.healingmusicenterprises.com/products/tune_your_life/tuning_your_life.html

Want to understand more about how music affects the mind and body? Dr. Cash now has a 5-lesson online course that you can sign up for and receive by email. Go to
http://www.marketerschoice.com/app/netcart.asp?MerchantID=70325&ProductID=2734998
Do you need a personal online consultation? This can be done by telephone, email, or "chat" online. Go to
http://www.healingmusicenterprises.com/healing_music_consulting.html
Don't forget to tune into the Derby tomorrow, May 6 at 5:00 PM on NBC. Hope your horse wins!!
Alice