January 7, 2026

MUSIC JAM DEVOTIONAL TAKES FLIGHT!

by Nathalie Thirlwall

Although sounds are but vibrations in the air which affect the ear's auditory nerve, and these vibrations are but chance phenomena carried along through the air, even so, see how they move the heart. A wondrous melody is wings for the spirit, and maketh the soul to tremble for joy.

- 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá

"Music is the ladder to the soul" as the Baha'i teachings inform us. Music has the ability to "lift us up onto the realm on high." The Ottawa Baha'i community has numerous musical escapades that bring joy to the heart. One recent occasion was the music jam devotional held on November 23 initiated by Sylvie Nantais and Natalie Venus. This took place at Sylvie Nantais' home. Musicians contributed their talents and their instruments, and there were some vocals as well. Those who were not musicians, but who wished to join in, were given percussion instruments as a means of adding their rhythms and enjoyment. In all, about a dozen people participated in this joyful event.

Introduced with a Bahá'í sacred writing chanted to Indigenous drumming, the first musical piece began with one person leading and all instruments joining in. It was a magical piece with unusual and melodic synergy. We were all delighted. The second piece was somewhat chaotic, however. We realized that it worked best when one person started a melody and all others listened and joined in, musicians and non-musicians alike! So, each musician was given the opportunity to start with a piece of their choice. Bahá'í, Persian, folk songs and other types were played with great fun and a sense of unity.