SENIOR MOMENT

By BETTY MUNSEY/Columnist

Four young college students comprised the brass quartet performing in the corner of the large banquet hall while fellow retirees from Virginia Tech were enjoying a leisurely luncheon meeting.  I couldn’t help but be amused at their selection of music, which included “Will you Still Love Me When I’m 64,“ “Amazing Grace,“ “Swing Low” and other well-known melodies from our pasts.  I noticed that their volume was probably a wee bit louder than it would have been for a younger audience.  Either way, the sounds they produced were eloquent and added greatly to the overall meal experience.
Our musical tastes are probably dated and could very well be used to guess our age.  My radio dial almost automatically moves to golden oldies stations on both AM and FM.  I’ve noticed that satellite stations make it easier for older folks to find music from the 70s by pushing 7, or for the 40s by pushing 4.  Even though Lawrence Welk has been dead for several decades, reruns of his musical family and his famous bubbling background continue to be a favorite of mine and many others every Saturday night. It’s refreshing to find wholesome entertainers performing songs we can sing along with.
Golden oldies spark memories of days gone by.  “My Cup Runneth over with Love” reminds me of the day we were engaged, and Elvis will forever be alive when I hear him singing “Love Me Tender.“ You and your honey probably have a special song that stirs warm feelings and reminds you of your younger days.  Perhaps your memory is better than mine and you can remember what was playing on the radio during your first kiss, or the day you got your driver’s license.  Certain songs may also provoke thoughts of past loves and better times, especially for those who are widowed.
Perhaps you enjoyed music from the 1940s with its strong melodies and fast piano tones. Billie Holiday and Bing Crosby won’t be forgotten anytime soon singing “The Way You Look Tonight” and “I’ve Got You under My Skin.“
During the 1950s, music took a more radical turn with the gyrations of Elvis and the arrival on American soil of the British-based Beatles. Lyrics were still understandable yet guitars primarily replaced the piano as the background instrument.  Strange songs with strange words emerged to the teen’s delight.  I can still repeat every word of “Flying Purple People Eater” and “Yellow Pokka Dot Bikini.“
We slid into the 1960s musical era wearing white leather boots, mini skirts, and much longer hair.  Fathers were disgusted with their long haired sons who were heavily influenced by the Beatles. Henry Mancini’s “Moon River” lulled many onto the dance floor for slow close dances.
As our music has evolved, so have our methods for receiving it.  78 rpm records are stored in attics next to the Victrolas on which they played.  The 45s of our teen years were replaced by reel-to-reel tapes before 8 track tapes and then the arrival of smaller cassette tapes.  Only our imaginations can forecast what we’ll use when CDs and DVDs are obsolete and even what we’ll be listening to.
A retired Extension agent, Betty Munsey lives and farms in Bland County.