Spreading Happiness Through the Gift of Music

Spreading Happiness Through the Gift of Music

By Roy Wulf ’26

In Acts Chapter 20, we are told to “remember the word of the Lord Jesus, how he said: It is a more blessed thing to give, rather than to receive.” I consider myself extremely blessed to be able to play music and sing, allowing me to be involved in giving musical experiences to others. It is a great way to spread happiness in our world!

When I was very little, often at Christmastime, I would play piano and violin and sing for the residents of a nursing home near where I live. I continued to perform there until the pandemic prevented visitors. Even then, I was able to serenade a couple inside who were celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary, playing out in the parking lot. It worked fine because bagpipes can be heard despite any social distancing! Perhaps this Christmas, I will perform inside again.

Also, when I was little, I met a Civil War Reenactment Group from Pennsylvania. Because I played the fife with the Linton Hall School Fife and Drum Corps, this group signed me on as their musician. I took my assignment very seriously. Since then, I have been involved in all kinds of historical music for the Civil War, Revolutionary War, and Great War events, playing bugle, fife, drum, cornet, fiddle, and bagpipes. It has been my honor to sound Taps and provide other music from the past. If anyone reading this has a curiosity about historical reenacting, performing historical music, or Victorian dance, please ask me!

continued

Spreading Happiness Through the Gift of Music

By Roy Wulf ’26

Iconsidermyselfextremely

andsing,allowingmetobe involvedingivingmusical experiencestoothers.

Roy’s Treasure Chest of Instruments:

Piano Bagpipes

Harpsichord

Organ Fife Drums

When arrangements of historical pieces are played on period-correct instruments, it is possible to bring back music from the past much as it would have sounded long before ways to record sound were even invented. This year, at an estate sale given by the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia, my family acquired a harpsichord, a truly magical instrument. Almost every day, I play this harpsichord and travel back in time.

I also love to sing. Growing up, I was a member of the Greater Manassas Children’s Choir. Now, I sing almost every Sunday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Gainesville, usually at the 9:30 Novus Ordo Mass and at noon at the Nokesville Oratory for the Tridentine Latin Mass. The Catholic Church has an incredible wealth of Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony. My hope is that some of this might be used at PVI school-wide Masses. This singing is not primarily for entertainment; rather, it is singing prayers to God. This acapella singing can be deeply beautiful and moving. It is impossible to describe in words, but if you experience it, you feel its impact.

Violin/Fiddle

Cello Bugle

Trumpet

Eb Cornet Voice (singing)

Of course, many of my most recent musical experiences have been with the incredible Performing Arts opportunities at PVI. If you have not attended an instrumental concert, a choir concert, or the musical or other theatrical production held in Teatro Montini, I urge you to go. Mrs. Siegfried, Ms. Prince, and Mrs. d’Alelio are amazing instructors. Our PVI instrumentalists, vocalists, and actors are incredibly talented. It has been a great pleasure to be involved in performances with everyone here. Therefore, come out to performances, and trust me, you will be amazed by what you experience. Also, if you are so inclined, please consider getting involved yourself. As for me, I am very grateful to be a part of the performing arts here at PVI!