The Music of New Year's Eve

Well, do you have big plans for tonight? There are so many traditions related to New Year's Eve and it's certainly not a big surprise. This is the classic "turning point" in everyone's year. No matterwhat religion you are or what your belief system, it's the classic time to make big behavioral changes. People decide to quit smoking, exercise more, lose weight, become more assertive...all kinds of things! For people who love music, it might be a good time to dust off an instrument, pick up a new instrument, join a choir or a band or a community orchestra. Music lifts the spirit, it infuses you with energy, it calms a racing mind, it soothes the soul. The song "Auld Lang Syne" has been played for decades, if not centuries, on New Year's Eve. Guy Lombardo popularized the familiar saxophone rendition in 1939. He first broadcast it on his radio special, The Lombardo New Year's Eve Party, which started in 1929 and is the longest-running annual program in radio history. Lombardo died in 1977, but his saxophone rendition of Auld Lang Syne has immortalized him in western culture, becoming the definitive song of the new year . The words are appropriate:

Anglicized translation: Should old acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind ?Should old acquaintance be forgot,and auld lang syne ? CHORUS: For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne. And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !And surely I’ll buy mine !And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,for auld lang syne. CHORUS We two have run about the hills,and pulled the daisies fine ;But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,since auld lang syne. CHORUS We two have paddled in the stream,from morning sun till dine (dinner time) ;But seas between us broad have roaredsince auld lang syne. CHORUS And there’s a hand my trusty friend !And give us a hand o’ thine !And we’ll take a right good-will draught,for auld lang syne. CHORUS

Whatever your plans, enjoy the evening and best wishes for a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!