At Hand

Music and dance, or whatever movement one is capable of at that time will definitely assist in easing pain, and bringing people together. If you don't have any musical instruments available to preserve I suggest a return to childhood. A little more primitive, perhaps, but still effective. I remember banging on pots and pans, or sometimes shaking an empty coffee can filled with beans, or beads. Toy xylophones and recorders seem fairly indestructible. I also have some kazoos - and the noise-making part seems to be a small piece of waxed paper. Pretty much everyone can play one of those. I'm sure wind chimes could easily become instruments afterwards also. Here in the US there is a performing dance group called "Stomp" which accompanies the performance with music made from found objects such as trash can lids, brooms, basketballs and body parts.

The most versatile instruments seem to be the piano and the guitar - but both of these are comparatively fragile. I think it is important to remember that instruments evolved before, and will again. Written music helps us to jog our memories, and a wealth of songs can be found in expensive Christmas caroling books, on the web, and in church hymnals. We may not be able to reproduce current music exactly, but I don't see that as a priority. A more positive outlook is that as long as we can make a sound and share it, I think we will be fine, musically.

Offered by Kathi

Music comes from the soul, not from instruments. I'm a bit of a percussionist and the strive for a percussionist is to make music, with any object available. I've heard people making great music with some old railroad tracks, or the inside of a washing machine.

Offered by Jeroen

You forgot the first and best instrument, the voice. If you survive, at least we'll be able to sing together!

Offered by Gerard.