Hand clapping may be the most common sound we humans make without using our vocal cords. Surprisingly, according to researchers, the clap of an individual has less to do with one's opinion of a performance and is instead motivated by a feeling of belonging as we applaud with others.
As far back as the 6th century BC, it was customary for audiences to clap in approval of their leaders, a concession made when there were too many people to greet individually. And this is the genesis for our modern-day custom of applause -- to express a unified form of admiration for a speech or performance.
With that bit of history out of the way, let's turn our attention to that all-important question: At a concert, should you clap on the first and third beat or the second and fourth? And the answer is, "It depends." Of course, you should clap "how you feel," but beats two and four work best for many forms of music, including Rock, Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Jazz, Dance, and Gospel. And if you pay close attention to the spirit of a performance, when the clapping is off beat, you'll know it.
With that bit of history out of the way, let's turn our attention to that all-important question: At a concert, should you clap on the first and third beat or the second and fourth? And the answer is, "It depends." Of course, you should clap "how you feel," but beats two and four work best for many forms of music, including Rock, Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Jazz, Dance, and Gospel. And if you pay close attention to the spirit of a performance, when the clapping is off beat, you'll know it.
Part of the joy of watching a talented group of musicians is tuning in to the spirit and feeling the music deep within. When you move from a passive ticket holder to an active participant, you can't help but join in!
I share a lot of music on my Facebook profile because it often expresses what I cannot. It may be due to my advanced age and increasing emotional sensitivities, but I am similarly impacted by what I hear on line or in media broadcasts these days. More and more I feel the beat and the joy flowing from the meaningful, lyrical words offered by soulful presenters utilizing God's special gift of talent to them.
I fear, however, that we are often "offbeat" in our spiritual life experience. We have the words but not the rhythm: not enough soul or enthusiasm flowing into it. Consequently, not enough joy -- contagious joy -- flows out of it.
I fear, however, that we are often "offbeat" in our spiritual life experience. We have the words but not the rhythm: not enough soul or enthusiasm flowing into it. Consequently, not enough joy -- contagious joy -- flows out of it.
Think about it. Are you a passive listener, just a little offbeat?
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