The Healing Power of Music

Debra Ulrich recently visited her parents, Norman and Darlene Thouvellel, at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village. Debra brought along a quite unique instrument to entertain her parents and other residents: the Native American flute. She explained that it had become a huge passion of hers, and she said how much her parents loved listening to her play this very calming and harmonic instrument.

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Debra Ulrich and her native American flute.[/caption]

Debra discovered the instrument about three years ago when she purchased a $20 flute. She learned a few things online and through other resources and found the flute quite easy to learn. Debra’s mother became ill soon after she started playing. Debra practiced her new skills by playing for her mother at her bedside when she was having health issues. The very day she began, she noticed how calm and peaceful her mother became while listening, despite her health problems. Debra went daily to play for her, each day noticing her health improvements. Little did she know that three years would go by, and she would be still be playing every single morning with a cup of coffee at hand.

The Native American flute is the third oldest instrument in the world. It has been used in many different tribes for entertainment and at important ceremonies, dating back as far as 60,000 years.

Join us Jan. 10 at 3 p.m. to hear Debra tell more about the instrument and hear the relaxing, peaceful sound that has been passed down through the generations.

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