Music is an expensive hobby, especially if one wants to play real instruments instead of using software applications that imitate them. However, it is also a beneficial one, starting with developing a refined taste and leading to a bright future. The price issue seems to have been resolved by the Landfill Philharmonic project that makes musical instruments by recycling trash and distributing them among teenagers. This paper will address the implications of such an initiative and the additional benefits the hobby provides.
As mentioned before, music is a beneficial pastime, but it is, perhaps, even more so for the population of disadvantaged areas. For instance, Cateura in Asunción, Paraguay’s capital, could be considered one, and many people there are involved in garbage collecting (Orquesta de Instrumentos Reciclados Cateura [OIRC], 2014). They search for sellable or recyclable goods, some of which are used to make musical instruments (OIRC, 2014). Those are given to teenagers from the local orchestra, who use them to develop their talents and potentially acquire a profitable occupation, as well as avoid joining gangs (OIRC, 2014). For now, they can make and enjoy music with instruments that rival the traditional ones, and promote it for other people locally and even worldwide. Moreover, the orchestra’s concerts help remove the social stigma associated with garbage collectors, whose profession is beginning to be called recyclers (OIRC, 2014). Overall, the Landfill Philharmonic project assists teenagers, supplying them with instruments and ensuring their present and future, and combats harmful occupational stereotypes for adults.
In conclusion, a profession or a hobby can make the world and people better, as demonstrated by how recyclers and the orchestra in Cateura cooperate. The former provides materials for musical instruments, securing a healthy pastime for the teenagers from the latter. In turn, they use music to improve, make themselves known, and dispel the bad reputation of their benefactors, who could include their parents. Altogether, the Landfill Philharmonic project is a rewarding initiative that goes beyond music, and the world could use more of those.
Reference
Orquesta de Instrumentos Reciclados Cateura. (2014). 60 minutes – The Recyclers: From trash comes triumph [Video]. YouTube. Web.