~~What is the world's oldest musical instrument? Would you believe a 35,000 year old flute? It's true! How cool is that? It sure warms my heart. I played flute for eight years in school, but that was nearly as long ago as this new find is old. ; )
~~The artifact was found in a southwestern German cave and is eight and a half inches long. With its five finger holes, it produces harmonic notes comparable to modern flutes. The cave was also the site of a rich find of carvings and two other flute fragments. Early man called this cave home. It's not the only old dwelling that boasts flutes. Three other flutes have been found in another German cave. All the flutes are made out of ivory or bone. Finding so many examples of early musical instruments means that music is common to the culture of man all the way back to the beginnings.
~~I don't know about you, but this new discovery just confirms something I've always known, music enriches our lives and makes us happy. The next time I sing in choir, I'll be thrilled to know that my joy has been around a long, long time. So enjoy the music, any music, in the shade of the cherry tree. ; )
