Music plays an important role in our society. It is used in many different ways and has been since the beginning of time. Drums have been used to send messages over long distances. Parents play music and sing to calm crying babies. Protestors use music to convey their message. It is used in religious ceremonies to recite prayer. Teachers put information to music to help students memorize facts. At sports events and large gatherings, music is used to excite the crowd. The list goes on and on. Many people enjoy music for sheer enjoyment. They listen to it, dance to it and perform it because it makes them happy.
The Residents and Lawmakers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts obviously agree that music is an important part of our lives. The General Laws of Massachusetts devotes an entire Chapter to Arms, Seals and Emblems of the Commonwealth. Of the Sixty different items in this section, 9 of them are musical in nature.
Official State Song: “All Hail to Massachusetts” by Arthur J. Marsh.
Official State Folk Song: “Massachusetts” by Arlo Guthrie
Official Ceremonial March: “The Road to Boston”
Official Patriotic Song: “Massachusetts (Because of You Our Land is Free)” by Bernard Davidson Official Folk Dance: Square Dancing
Official Glee Club Song: The Great State of Massachusetts” words by George A. Wells and music
by J. Earl Bley
Official Polka: “Say Hello to Someone In Massachusetts” by Lenny Gomulka
Official Ode of the Commonwealth: “Ode to Massachusetts” by Joseph Falzone
Official Blues Artist of the Commonwealth: Henry St Clair Fredericks (Taj Mahal)
