Music to Move You

A few weeks ago, Elaine Economou found an inspiring playlist shared by the staff of the University Musical Society they called “Quarantunes”. Each UMS staff member contributed a track to the list that was helping them through this period of social distancing. At a time when we’ve lost simple daily contact with each other, this seemed like a lovely way to connect and share something of ourselves. 

Music can be incredibly therapeutic. Certain songs evoke memories of significant times in our lives. Music has the power to motivate and energize us or calm us down. Music can shift our mood or mold our focus. It can even complement how we are feeling and provide escape or comfort as needed. What a powerful tool to share how we’re all feeling right now and connect as a group. So, we give to you this list of what we’re listening to during this challenging time. We hope you find inspiration and connection of your own in our picks. While we cannot be together, this playlist is a way to deepen our connection.

Tell us here, what music is giving YOU inspiration right now? 

MOVE Wellness Staff Inspiration Picks

“Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest

Submitted by Marybeth Housner, Trainer

This song reminds me of simpler more carefree times, like summer vacations up North on Lake Michigan.

“Eyes” by Rogue Wave

Submitted by Rachel Cook, Studio Manager

Reminds me of sunny days and simple happiness, like wandering through my childhood neighborhood.

“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

Submitted by Tony Brutz, Trainer

It is my favorite song. It reminds me of all the simple things in this world that we tend to overlook. The song is a complete positive. Nothing negative.

“Dream a Little Dream of Me” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

Submitted by Lauren Miller, Senior Trainer

This song makes me smile, then cry with some kind of nostalgic joy, then start dancing. The best adjective I can think of to describe it is ”delicious.”

“Piano Trio No. 1 in B-Flat” by Franz Schubert

Submitted by Sarah Cohen, Trainer

What I am appreciating about this piece right now is how beautifully the three instruments compliment each other. Each has their own important piece of the melody but then the other instruments come in for support. It is analogous to how I would like the members of my family to work together in this time of so much togetherness.  

“Little Red Corvette” by Prince

Submitted by Nancy Kelly, Marketing Team

It’s fun and makes me want to dance.  

“Ocean and A Rock” by Lisa Hannigan

Submitted by Aimee McDonald, Master Trainer

Since we can’t travel to see them, but those far away are still with us in our hearts and minds.

“Stand Up (From Harriet)” by Cynthia Erivo

Submitted by Tricia Wise, Trainer

She was an inspiring leader in freedom for slaves. She endured personal heartache for the sake of others. Great movie. Even greater woman!

“Can You Get to That” by Funkadelic

Submitted by Sammy Hart, Yoga Instructor & Trainer

Honestly just loving this song. 

“Take Five” by Dave Brubeck

Submitted by Robin Krienke, MOVE Co-Founder

It’s chill but funky. Just what I need.  

“Remedy” by Zac Brown Band

Submitted by Kacey Beach, Marketing Team

It’s mellow but still has enough of a beat to move you through whatever you’re doing. There’s so much unknown right now but we can’t go wrong putting more love into the world. 

“The Sound of Sunshine” by Michael Franti & Spearhead

Submitted by Suzanne Willets Brooks, Senior Trainer

This song was playing a lot on the radio during a very difficult time in my life… it really spoke to me. That this was just a storm and it would pass me by. The idea that sunshine has sound and sound heals. That this song was part of the sunshine coming down and keeping me going and at the end of my very long day I would be with my loved ones. Keeping my family in my heart knowing at the end of the day everything I did helped them.

“Concierto de Aranjuez” by Miles Davis

Submitted by Laura Mason, Desk Team

Relaxing and gorgeous but also has the quality of yearning and nostalgia.

“Flame Turns Blue” by David Gray

Submitted by Laura Tyson, Trainer

I chose the David Gray song simply because I love the song and it came out during a time in my life I was particularly content and happy!   

“Shower the People” by James Taylor

Submitted by Elaine Economou, MOVE Co-Founder

Memories of carefree times at JT concerts and later, warm weekend mornings, making breakfast for my boys with his classics in the background seem so far away now but the songs still resonate more than ever. Hard to choose one but love wins.  

“Rainbow” by Kacey Musgraves

Submitted by Angela Sutcliffe, Senior Trainer

Kacey Musgraves is one of my favorite female artists and the theme of this song is about looking on the brighter side of things and that no matter what the circumstances we all have our own rainbows.

“Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman

Submitted by Davy Darnton, Trainer

Because it is about hope and making your world better.

“River Jordan” by Rochelle Clark

Submitted by Elaine Economou, MOVE Co-Founder

I am so glad to include one of Rochelle’s songs. She was invaluable as we created MOVE and is missed!