CULTURE CLUB: My Word of the Year: Entrainment

By CARI LEWIS, executive director, Door Community Auditorium

At Joy Harjo’s recent Door Community Auditorium concert, I learned a new word: entrainment. No surprise that Harjo, our nation’s 2019-2022 Poet Laureate, would not just delight us with music and poetry, but would also inspire curiosity and learning. Still, this word – with its different meanings and applications – was a gift that’s continued to resonate with me. 

In my 1958 Webster’s Dictionary – a cherished hand-me-down from my Grandma Virgie – the definition of entrainment squarely focuses on troops or people boarding a train. Today’s online Merriam-Webster Dictionary adds several definitions: 1: to draw along with or after oneself; 2: to draw in and transport (something, such as solid particles or gas) by the flow of a fluid; 3: to incorporate (air bubbles) into concrete; 4: to determine or modify the phase or period of (as in circadian rhythms entrained by a light cycle).

Joy Harjo spoke about entrainment in relation to the study of human response to music, describing what happens to individuals on physical and physiological levels when listening to or making music in a group, in a shared space.

Bringing music into shared spaces is my life’s work, and my own reflections on “entrainment” touch on many of Merriam-Webster’s definitions: music encourages us to get on board; it draws us in; it transports us to memories and faraway places. Science proves music influences our rhythms – literally modifying our heartbeats – and I think you could even argue that it injects “bubbles” of fun and inspiration to our lives.

For a good while now, I’ve known of the scientific studies proving that the heartbeats of members of an audience or choir synchronize after listening to music or singing together. But long before hearing of these studies, I knew – on an instinctual level – that something special happens when music is shared. My belief in the power of those moments was first ignited by singing with church and school choirs, then by playing trumpet and attending performing arts events. The belief guided me towards my career path three decades ago and it fuels my work at Door Community Auditorium to this day. But not until Oct. 4, 2024, did I learn a word for this magical interconnectedness: Entrainment. Thank you, Joy Harjo.

I deeply believe that we – as communities, families and individuals – need to participate in more activities and programs that encourage entrainment. A couple of my Door County arts presenter colleagues have recently been talking about the movement for doctors and therapists to “prescribe performance attendance,” thereby making it easier for folks to experience the performing arts. At first blush, this idea may sound “out there” or pollyannaish, but it’s a practical, cost-effective, positive way to address some of our biggest challenges, including social isolation, anxiety, mental illness and addiction. 

Additionally, this increased participation in the performing arts strengthens local arts groups and artists, and it comes with few – maybe no – adverse side effects.

I’m grateful that through my work with Door Community Auditorium, I’m able to take part in work that encourages entrainment, supporting meaningful programs for our community. The programs DCA offers are important for many reasons. They offer fun, inspiration, cultural exchange, and educational enhancement, nurturing our community and our region’s creative economy. I’m also excited about our new project, the creation of a second program center, arts education center, and gathering hall with the working title of “The Annex.” 

We have so many plans and dreams for “The Annex,” including individual and group music lessons, social dance instruction, musical theater mini-camp for teens and adults, private and public venue rentals, pre- and post-mainstage show gatherings, performances featuring touring and regional musicians, lecturers, comedians, student-led productions, cabaret, blues brunches, polka nights, vinyl listening parties, game nights, yoga, films – you name it!    

Especially close to my heart are The Annex’s education wing for music instruction and its open space for dance and theater classes. The lessons uncovered during the journey towards – not necessarily the attainment of – perfecting a craft, are priceless. My arts education rescued me, propelled me, taught me skills and learning methods that apply to everything else, nurtured long-lasting friendships, shaped my view of the world, and continues to make life more meaningful.  

Students of all ages beginning or advancing their study of a performing art provides a foundation for entrainment. And entrainment is a game changer for the individual, the group and the community. So until we can participate in a performance prescription program, I hereby heartily recommend that all readers of this Culture Club article participate in more performance opportunities … here at DCA, at the many wonderful presenting organizations in our county, and eventually, at DCA’s new Annex!  

Three cheers for entrainment through the performing arts. All aboard!

Culture Club is contributed by members of the Peninsula Arts and Humanities Alliance, a coalition of nonprofit organizations whose purpose is to enhance, promote and advocate the arts, humanities and natural sciences in Door County. The member organizations are: Birch Creek Music Performance Center; Björklunden; The Clearing Folk School; Door Community Auditorium; Door Shakespeare; The Hardy Gallery; Midsummer’s Music; Miller Art Museum; Northern Sky Theater; Peninsula Music Festival; Peninsula Players Theatre; Peninsula School of Art; Third Avenue PlayWorks; Trueblood Performing Arts Center; and Write On, Door County.