As you’re reading this, it may well be over 100 degrees outside. Why not—it’s been that way most of the summer here on the Gulf Coast. And let’s not even get started on those “feels-like” temps.
But if Dr. Cleavon Covington seems just
a little cooler than the rest of us, it could be because:
a) He’s listening to “Winter Wonderland,” “Let it Snow” or some other frosty Christmas carol in the heat of August—as he’s wont to do at any time during the year.
b) He plays the clarinet in UTMC Healing Arts Orchestra.
c) All of the above.
The answer, of course, is C.
“I’m one of those people that can listen to Christmas music anytime.,” Covington said.
Covington, an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics, specializes in pediatric allergy and immunology. He’s been playing clarinet since 1998 and has been with the Healing Arts Orchestra since it began in 2021.
But his love of music goes way back.
“I have always been around music growing up whether at church, on TV or radio,” Covington said. “My mom was in a singing group when she was younger, so she was always singing around the house. I was in choir up until I switched to instrumental music.”
The Healing Arts Orchestra brings together musicians and music lovers who also are UTMB employees, faculty and staff.
Music, Covington said, is an escape from the day-to-day grind, and playing with the orchestra provides a sense of camaraderie with his colleagues.
“It gives me something to look forward to each week, which helps combat burnout,” Covington said. “I find playing music relaxing and fun and enjoy the community that comes with it. It’s also mentally stimulating learning a new piece.”
It’s recognized that music can have healing and even transformative powers, so it’s useful in the realm of health care—something that Covington embraces both for himself and for patients.
“Music can be used throughout medicine,” he said. “Songs can be used to teach patients about their conditions or how to take their medications. It can be used to assess hearing and brain function as well as motor skills.
“Music in itself is very therapeutic,” he added. “I listen to it to relax. I play instruments for fun and mental stimulation. I write music to get out emotions.”
Quick hits
- Favorite types of music: I don't have a favorite genre of music. I listen to music based on how I’m feeling at the time.
- Favorite band: Maroon 5
- Music that relaxes you: “When I want to relax, I like to listen to artists like Adele, Luther Vandross and The Beatles.
- Music that revs you up: “When I'm feeling energetic, I have a Legendary Divas playlist with artists like Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Patti Labelle, Cher and Madonna.