MIDLAND - Plato said music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. Weighty philosophy aside, playing music together is also a great way to bring generations together, and this year children and parents can learn to play an instrument for free. Aaron Bell, arts department chair at Midland Secondary School, has been organizing the Grade 5-8 after-school Midland Community Band program for a decade. This instrumental program gives youngsters an opportunity to learn an instrument and perform publicly, and it doesn't matter whether they are experienced musicians or have never picked up an instrument before in their life. "At that age, they are sponges," he said. "They absorb so much. What I've seen with kids is it really brings life to them. There's an energy in their eyes, a spark, and there's a real feeling of satisfaction, especially when they perform." The band program will run Mondays from 5:30-7 p.m. In a new twist, Bell is inviting parents to join in to make it a family affair. He said he's been in several bands where 14-year-olds and 85-year-olds play side-by-side. "It's timeless.