government relations
defy the moral majority, or Kanye West, who recorded “Diamonds from Sierra Leone” as a protest to the diamond traf- ficking in Africa have taken the protest song to center stage. Wherever there is a cause – whether it is equal rights, war, or what’s happening in the economy – chances are you can find a song written for or against it.
Wisconsin’s Time to Rise in Song Regardless of your stance on state politics, music undeniably played an active role last year with all the rallies in Madison and has absolutely become a part of our state’s history. It seemed that a drum circle or impromptu sing-along was created each time there was a gathering of more than a handful of people at the state capitol building. Perhaps the most well-known and well-organized group of musicians seen regularly at the capitol has been, and continues to be, the Solidarity Sing Along group. According to the group’s Facebook page, Solidarity Sing Along began holding sing alongs at the capitol on March 11, 2011, and has held a sing- along at noon every day (Monday through Friday) since. Most often, the sing-alongs have taken place in the capitol rotunda, but have also occurred outside when necessary. The group has downloadable songbooks designed for both musicians and nonmusicians.
There were also several guest artists that performed at the protests in Madison. Arlo Guthrie and Tom Morello were two of the more well-known performers that came to Madison during the spring and summer of 2011. Reverend Jesse Jackson came to Madison several times, and each time he came, he led those gathered to oppose the anti-union proposals in performances of “We Shall Overcome.”
It’s undeniable. Whenever a major politi- cal event occurs in our country, music will be there to rally the supporters and stir up the protestors. It is just another way that music is connected to our own history. If this subject interests you, challenge your students to compose their own rally or
Wisconsin School Musician 27
“Whenever a major political event occurs in our
country, music will be there to rally the supporters and stir up the protestors.”
protest song. Whether it be fitting their original lyrics to a pre-existing melody, or creating something completely original, you and your students can see firsthand the power that music has to inspire change and action.
Julie Brown teaches instrumental music in the Appleton Area School District. Email:
brownjulie@aasd.k12.wi.us
UWM MUSIC AUDITION DAYS
Imagine yourself here
FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2012 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2012
Apply early for priority consideration!
For more information & application procedures:
arts.uwm.edu/music 414-229-5162
music-info@uwm.edu
750 -seat Helen Bader Concert Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, just one of the Peck School’s premiere performance spaces.
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