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Slide Notes

This is one of the most difficult topics in Community Music. Our field is populated by community engagements characterized by "good feelings" and "positive vibes."

Social Justice and Activism are foundational principles of community music (Higgins, 2012).

Music has a long history with social activism. It is used to support the collective voice of those that are powerless and are experiencing themselves as "voiceless." In this context the voice and specifically, the singing musical voice is power.

Real power is the ability to influence the behaviour of others. Please don't confuse this with the cliche "power of music" (which is more about changing moods and feelings).

In Social Action, music is used to give voice to issues and peoples whose social concerns are not acknowledged by established powers.

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Community Music in Social Action

Published on Apr 05, 2017

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1.

Community Music in Social Action

Social Justice and Activism
This is one of the most difficult topics in Community Music. Our field is populated by community engagements characterized by "good feelings" and "positive vibes."

Social Justice and Activism are foundational principles of community music (Higgins, 2012).

Music has a long history with social activism. It is used to support the collective voice of those that are powerless and are experiencing themselves as "voiceless." In this context the voice and specifically, the singing musical voice is power.

Real power is the ability to influence the behaviour of others. Please don't confuse this with the cliche "power of music" (which is more about changing moods and feelings).

In Social Action, music is used to give voice to issues and peoples whose social concerns are not acknowledged by established powers.

Photo by Joybot
2.

Social Activism and Community Music

There are many great examples of music gathering and focusing power in community. Two of the most significant are the use of singing in the fight against South African Apartheid and the use of songs to establish and maintain Estonian cultural identity throughout numerous invasions and occupations by foreign powers.

Lets listen to a clip of South African Freedom Song:

Senzenina (What have we done?)



Link to Video: https://youtu.be/4qhHmy_6zrE
Play Video
3.

South Africa

  • Apartheid (1948-1994)
  • Systematic Racial Segregation by Powerful White Minority
  • Music played a powerful part in overthrowing this regime
Photo by jasonwhat
4.

Some Important Terms

  • Community
  • Society
  • Human Rights
  • Justice
  • Activism
Let's discuss these terms and relate them to one another.

Community and Society: Are these two terms different and why? How do we use them today?

Communitas (Latin) - Spirit of togetherness (belonging), where people are equal. Public spirit, willingness towards service

Turner, V.(1969). The Ritual Process: Structure and Anti-Structure. Routledge.

What is a human right? Where have these been codified?

http://www.un.org/en/udhrbook/pdf/udhr_booklet_en_web.pdf

What is the relationship of Rights to Justice?

Let's explore activism


Photo by Epi Ren
5.

Why Music and Activism?

  • Ways of Knowing through Musicking
  • Does music build community? Is that true?
  • Let's test this.
  • How do we share a song?
After quick discussion, let's try an experiment together. . .

Keep these things in mind:

1) Be aware of your experience
2) What makes song sharing difficult/easy

Photo by Counselman Collection
6.

Reflections and Conclusions

Let's Discuss:

What does it take for a lot of people to rise up together, to sing together as an act of social responsibility?

What do we experience in group singing for one another as opposed to say, solo performance?
Photo by kevin dooley

Gerard Yun

Haiku Deck Pro User