Protest songs are important everywhere and always, but they have a special power in a representative democracy where citizens participate in shaping policies through a number of means including voting. In order to inspire us and raise our consciousness – “to make us see what we don’t see” ― “A Change is Gonna Come”  proceeded through anti-war songs, anti-racism songs and music, concluding with labor songs

People always talk about the ‘pipeline,’” he continued. “But how do we also make sure there are the same resources, the same access to materials, to teachers, to concerts, to education — that’s what’s really missing.

A Change Is Gonna Come celebrates the rich legacy of American protest songs, from beloved anthems to new commissions. Our arrangements of 1960s classics explore the sonic palette of strings and voice, with nods to the iconic originals as well as today’s cultural landscape, and the sound worlds of film scores, contemporary chamber music, fiddle, gospel, and more. These songs reflect on individual experiences of oppression and call us to join the collective work of liberation. A Change Is Gonna Come confronts our past and present and celebrates the act of protest as one of our most precious rights.

The 29th annual Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading at the Providence Public Library featured poetry focused on his life as a global poet.

In two New York City performances last week, conductor-less Portland-based string ensemble Palaver Strings and NYC’s own American Composers Orchestra respectively offered two very different nights of music as adventurous and enthusiastically received as any weekend production in the city.

Voices Unheard is a podcast series that features conversations and interviews with local artists, collaborators, community leaders, and friends. Our Program inspires new ideas to encourage conversation while uplifting a culturally diverse and vibrant community.

Face the Music: Palaver Strings pays tribute to jazz great Mary Lou Willams: The 11 members of Palaver Strings will tackle the 12 movements of “Zodiac Suite” in a tribute to its composer, Mary Lou Williams. The Portland-based, musician-led string ensemble will perform an arrangement of the suite by Manhattan-based Jazz pianist Chris Patishall, whose trio will join in on the performance.

"Remain open to new ideas, listen, and experiment. Explore ways to enhance various interests and skills and don't be afraid to ask for help. We're all on the same playing field, why compete against each other when we can collaborate, create, and learn."

“It was definitely something very apparent. I think I could count on one hand the number of students of color in my undergrad. I'm pretty sure there were no more than three or four black people in the string department during my time at Indiana University, which is one of the largest music programs in the nation. I mean, that just speaks for itself. I would say that at that time I had such a close-knit group of friends and a community, and that's what I stuck with during my four years at Indiana.”

“Detroit music organization is moving the medal on cultural diversity. The Sphinx Organization is a wide ranging project that focuses on arts education and access, artist development, performance, and arts leadership”

“During my studies, It became more of a motivator to really lead and advocate for change in classical music as Music schools and conservatories begin to become more Diverse”

“Through the NAAS (National Alliance for Audition Support) program, I believe we will not only accomplish the ultimate goal of increasing job placement for musicians of color in American orchestras but also create a change in the “white stereotype” of classical music. Art and diversity are undoubtedly interchangeable; they both exist in all cultures, they challenge us to see others and ourselves in new ways; they provoke, inspire, teach, create something new, and bring down barriers”