"On the Theme of Diversity and Inclusion in Classical Music"
This weekend we commemorate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King. In our preschool we have been talking about his work as our weekly theme.
Dr. King had a dream that in this country we would see equality among people regardless of skin color or origins. He fought for respect and recognition that African Americans in this country had been wronged. Furthermore, we have built our cities on land that did not rightfully belong to the Europeans. This history is hard to undo. However, how we live today is within our control. We must show in our actions that many peoples have been wronged, and we must fight to have a society that is more just, equitable, and inclusive. We can follow Dr. King's example and peacefully take actions that reflect our beliefs.
As many are aware, western Classical music originating in western Europe has a centuries old history that is the basis of the repertoire in the Suzuki pedagogy.
This has brought millions of children throughout the world to learn about European music. Furthermore, it comes from Japan where there is a different culture of Asian classical music that is also centuries old. Interestingly, it is the music of Bach, Beethoven, Clementi, von Paradis or even Dutton that have brought children from many cultures together. By attending Festivals and summer Institutes, children from around the world can learn, play music, and be in harmony together.
The Suzuki School has an important event coming up— a collaborative concert of our string students and faculty with Project Step and their faculty under the creative direction of violinist/composer/activist Daniel Bernard Roumain (aka DBR). He believes in listening to our stories, our backgrounds, our histories. He wants us to come together to make music and have our voices heard. Our event is on Sunday, February 11 at 2:30 pm with both a concert and a community conversation on what music means to us. How can we bridge the gaps of inequity with music? How do we feel when we play Beethoven and Bach? How do we open our hearts to play music that is less familiar? This event will be an exploration of the musical journey our students have been experiencing. Perhaps it will redefine their own vision of where music might take them on this journey. As we prepare for this performance, DBR has mentioned that every person on stage is a "contributor" regardless of age, experience, or level. I like using "contributor" because it reflects Dr. Suzuki's philosophy that "every child can."
We recognize that Black Lives Matter. We also know that our school is made up of so many different cultures and skin colors. I am happy that we can be open to including all of you in our school and at our February 11th event--as performer, as audience member, or even as storyteller. Please join us!