Today we honor the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King lived his life serving others. How might we follow in his example? As musicians and students of music, we have unique ways in which we can serve our community. Consider sharing your talents with the elderly at an assisting living or nursing home. Perform a concert for charity. This concert doesn’t have to be elaborate. Spread the word to friends and family about your performance, and in lieu of tickets, have the attendees to donate to a selected charity. Other opportunities include sharing music at a local hospital or giving a complimentary class at a children’s home.
The civil rights movement is one of the greatest social justice movements in American history. Through many marches, speeches and rallies, African Americans were able to unite all races to protest for the equal rights of all individuals. Through these countless hours, music was often relied upon to maintain unity and uplift spirits. Music educators can highlight this fact to exemplify the power of music while also noting how, in studying music, students are not only learning an instrument, but also a powerful unifier.
“God has wrought many things out of oppression. He has endowed his creatures with the capacity to create—and from this capacity has flowed the sweet songs of sorrow and joy that have allowed man to cope with his environment and many different situations. Long before the modern essayists and scholars wrote of racial identity as a problem for a multiracial world, musicians were returning to their roots to affirm that which was stirring within their souls. Much of the power of our Freedom Movement in the United States has come from this music. It has strengthened us with its sweet rhythms when courage began to fail. It has calmed us with its rich harmonies when spirits were down.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.