Dear WMS Students,
*
On Friday we will have the great pleasure to see Alistair Moock and Pamela Means (Pamela is stepping in for Reggie Harris.) in a performance brought to us by the PTO Performing Artists and Authors Committee. The performance is called: Race and Song: A Musical Conversation, and should provide a very entertaining and provocative way to head into our Spring Break. The performance will be all-school and held in the WHS Auditorium.
*
Here is some information that will give you context for the performance:
*
What happens when two friends get together? Usually they talk about their lives, they get caught up on the news, maybe listen to each other’s points of view, and share what’s on their minds. And, if they’re musicians, they’re likely to pull out an instrument or two along the way… In Race and Song: A Musical Conversation, Alastair Moock and Pamela Means do just that. Only, in this case, these friends of different races, ages, and social backgrounds share how they’ve seen and experienced the world in different ways. They explore issues of race, class, gender and history with an intentionality and generosity of spirit that will draw in kids and adults alike. These aren’t always comfortable topics for discussion, but the discussion –– and the discomfort –– are keys to moving forward. Together in musical conversation, and with the aid of historical and family photos, Alastair and Pamela open up to each other and frame their perspectives through music (which always helps the medicine go down!). Join these two veteran musicians and storytelling troubadours for a very special performance ––an exploration of the past, the present and the possible.
*
Pamela Means received her first guitar at the age of fourteen and it became her primary vehicle for expression – in fact, she’s even worn a hole through the front of two guitars! Pamela has played throughout the US, Canada, Europe and Australia and Curve Magazine calls her “one of the fiercest guitar players and
politically-rooted singer-songwriters in the music industry today.” With truth as ammunition, she fights for social justice and human dignity.
politically-rooted singer-songwriters in the music industry today.” With truth as ammunition, she fights for social justice and human dignity.
Alastair Moock is a Grammy-nominated family musician; a social justice and songwriting educator for all ages; and co-founder of The Opening Doors Project, an anti-racist music organization. Like his boyhood hero, Woody Guthrie, he believes in the power of music to reach all people — young and old, far and
wide, for all occasions.
wide, for all occasions.
*
We will call grades over the PA on Friday afternoon, beginning at 1:25. Grade 8 will sit closest to the stage, followed by grade 7 and 6.
*
We are looking forward to this special treat as we head into our Spring Vacation!
—Mr. Gibbons