This week we chat with three of the authors of the Black Voices Matter Pledge: composers Drs. Zanaida S. Robles and Melissa Dunphy, as well as Christie McKinney, Director of Programs at Chorus America.  We discuss the details of the pledge, the politics of composing, and breaking the cycle of apathy in combating social change in our choral communities.   

Also, stick around after the conversation to hear more new music from LA-based choir Tonality and compositions from Drs. Robles & Dunphy. 

Episode transcript

Music excerpts

• “Sing About It,” by Moira Smiley, performed by Tonality
• “Poor Wayfaring Stranger,” traditional, arr. by Alexander L Blake, performed by Tonality
• “I Don’t Recall” from The Gonzales Cantata, by Dr. Melissa S. Dunphy; Julie Kremm, soprano 
• “Seven Last Words of the Unarmed”;  “V. Oscar Grant,” by Joel Thompson, performed by Tonality
• “Can You See,” by Dr. Zanaida S. Robles, performed by Tonality 

Episode references

• Black Voices Matter Pledge, authored by:
• Alexander L Blake of Tonality
• Dr. Melissa Dunphy, composer
• Dr. Zanaida Robles, composer,  Harvard-Westlake School/Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church
• Christie McKinney, Chorus America
• Emilie Amrein, University of San Diego
• Reginald Mobley, countertenor; Handel and Haydn Society
• Jen Rogers
• Joel Thompson, composer
• Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, St. Olaf College
• Chorus America Annual Conference
• Ahmed Anzaldua of Border Crossing
• Alexander L Blake of Tonality
• Vince Peterson of Choral Chameleon & Empire City Men’s Chorus
• Grace Lee Boggs

Theme Song: Mr. Puffy by Avi Bortnik, arr. by Paul Kim. Performed by Dynamic