Greetings Friends,
Alongside my wife, Angela, I am proud to announce the birth of our non-profit organization,
The Music Is Revolution™ Foundation. When I look at this world, and at our society, I see that what we need to do is focus our attention on our greatest resource, our children. The way to change, the way to revolution, the way to re-evolution, is education, music education.
When I look back, I realize that throughout my life music of one sort or another is a milepost on the long road. From my earliest memories of Peter and The Wolf, Captain Kid's Cats, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, patriotic music, popular music of my parents' time, incidental radio airplay, teenage ballads, classical favorites and discovered music of other cultures, all of it represent glimpses of my past. In fact all cultures represent themselves musically. It honors each culture and speaks of its uniqueness. Music in the raw is the purest expression of our souls. Music speaks it's own language, understood by all, because it is produced by the soul. How great it would be if every single human being could experience the exhilaration of sharing musical moments with another person?
To play in an ensemble is an enriching process that teaches us the basis of community. When you consider the fact that all of us exist in concert as the human race, it becomes obvious that from this very parallel we can learn how to be better humans. Music comes from a place inside that can only be described by music. Art and poetry also come from places that can only be described in those terms. But music has an imaginary life of its own. It is the mojo of mojos.
When I was in the 5th grade at Dossin Elementary School in Detroit, we were offered the chance to take stringed instrument lessons as an elective a few days per week. They had violins, violas, and a couple of cellos. I thought I would like to try the cello, and I did. Though the course lasted merely one semester, it was enough to set me in a direction that would eventually be a lifelong career in the music profession. With virtually no formal training, I was able to find a situation to pursue and create a legacy of music and performance that has made lasting impacts on the world of popular music, and affected many people's lives. By way of the fortunate attention and recommendations by those early music teachers, I gained the confidence and curiosity it took to make a career of it.
In the late 60's, my band, the MC5, adopted a stance that challenged the status quo of our social system. While we were striving to make people aware of the need for reform, we were not tuned in to the correct method of reaching our goals. We chose to make confrontations with the old order and got blown out of the water. Now I realize that the police and the government are usually merely doing their jobs, and the real issues can only be dealt with by the next generation. This is our greatest resource and our closest ally.
The Music Is Revolution Foundation is providing funding for pubic schoolteachers throughout the United States. Teachers apply for mini-grants to fund musical experiences that are empowering, enjoyable, and meaningful to children from grades K-12 in school environments that are lacking public funding to provide such experiences. Situations can be as varied as imaginable, giving students an awareness of the value of music. Listening and describing musical genres might be a good way to provide children with an understanding of music history and how it molds the human experience. Musical instrument training, no matter how simple or informal, is another possibility. For example, a group of second graders playing kazoos with section parts is a viable way to teach ensemble experience. The idea is not to produce Mozarts and Yo Yo Mas in 12 weeks time, but merely to give students inspirational experiences and a sense of participation.
The exhilaration of participating in a musical experience is like an invisible blessing that has a lifelong effect. I know from personal experience. My brief lessons on cello, piano, recorder, and later guitar, were crucial in the direction of my life. Discovering the many composers who have left incredible works has been a cornerstone of my positive attitude and pleasures. What could be more valuable?
There are no limits on what music is, either. Current styles and ancient chants have equality in our view. I have no doubt as to the positive effect music has on an individual. These children are the future voters of our society, and it is our responsibility to give them everything we can muster to affect real change in this society, and ultimately in the world. By placing greater emphasis on music as a true value in our society, not just a tool of profit, we can provide an invaluable service to the future of every human being.
I have many friends in music, both famous and those who are not famous but are wonderful musicians and creative people. I know bluegrass mandolin players, free jazz horn players, storytellers who use music, rock and rollers of all sorts and styles, punks, and percussionists who are concerned about the direction of the planet. As I have recently been touring the world with DKT, I have met people everywhere who are concerned with the direction of the planet and the state of human affairs. Could it be possible that we can shape the destiny of society by offering our children better access to the thing we have treasured all of our lives; our music? It really is time to become part of the solution!
Be a part of the solution: Music Is Revolution.
In the coming months, we will post the details and developments of Music Is Revolution. I will also answer questions and give information on how to take part in M.I.R. activities in your area. I have some good stories to share with you concerning the reasons why we chose to create our own foundation. Be sure to check back regularly to stay updated: learn about new people on-board, events, fund drives, skate4MIR, merchswapmeets, auctions, benefit gigs, a musical instrument drive, etc.
I feel good about this. So, let's get down with it and kick up a little Music Is Revolution out there. Brothers and Sisters, the time has come for each and every one of you to be a part of the solution: MUSIC IS REVOLUTION.
Still Raging Against The Machine,
MD
