I Don't Sing

For four equal voices, a cappella, this will work equally well for men's or women's voices, or could be used for a mixed choir. Three voices are in canon for all but the end of the piece, while the last provides a verse in an additional musical layer.  It marches along at a good tempo for protest.

The text explores three different approaches to working toward justice: boycotting the economy of those in power in favor of hands-on work in your community, peaceful self-sacrifice to earn respect and spread your message, and educating people about uncomfortable truths, so that they can base their future actions on an accurate picture of the situation.

In 1891, the African Jubilee Chorus embarked on an extended concert tour of England to raise funds to start a college in Kimberley, South Africa. They sang to sold-out crowds, but were also met with constant racism. Choir member Katie Manye declined to participate in future tours, deciding hands-on work for her community was a better use of her time. She dedicated the rest of her life to a career in nursing.  Speaking about her decision, she said, "I don't sing for people who do not see me."

An anchoress nun, Julian of Norwich was chosen to be walled into a tiny cell of a church until her death as a living sacrifice. At a time when women in positions of power were actively suppressed, particularly by the church, Julian’s cheerful and calm acceptance of her fate earned the respect of her local community and gave her a voice that the authorities couldn't silence due to her ever-growing celebrity and popularity. Although she could not leave, a stream of important visitors came to her to seek her council, and her writings escaped and were published. Dating from the late 1300s, her books are the oldest known works by a female author in the English language and speak of comfort and hope in the face of adversity. One of her most famous quotes was the simple statement, "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well."

A prolific author, scientist, and activist, W. E. B. Du Bois believed speaking truth to power, especially when the truth was uncomfortable, was essential to achieving change. He felt that if we believe in a just society, we must speak up when society falls short, and teach both the good and the bad chapters of our history to have a clear picture from which to move forward. In addition to being one of the most important early voices for civil rights in America, Du Bois helped citizens in Africa and Asia organize for their rights against colonialist powers.  The verse of this piece comes from his 'Black Reconstruction in America,' "Nations reel and stagger on their way; they make hideous mistakes; they commit frightful wrongs; they do great and beautiful things. And shall we not best guide humanity by telling the truth about all this…?"

Wow, this is incredible! Is this vst or a recording (you?)... I can't even tell anymore. 😄 

This was really moving for me personally. The racism I've experienced is nothing compared to Katie Manye, but the line of "I don't sing for people who don't see me" really resonated with me. There have been years of times where I've played guitar and sang for people who could have cared less how much work and love I've put into my craft. But to put hatred on top of that? I can't fathom, and it breaks my heart she left her love of music to pursue another life, but I don't blame her. I would like to think I would have done the same. And to then live for a career in aiding the sick? What a heroine, eh? ❤️

The music is very cool, and composed really well. I listened with and without the score. Without, whenever I got lost, I loved that you kept the "I don't sing" line going, and then I would catch more. With the score, it looks clean and well thought-out; I can tell this one meant a lot to you 🙂 

Well done, this is one of my favorites from you. 

11 hours ago, Thatguy v2.0 said:

Wow, this is incredible! Is this vst or a recording (you?)... I can't even tell anymore. 😄 

This was really moving for me personally. The racism I've experienced is nothing compared to Katie Manye, but the line of "I don't sing for people who don't see me" really resonated with me. There have been years of times where I've played guitar and sang for people who could have cared less how much work and love I've put into my craft. But to put hatred on top of that? I can't fathom, and it breaks my heart she left her love of music to pursue another life, but I don't blame her. I would like to think I would have done the same. And to then live for a career in aiding the sick? What a heroine, eh? ❤️

The music is very cool, and composed really well. I listened with and without the score. Without, whenever I got lost, I loved that you kept the "I don't sing" line going, and then I would catch more. With the score, it looks clean and well thought-out; I can tell this one meant a lot to you 🙂 

Well done, this is one of my favorites from you. 

 

Thanks, so much, Thatguy!  It's me.  I like to sing through things when they are in my range so folks get a better sense of how the lyrics sit in the music at a first listen.  

Yes, there was apparently a constant stream of abuse and paternalism while they were on tour.  At the same time, they were doing sold out concerts in major venues and performing for the British royal family, so the whole experience was... a lot.  There is a good historical record of the whole thing from letters that survived.  

Katie Manye isn't a well-known historical figure.  She was a member of a large musical group, not a solo act, and then she went home and did boots on the ground work that does much good, but doesn't earn headlines.  What she said really resonated with me too.  

The nice thing about this one is it's really just a round of "I don't sing," and "All shall be well," with a verse layered on top for interest, so it sounds a bit complicated but you could teach it to someone who doesn't read music, as a campfire song for instance.  I'm so glad you enjoyed it!  Thanks for taking the time to listen.