Music Can Feed the Homeless

(from the interest session “Recovery, Healing, and Wholeness: How Music Can Feed the Homeless,” presented by Amanda Weber during the 2012 ACDA Eastern Divisison Conference.)

 

           At our Regional ACDA Convention in February, I presented on the ways in which music can feed the homeless.  I was sought out because of my work in Washington, DC, leading a choir of homeless women for three years.  This transient, diverse group always surprised me; I never knew what to expect each Monday when I walked into music class.  One day, I wanted to challenge them, so I decided to share the music and philosophy of John Cage.  I thought they would hate it.  That’s not music!, I was sure they would yell.  We began by talking about what qualifies as music, and as an example, I pounded on the piano.  The response from the ladies blew me away: “That’s music!  It sounds angry, but it represents how you must be feeling, and that’s okay!  It’s okay to be angry!  That’s definitely music!” 

            Such strong women, coming from so many different places. Some are recovering addicts, some are mentally ill, some have college and post-college degrees, some have been lawyers or teachers.  Most are broken, but all are strong.  And all of these women have learned so much about acceptance – accepting one another, accepting themselves.  I have been blessed to watch individuals come together to form a community, bound by song. 

            So many of the aspects I thought were unique about my choral experience growing up can and should be experienced by all, especially those who have the least access.  We, too, are learning about acceptance.  And we look forward to a day when we include all voices in our song.  On that day, we will see music as a power beyond ourselves – an inexplicable joy, an agitation for change, a tool for social justice, and a way to build community in a world that so desperately needs it.