Presented by and about Sarah Rosenkrantz,
percussionist & musical activist
Musical Activism:
The creation or use of music with the explicit intention of calling attention to a social issue and agitating for change.
Musical activism as a way of life
Musical activism is part of the normal flow of life in my family. Before I could walk, my father would put me in a backpack, and hit the streets with clarinet in hand and marching band all around. Raised in the tradition, I joined the band on snare as a pre-teen playing on the streets of San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland, protesting wars around the world and the gentrification of our own backyard. These events were not attended in isolation, but were part of a worldview rooted in participatory politics and a practice of beginning the revolution at home. Three generations of my family have participated in the marching band that my father created with his comrades, and my toddler has attended so many marches that I have already lost count. This is how we grow our movement.
Together. With our families and friends. With our traditions and cultures. With our music.
