Community Music Ensemble Program

Program Notes and Performers:

Concert Intention:
It seems like an understatement to say that we are in the middle of an unprecedented time. In the last year and a half, many of our ways of living had to change. Everyone in the world had to learn how to adapt. For us, this time has meant a re-evaluation of how we can communicate through art. We feel a duty to articulate how we all feel about the world we’ve been living in. This concert is a labour of love in service of these emotions, and we are all grateful to be given this opportunity to use music as our means of communication. The times certainly are changing; we encourage everyone to change along with them. Enjoy the show!

Land Acknowledgement:
The Community Music Ensemble would like to acknowledge that we are learning and performing on the traditional land of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral Peoples. When acknowledging how we are witness to the changing of the times, it is impossible to separate Indigenous human rights and land rights from the conversation. We collectively commit ourselves to continuing efforts of Indigenous truth and reconciliation at WLU and beyond. Chi-miigwech.

Colors Black Pumas

Performed by Mary Azouz, Eyrica D’Rozario, Charlie Dunsmuir, Leah Gennaro, Mikayla Giorgio, Vanesa Hoffman, and Nicole Riding

Written by the band Black Pumas, consisting of members Eric Burton and Adrian Quesada, “Colors” brings a sense of unity to those of all races. With the increased attention called to the racism people of colour have encountered within the last year, it is now more important than ever to stand together in the face of racism and make an impactful change.

Freedom Beyoncé ft. Kendrick Lamar

Performed by Taylor Gellatly, Hannah Guenther, Sharon Isaac, Ramya Ramachandran, and Robert Rozzi

This powerful song originally performed by Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar is an act of reclamation for voices that have been historically silenced. While the song has a clear sense of longing for individual freedom, we also connect to its emphasis on what can be achieved through collective action. This song and our performance are examples of what positive change can happen when we work together to support and uplift one another.

Nina Cried Power Hozier ft. Mavis Staples

Performed by Emily Gilbart, Emma Hutchinson, Samantha Johnston, Maria Spear, and Cassidy Van Heuvelen

“It’s not the waking, it's the rising…” starts this song of tribute to pioneers of musical protest songs. While the title references Nina Simone, “Nina Cried Power” salutes many others who came before us and used their art to uplift oppressed voices. Our pared-down arrangement highlights the song’s lyrical importance, encouraging action as we acknowledge injustice around us.

Waiting on the World John Mayer

Performed by Emily Bowman, Olivia Gorrell, Ben Hoerdt, and Sydney Knight

“Waiting on the World” written by John Mayer speaks to the troubles and hardships that our world and society faces. It is a song of hope that one day we will be able to see the world in a better place than it is today. With the chorus repeating the words “waiting on the world to change” the song represents both the urgency and the prolonged extent of these hardships.

Dark Times Ben Platt

Performed by Kaitlyn Bell, Allison Ford, Sarah Hope, Kaitlin Playter, Skylar Shelley, Jessica Silva, and Michelle Yang

Dark Times speaks about resilience and persevering through the challenges of life. It showcases how no matter the hard times you are going though, you can always find the light at the end of the tunnel. Growing up is not easy, but facing life’s challenges will give you greater appreciation for all the great things coming. The song's most well-known line, “tough times don’t last, tough people do,” emphasizes how you can shine through any difficult times you are going through. With this choral arrangement of Ben Platt’s solo song, we hope to emphasize how you do not have to go through these challenges alone.

I See Fire Ed Sheeran

Performed by Cameron Bauer, Kayla Baig, Ben Hoerdt, Emily Bowman, Melissa Clement, Josh Hahm, Rebecca Hillis, Sean Marks, Morgan Myers, and Jonathan Smikle

Originally written for the soundtrack of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Ed Sheeran's folk ballad is an ode to unity amidst trials. Our stylistic approach pays homage to the song's Celtic roots with a pop twist. With a central focus on unity, this song talks of coming through life's most significant trials and the new beginnings that come as a result.

Sign of the Times Harry Styles

Performed by Mary Azouz, Melissa Clement, Maia Coates, Eyrica D’Rozario, Charlie Dunsmuir, Leah Gennaro, Mikayla Giorgio, Olivia Gorrell, Sydney Knight, Jake Mitchell, Nicole Riding, and Maria Spear

Written by Harry Styles, “Sign of the Times” is a song about finding a sense of hope during hard times. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought sudden and tragic changes to our daily lives; as we try to adapt, “Sign of the Times” attempts to bring some light into our currently dark world. The sweet and soft sounds give the sense of hope to look forward to a better time.

Only Time Enya

Performed by Rebecca Hillis, Sarah Hope, Skylar Shelley, Jessica Silva, and Michelle Yang
Enya's Only Time touches on a very familiar theme of healing after life's worst pains. Our acapella rendition of this song focuses on the underlying message of the original song. Which is that in time, we all will heal. Healing may not bring back our sense of normalcy, but we all will find comfort amidst our worst days in time. We hope that this song brings hope to all who hear, and whatever life trials you may be facing, you will find refuge in Enya's words.

Killing in the Name Rage Against the Machine

Performed by Shaan Bhatia, Ben Hoerdt, Jake Mitchell, and Kasey Kohring

*please be advised, this performance contains strong language

Originally written and released in 1992, “Killing in the Name” has maintained its popularity in the nearly 30 years since its release because of its ever-relevant lyrics. The song was written shortly after the acts of police brutality against Black motorist Rodney King by four LAPD officers caught on CCTV footage. With lyrics such as “those who died are justified, for wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites” and “you justified those that died by wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites” express Rage Against the Machine’s frustration toward continued acts of police brutality, an issue that is still being fought against to this day.

Special Thanks:
We are grateful for the support of the following:
Wilfrid Laurier University, the Faculty of Music, Rianna Harbron, Shane Guse, Brennan Connolly
Concert Coordination
Mary Azouz, Kayla Baig, Kaitlyn Bell, Maia Coates, Eyrica D’Rozario, Olivia Gorrell, Rebecca Hillis, Sydney Knight, Jake Mitchell, Kaitlin Playter, Ramya Ramachandaran, Skylar Shelley
Marketing & Promotion
Shaan Bhatia, Melissa Clement, Charlie Dunsmuir, Josh Hahm, Vanesa Hoffman, Sharon Isaac, Jessica Silva, Cassidy Van Heuvelen
Program Notes
Allison Ford, Leah Gennaro, Nicole Riding, Maria Spear

Social & Other Media
Taylor Gellatly, Mikayla Giorgio, Hannah Guenther, Samantha Johnston, Morgan Myers, Robert Rozzi, Michelle Yang

Technical Coordination
Cameron Bauer, Emily Gilbart, Ben Hoerdt, Sarah Hope, Sean Marks, Jonathan Smikle

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Program:

Program Notes and Performers:

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