"Caldwell noted a generational divide, stating, 'folks like me, boomers, who had a certain understanding and appreciation of the democracy that we had grown up loving... on the other, folks that were maybe 35 and under... couldn't even affirm that it was a possibility for us to keep hold of that language.'"
"One Gen Z member expressed discomfort, saying, 'Patriotic' songs make me feel uncomfortable - what if we're singing something like America the Beautiful or God Bless America while people are being detained down the street?'"
"Caldwell reflected on the situation, stating, 'The conversation was truly an example of democracy at work: freely expressing varying opinions and offering other music options.'"
"Caldwell acknowledged the need for change, saying, 'I had no choice but to start over. That eventually led him to a different sort of discovery, also surprising, but this time pleasantly so.'"
Coastal Voices conductor Rhodd Caldwell faced challenges while planning a spring concert series themed America @ 250: One Nation, Many Voices. Initial plans included traditional patriotic songs, but younger generations expressed discomfort with these choices due to current issues surrounding democracy and immigration. A Gen Z member's email highlighted the conflict between celebrating patriotism and the reality of immigrant detention. Caldwell embraced the differing opinions, leading to a more inclusive and thoughtful musical selection that reflected a broader understanding of freedom and democracy.
Read at Oregon ArtsWatch * Arts & Culture News
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