Sometimes important changes require multiple tries. Oregon’s state song was adopted in 1927. The original lyrics contained racist and exclusionary language. In 2021, lawmakers voted on new lyrics written by one woman who removed the racist language. One arts activist says that’s not enough, so she launched a new effort – one that includes poetry, melodies and voices from across the state and from all backgrounds. She’s also taking it one step further.

In this episode of Partners in Diversity’s Equity Conversations Podcast, learn how Crystal Meneses is leading the Oregon State Song contest and how she responds to people who push back against these changes.

Transcript is available at: https://otter.ai/u/66ygk6adOSvqxkhGQ7_xVegt5dU?utm_source=copy_url

Racial healing through music: Creating a new state song

I'm Worried (About Things I Can't Change)

This song is such an uplifting delight! It's an easy one to get going with any group and can be simplified by teaching just 2 or 3 of the parts. NOTE: This recording has been updated as of mid-June 2018 with personally corrected parts by Sarah and a new arrangement for Wholehearted Chorus. 

Original song and copyright by Sarah Nutting of MaMuse.  Work to Be Done is included in this song library with permission for the purposes of oral tradition singing and teaching. If singing this song for performance or recording for profit, you must get permission from and pay royalties to the composer.

For more information, including individual part tracks, lyrics and more, visit: http://thebirdsings.com/work-to-be-done

Work to Be Done by Sarah Nutting of MaMuse

Old Guitar- I want to play music for a living

Old Guitar

An in-the-moment song inspired by the chicken feet being served with dinner at a live performance on Rainshadow Organics Farm in Terrebonne, Oregon
Performed by JoyRoot (Shireen Amini & Ian Carrick)

IMPROV "Chicken Feet Song" LIVE @ Rainshadow Organics 9.15.18

to hear more community songs by ahlay, visit: https://www.alexandrablakely.com/songlibrary

The Neuroplasticity Song

This song is based on a quote from poet and author Mark Nepo, used with permission: "To listen is to lean in softly with a willingness to be change by what you hear." It has been a sweet, heart-opening song in these times of division and fear. Lisa Littlebird featured this on her 2020 Songs for the World We Are Dreaming playlist. 

*Mark Nepo's words are used with permission

To Listen is to Lean in Softly

This 3 part song has been a spirited moment in many songcircles here in Central Oregon. The final note is designed to give us the sense of lift and hope we need to tend to the future we must believe is possible.

Holding The Future In Our Hands

I am a songwriter, songleader and musician based in my homeland of Bend, Oregon. I stand for the resilience of salmon, the dignity of farmworkers, the longing for a just food system, and for anyone struggling with addiction.

To Listen is to Lean in Softly

Ian Carrick

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