Elders' Wisdom, Children's Song™
In the Spotlight
Music-Film Documentaries Spotlight EWCS Elders
In 2011, Community Celebration of Place and filmmaker David McDonald teamed up to produce two music-film documentaries about EWCS Elders Gyatsho Tshering and Helen Tsuchiya. "Tibet" and "Be Kind to All That Live" feature each elder's honor song, photographs and interviews surrounding their stories. Both songs are featured on Executive Director Larry Long's album, Don't Stand Still.
The Youth Voices Music Project
“Since I was young, at an early age, no one seemed to care what I had to say. If they only knew what we’ve been through, they would say, oh my god, what can I do?”
The above excerpt is from “Freedom,” a song written and recorded by two young girls imprisoned in a children’s detention center, with the help of Larry Long.
During the Spring of 2010, the SPLC worked in collaboration with youth from the Gulf Coast Region and professional musicians to use music to give a voice to these children’s realities, hopes and dreams. Through the SPLC Youth Voices Music Project, over a few short days, these children wrote, sang and recorded seven original songs. The children demonstrate remarkable gifts and talents, as well as profound depth and thoughtfulness about life as a child in the Deep South in their music and lyrics.
PACERS: Celebrating Appalachian Communities
Throughout Appalachia there are examples of celebrations and festivals that have positive financial outcomes and improved community resilience and well-being. With generous assistance from the Appalachian Regional Commission, PACERS will build upon and expand this tradition by holding in Section (Jackson County) and Camp Hill (Tallapoosa County) comprehensive multi-day workshops that will develop replicable models for community festivals/celebrations while jointly training young people and community members to document their communities through the arts: including music, photography, videography, and graphic design. Workshops will also include sessions on festival/celebration publicity and organizational requirements. Workshops—beginning in August, 2011—will be two to three day events and will set the foundation for a local celebration. They will be preceded and followed by school-based opportunities for students to undertake community documentation and celebration projects (e.g. photo essays, music or video CD's). Students and PACERS chapter will be provided with appropriate technology with professional support for its application.
Workshop leaders will include Dr. Jay Lamar, Director of the Center for Arts and Humanities (as well as other professionals associated with the center); Larry Long, creator of Elders Wisdom Childrens Song; Andrew Goetz, nationally recognized photographer (www.goetzphoto.com); Fred Fluker, graphic designer, and Dr. Jennifer Adams, Director of the Journalism Program Auburn University. Local teachers, musicians, and other community members will also participate in the workshops and in school settings.
Featured Partners of EWCS
The mission of the West Metro Education Program (WMEP) is to build the collective capacity of its members; to raise the achievement of all students; to eliminate the racial achievement gap; and to prepare all learners to thrive in a diverse world through regional leadership, integrated learning opportunities, shared resources, and mutual support.
EWCS South Dakota works with elementary schools in the communities of Custer and Spearfish. Every year they work with students to honor elders in their communities.
Recent Testimonials
Yesterday's event at Hall School was one for the books! I felt not only honored, but treasured. I spent a long time imagining the imprint of the day - as well as the preceding months of the project - on the children. They are our treasure and each of you helped them to learn that again. With deepest gratitude,
George Roberts
Honored Elder, Elizabeth Hall International
It was an amazing morning for all of us and by far the most meaningful performance I have been a part of. I too am excited about what it meant for the children. They were wonderful, and I know how much it meant to them by the looks on their faces when they finished.
Rebecca Totzke
Music Specialist, Elizabeth Hall International
In Memoriam
Lawrence A. Brown, age 92, of Golden Valley, MN, passed away on March 14, 2012. A Tuskegee Air Man and State Department Tax Agent, Mr. Brown shared his story with the students at Cityview in 2008. The kids wrote the song, Freedom, Freedom Over Me! to honor Mr. Brown.
Learn more about Lawrence Brown
Now Available
Executive Director Larry Long has released his latest album, Don't Stand Still, which has several songs created through the EWCS program, including Tibet, Be Kind to All That Live and Butterflies Dancing. The CD is now available for sale on Larry Long's website, and all proceeds go directly to help support Community Celebration of Place and EWCS. More info...
Teacher Resources
We've compiled all the songs and stories from the celebrations for the 2006-2007 school year into two songbooks, and are excited to offer them free to download from our site:
In the News
Elizabeth Hall International Elementary School will host a community celebration honoring three elders in the Elizabeth Hall International Elementary School gymnasium on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 1:00PM – 2 PM. Address: 1601 Aldrich Ave. North Minneapolis, MN, 55411. Free and open to the public.
