You probably already know that Community Weekend lasts well beyond the Sunday when everyone packs up to come home. The conversations, large and small, and the activities, both planned and spontaneous, deepen connections that reverberate throughout the year and beyond.
Last year’s Community Weekend inspired Jessie Glass, an accomplished musician and composer, to write the song “Mosaic,” about our Ethical community. It was also where she discovered that our Society has many musicians. “It occurred to me that we might be able to make some music that could be more personal than the collection of songs in our current songbook,” Jessie said. “Music created specifically by and for our membership might be really inspiring. I also know that when people sing together, it can create a social bond. That’s real neuroscience!”
Thus, Ethical Music Makers, which performs at platforms monthly, was born.
“People loved and raved about “Mosaic,” which is a beautiful anthem to Ethical Culture,” said Susan Lesh, part of the group. “We decided to sing it at the Community Dinner and it is sung whenever the Ethical Music Makers sing.”
Members, and some non-members in the group, sing a variety of music, such as folk songs, protest songs, and other songs they like, including two more of Jessie’s creations, “Northstar” and “Home.”
The informal group is open to anyone who wants to join. Frequent faces besides Susan and Jessie are Eric Sandhusen, Anne Wallman, Pam Berglund, Susan Frieldman, Afina Broekman, Peter Rosen, Esther Sandrof, Ron Schwartz, Wes Matsui, Eileen White, Rob Eigenbrod, and Silvia Acosta.
“Just making music together is the goal,” Jessie said. “Giving our wonderful musicians another place to make some music and sharing that music with the community is an absolute win-win on all fronts…any avenue for inspiring each other is fantastic in my book.” Is there anything else, Jessie? “Come join us!”
Here, the Ethical Music Makers perform “Mosaic” at a recent platform meeting.