Around the Schools
Seattle World School featured in musical showcase 'Sounds Beyond Barriers'
Grammy award-winning band Quetzal helped in project
Seattle World School students were featured in a musical showcase March 2, marking the culmination of a weeklong communal songwriting process. The project, called Sounds Beyond Barriers, was inspired by the work of Zapatista artist/activists from Chiapas, Mexico.
Grammy award-winning band, Quetzal - with band founder 
Quetzal Flores and singer Martha Gonzalez - led the facilitation. The band learned the process firsthand at an encuentro (encounter) between Zapatistas and Chicano artivistas (artist-activists) in 1997.
For this project, the students were joined by a diverse team of artists, community activists, and educators. Filmmaker Scott Macklin, from the University of Washington, documented the process in partnership with Seattle World School students and members of What’s Good 206.
During the week, World School students composed original songs from scratch in collaboration with the guest artists. One of the songs, titled "Respect," addresses issues of bullying in school as well as some of the underlying factors that contribute to this problem.
The other song is a rock anthem which talks about how the process of telling stories through the medium of song helped the students to experience greater value and meaning in their lives. The song reaches a climax at the end with the students boldly declaring values they honor and hold most dear in life, such as equality, education, love for the planet, and happiness.
In addition to the premiere of new works collectively created with the youth, the Showcase featured guest artists including host Gabriel Teodros, youth poet LJ Hughes, SWS Somali dancers and members of the Seattle Fandango Project.
This project was made possible with support from the City of Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, Seattle World School, Seattle Public School’s World Family Center, Seattle Fandango Project, & Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.
Photos by Scott Macklin and Seattle World School students
In photo above, the students rehearse a song they wrote before presenting it
at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in the Delridge neigborhood.
In photo below, Seattle World School students and guest artists at their performance.
