Reflection 9

This is a reflection for sound lab and not an official part of my DTP:

I read the article about the men performing the musical Hamilton in prison. I was very inspired by their persistence to perform Hamilton and the way they were able to connect their characters, and the play as a whole, to their lives. After reading this article, it showed me how the arts can be used as a tool for justice and advocacy. Tron says that he hopes to use music in his community as a way to bring it up to a higher place, a way to inspire the youth. Not only does Tron hope that his music will positively impact his community, but music has also inspired him to do so. I think that music is such a powerful tool for justice and advocacy because it brings people together. Music is something that can connect people in a way unlike any other. I can’t help but think of all of the musicians performing together virtually at this time, nothing can stop the creation of music! Being in prison does not stop music’s impact. I think music should be available for those who wish to pursue it. There is no reason to withhold arts education or not provide opportunities for people of all ages and demographics. I think the arts should have a greater value within society because of the positive results it evokes. Having music in prisons is a great tool for people to find hope, express themselves in new ways, and to inspire others within the prison and once they are released. I think it is important for people in prison to have access to music. Other groups that I think can benefit from singing together are the elderly in retirement or nursing homes, those in rehabilitation centers recovering from addiction or mental health disorders, and that music continues to be taught in the public education system. My three takeaways from this reading and the lecture are that music is for everyone and should not be withheld, music brings people together, and that art has a weight to it that can change situations from bad to good

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/prison-capital-canada-group-musicians-recorded-album-behind-bars