Photo by Kind and Curious on Unsplash
Voices of Hope builds choral singing communities in correctional facilities. Its founder and Artistic Director explains music’s impact on choir participants (internal and external); its unique ability to transcend limitations; and its role in social justice and justice reform.
Guest
Joining me today from right here in Minneapolis is Dr. Amanda Weber, Founder and Artistic Director of Voices of Hope, an organization that builds choral singing communities in correctional facilities. She also serves as the Director of Worship and the Arts at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. Dr. Weber is passionate about uniting music, art, and community through her work as a conductor, singer, pianist, and composer.
Notes
We discuss:
- What is Voices of Hope, and what was the impetus was for starting it?
- Voices of Hope’s programs, volunteers, events; and how it works.
- The impact Amanda sees from the choir on participants and volunteers.
- The significance of music as a “sonic hug” for prison populations.
- Significant factors/realities of life in a correctional facility that most of us are completely unaware of if we have not been part of that environment.
- Current US trends related to music programs in prisons.
- Recommended resources to find out if there is a music program in a correctional facility in your area.
Connect/Other Resources
- Voices of Hope website
- Listen to Amanda’s TEDxMinneapolis Talk.
- Voices of Hope Facebook and Instagram: @wearevoicesofhope
- Email: wearevoicesofhope@gmail.com
- In addition to her role with Voices of Hope, Amanda serves as the Director of Worship and the Arts at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis.
- Westminster Performing Arts Series is curated by Amanda
- We reference the book: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts,” by Gary Chapman
- Amanda mentions the recently released book, “Music-Making in U.S. Prisons: Listening to Incarcerated Voices,” by Mary L. Cohen & Stuart P. Duncan
- Download a free songbook at Justice Choir
Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:
- Ep. 84: Music’s redemptive & restorative power in prison environments, with Arts Capacity founder Holly Mulcahy
- Ep. 151: What are the benefits of singing for our health and wellbeing? with Dr. Diana Allan
- Ep. 3: Music Reduces Urban Poverty (BIIG MIIC & Urban Ventures)
- Ep. 14: The Healing Power of Music for Child Soldiers and Refugees: with Hollywood Music in Media Awards Nominee Samite Mulondo
- Ep. 20: Music Heals the Soul, with founder & Dove Award winning songwriter Steve Siler
- Ep. 47: In honor of George Floyd: The role of music in social justice; with Bruce Henry
- Ep. 68: Advocating for justice with music, and cultivating creativity for the common good; with Sara Groves
- Ep. 98: #BeyondMeToo, with Dr. Sandi Curtis, MT-BC, MTA
- Ep. 130: What are music psychotherapy and vocal psychotherapy, and how do they work? with Dr. Diane Austin, D.A., LCAT
- View all episodes related to Education & Community
In-Episode Promo
This is a quick break to tell you about Songtrust. Did you know there is an estimated $250 million in unclaimed royalties?! Songtrust is the world’s largest royalty collection service – it helps artists know what royalties they’re owed, and collects them for you so that YOU, the artist, can focus on creating and producing—not administrating. With Songtrust, you can register your songs quickly, in ONE place. Songtrust will then collect all royalties you’re owed from over 50 global pay sources. Songtrust represents over 350,000 songwriters — this includes Grammy winners AND brand new, up-and-coming songwriters. Songtrust is currently offering Enhance Life with Music listeners 20% off your registration fee. Just use the code ENHANCELIFE20 at checkout. You can check them out at songtrust.com. While you’re there, you’ll see another reason I’m a fan – Songtrust is great at explaining the very complicated music publishing world! They offer a ton of free educational resources, including virtual workshops, a blog, and the Modern Guide to Music Publishing. Go to songtrust.com, and remember to use the code ENHANCELIFE20 to get 20% of your registration fee.
Coda
Amanda shares a sound clip of Voices of Hope singing. The song is titled, “Resilience,” and is composed by Abbie Betinis.
Closing Words
Thank you so much to Amanda for joining us today and for all she does to enhance lives with music.
As always, there are lots of links in the show notes, as well as a transcript of this episode and a list of related episodes you may enjoy.
All Enhance Life with Music episodes are evergreen; so check out the back catalogue for more ways that music can make your life better.
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You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.
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