Instruments For Peace is a network of musicians who apply much-needed talents and skills in support of peace, justice and sustainability worldwide.
Doing what we do best, musicians together with local grass roots organizations, are having an effect on public dialogue.
By professionally staging and promoting musical and informational events which are always positive and "video-friendly", we are able to get positive media coverage.
We hope more musicians and others will join us in creating an answer to the mega media monopoly on information and ideas.
CONTACT US with your questions, suggestions and comments.
ACTION ALERTS: Sign-Up to receive e-mail notices from Instruments For Peace.
Quoted on The Riff Blog on the website of Mother Jones Magazine.
"Democracy is a mass movement. If we don't take a stand, and take democracy back, it will be taken from us. We need a major movement, and a plan to grow,"Local Press--Richard Bowden, founder, Million Musicians March, Austin.
Jericho Marching Brass Band marching instructions.
The following explanation of brass band formation and etiquette is provided to ensure a smooth, orderly and enjoyable march, an environment in which all musicianers involved can hear each other and produce presentable music, and to facilitate necessary communication throughout the band.
Please, take the time to read and commit its concepts to memory with the hopes of applying said concepts to this and any other event involving a marching brass band.
This marching brass band consists of three sections: the front line, back line and mid-section. Each section should have no more than five musicianers to a row. Each section may have more than one row.
The front line will consist of trumpets and clarinets.
The back line will consist of drums and bass instruments.
The mid-section will consist of trombones, saxophones and all other appropriate brass and woodwind instruments.
It is imperative for any marching unit to maintain its formation. A tight group communicates well and enjoys the many benefits of a stronger camaraderie.
Bearing that in mind, please DO NOT break ranks (do not try to walk between two members of the same row.)
Please, try to keep as close as possible to the musicianers to the left, right, forward and rear. No more than a foot between each musicianer to the left and/or right and, with the exception of trombonists, no more than three feet between the musicianer to the rear and/or forward.
Leading this brass band will be Oliver Steck. He is generally rather hard to miss. Please keep an eye and an ear on him throughout the parade, as he will be calling tunes (and their keys) and directing vocal choruses, drum roll-offs, etc., as well as monitoring and guiding the speed of the march. Also, please keep an ear on Mark Rubin, the brass bassist, who will be unquestionably defining the tempo as well as passing forward and/or echoing important information regarding unit integrity (do not break ranks, keep it tight, etc.)
On a related note, when Mr. Steck or Mr. Rubin bellows a direction important to the forward motion of the brass band and/or the parade, please echo that information forward or backward in the case that other musicianers couldnt hear the original direction.
The Jericho Brass Band welcomes and encourages all types of instruments to join them in traditional second-line fashion. But, in keeping with the above etiquette and formation, the band requests that non-brass and non-woodwind instruments march on the outside of the formation (to the left, right and/or rear) not within the rank and file of the band itself.
Musicians, sound engineers, club owners, fans of live music, fans of liberty...decisions are being made on your behalf. Here's a chance to have your say.
The city government of Austin is considering lowering the volume of our music, from 85db to 75db.
Also, possible changes to our rights of public assembly, and of public solicitation.
Thanks.
Richard Bowden
...from the City of Austin website:
Austin Music Commission
Notice of Meeting
Monday, November 5, 2007, 6 p.m.
Momo's, 618 West 6th Street
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Citizen Communication
4. Discussion and possible action regarding Music Memorial Project
5. Discussion and possible action regarding Music Commission annual goals and work plan
6. Discussion and possible action regarding temporary use permits and public assembly issues
7. Discussion and possible action regarding solicitation issues
8. Town Hall meeting for discussion and possible action regarding city ordinance on amplified sound and live music venues
9. Industry Report
10. Staff Report
11. Member Reports
12. New Business: Next meeting a Monday, December 3, 2007
13. Adjourn
You are invited to submit artwork for a show to be held at Austins Dougherty Arts Center, beginning November 1, 2007 and ending November 27, 2007. The show is titled WAR-Artists Respond. Download Application
See the website for details.
Richard Bowden speaks on "The Role of Music in Community Activism". See the website for details.
Rallied at State Capitol at Noon, Marched to Austin City Hall via Congress Avenue and the 6th Street entertainment district. March was followed by a concert and speaches at Austin City Hall.
© 2007 Instruments For Peace