In mid-October, 25 students and their teachers traveled to Washington, DC to perform Anthem on the National Mall and in two other locations. To get a sense of the full story, you can view our collection of Anthem-related updates posted to this blog by starting here and working your way forward through the month of October. Also, click here to see a 3-minute companion video featuring CMW student voices.
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Anthem lyrics by Kirby Vasquez
Of the people, By the people, For the people
We are the future of the United States!
Power, freedom, understanding and now change,
Join hands to turn a new page.
Work together, build together, stand together
We live the dream of our forefathers today.
As we walk we make a pledge to march ahead
We prove what Doctor King once said.
For we now have a sense of pride above all,
We stand tall,
We stand tall…
Keep our spirits high because we will fly.
No matter who we are as one we will rise.
No matter our age, our color, or race.
There are still similarities in the problems we face.
We’ve seen the same suffering and sorrow,
But we still make our way to a better tomorrow.
And though we’ve seen it all, we refuse to fall.
So keep our spirits high because we will fly.
Through all the pain and tears, we move on by.
When once the road wasn’t clear,
We now make our way without fear
For we are the future of the United States.
What was once our goals, now become our fate
This is our American Dream.
To make the world safe from hypocrisy,
Like an unstoppable team.
So come on, this is our destiny,
Our moment to be.
Hold a sense of pride above all,
Stand tall.
For together, we will never fall.
Keep our spirits high, because we will fly.
Dear Jori and friends, I was there and this was still amazingly inspirational. Thanks for capturing it so brilliantly! Liz Hollander
Posted by: Liz Hollander | December 29, 2010 at 01:13 PM
You bring tears - of joy - to my eyes. It's been such a privilege to follow all of you at CMW for all these years.
Posted by: Joan Lusk | December 29, 2010 at 05:00 PM
Amazing!!! Great work.
Posted by: Yolanda | December 29, 2010 at 09:40 PM
That was an incredible video! I'm amazed by the talent of the students and touched by the positive environment. Go CMW!
Posted by: Tyrene Jones, College Visions Staff | January 03, 2011 at 11:39 AM
To all of you brilliant lights who contribute, and especially to Jori,
Thank you for this video.
GREAT JOB !
it brings tears to my eyes remembering having been able to share it with you.
Linda Ruth
Posted by: Linda Ruth | January 10, 2011 at 11:51 AM
That was amazing!! Great job everyone!!
Posted by: Neshaa | January 12, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Amazing Amazing Amazing!!!!
I love love love CMW
Thank you for being in the world!
Melody
Posted by: Melody R. Ward | January 14, 2011 at 09:46 PM
I believe nothing is changing the shape of our kids' future as much as after-school and orchestra programs - it's a power to tap into, a buzz that's exciting, something to get passionate about and awaken the creative and expressive spirit in all of us! Thank you for your posting. Our Jump Start Strings in Jacksonville, FL, in collaboration with Communities In Schools, is following in the footsteps of other El Sistema inspirations. Let's never let this movement die!
Posted by: Peggy Toussant | January 20, 2011 at 02:37 PM