Our Music
Overview
Sing Democracy 250 is a national initiative designed to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 through music. This project will engage singers and citizens, educate them about America’s history, equip them with knowledge of their responsibilities as citizens, and empower them to renew American democracy, in the context of America’s 250th birthday.
Through the Sing Democracy 250—All America Program, we invite choral leaders from communities large and small throughout America to create a performance of this music program in their community in 2026.
What is this music program?
The music program for Sing Democracy 250 was developed by our co-founders, Gary Aamodt and Celia Ellingson, and commissioned by Together In Hope Project. The full program includes two new major compositions by American composers, “Redeem the Dream” and “US”, as well as “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing”.
“Redeem the Dream” is based on Langston Hughes’ poem “Let America Be America Again”, written in 1935. The poem reflects on the gap between the ideals of American democracy as articulated in the Declaration of Independence and the reality experienced by many people over our history. Yet the poem ends with hope that America can live up to its promises of freedom, equality, and opportunity for all. The poet affirms that we, the people, can and must redeem the vision of America and make America what it is intended to be. Hughes’ poem is introduced by words from the Declaration of Independence.
We hope that this work will cause singers and citizens to reflect on America’s history and to commit to participate in renewing American democracy, to work together toward that “more perfect union” envisioned in the United States Constitution.
Brandon A. Boyd, Composer
“US” is based on Richard Haass’ book, The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens. The text for this composition was developed and integrated by Celia Ellingson and Gary Aamodt, co-founders of Sing Democracy 250 and the Together In Hope Project, in coordination with Richard Haass, and in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. This piece begins with an urgent invitation (“this is our time to fulfill democracy’s promise”), then presents and unpacks each of 10 Obligations of good citizens with quotations from a diverse group of Americans, from founding fathers to living Americans. These quotes explain each obligation and, in so doing, demonstrate that each of these obligations has been understood and practiced throughout America’s history. The piece concludes with an inspiring call to citizenship, encouraging all citizens to adopt these obligations as an action plan for renewing American democracy.
We hope that this work will energize, equip, and empower all singers and citizens to participate in renewing American democracy. The power of democracy is in the voice of its people, and every voice matters.
Michael Bussewitz-Quarm, Composer
Why music?
Throughout history, music has fueled social change, from protest anthems to solidarity tunes, forging connections and fostering community. As a universal language, music holds the power to transcend divisions, affirm diversity, and inspire hope and harmony for our nation.
Can music really make a difference? Noted American historian Jon Meacham suggests one answer: