“US”
“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, 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.
Hear and see samples:
Recording samples courtesy of Rocky Mountain Chamber Choir.
About the Text
“The Bill of Obligations”
“The Bill of Obligations” argues that the very idea of citizenship must be revised and expanded. The Bill of Rights is at the center of our Constitution, but Rights alone cannot provide the basis for a functioning and flourishing democracy. But there is a cure: to place obligations on the same footing as rights. The ten obligations Haass introduces are essential for healing our divisions and safeguarding the country’s future.
These obligations reenvision what it means to be an American citizen.
Dr. Richard Haass is President Emeritus of the nonpartisan Council on Foreign Relations. An experienced diplomat and policymaker, he served in the Pentagon, State Department, and White House under four presidents, Democrat and Republican alike. A recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal, the State Department’s Distinguished Honor Award, and the Tipperary International Peace Award, he is the author or editor of fifteen other books. The Bill of Obligations was published by Penguin Press in 2023.
About the Composer
Michael Bussewitz-Quarm
The award winning music of Michael Bussewitz-Quarm engages singers and audiences through the soulful exploration of social and environmental themes around the world. Michael is passionate about effecting change through choral music, addressing topics ranging from art in post-civil war Raleigh-Durham, to gun violence, to the global refugee crisis. Ms. Bussewitz-Quarm won The American Prize in Composition (major works) in 2021 and made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2023 featuring her work, "Where We Find Ourselves".