1-21 by Angela Kepley

1-21 was inspired by the rhythm, music, and energy of the Women’s March. While attending the Women’s March in Chicago, I found myself surrounded by chanting, music, and excitement. There was a sense of community and a common goal of unit and equality. As a percussionist and dancer, I was drawn to samba music off in the distance. That day, I marched and danced my way through the streets of Chicago.

When I sat down to compose the following day, the rhythms of samba and the various chants were playing in my head. The result was a composition that melded the of sounds from the previous day. Like the march, the solo sections of the piece give students a chance to voice their own ideas while simultaneously feeding off each other’s musical energy. The title is a reminder of the wonderful sense of community and the sounds and energy of the city that I experienced on that date.