#Loved Ones

Program Note: "Spoken word artist Christopher Johnson performs '#Loved Ones' with the Verdant Vibes Ensemble. He lists off many different Hashtags, many of which are the names of Black people who have been murdered by police. Christopher Johnson continues by making profound statements on American racism and policing. Underneath the spoken text, the Verdant Vibes Ensemble interprets Christopher Johnson's words with expressively improvised textures." 

Chamber Group: Bass Clarinet, Vibraphone, Cello, Double Bass

Suggested Activity: Focus your ears on each member of the ensemble. What does each musician add to the performance with their playing articulation, dynamics, phrasing, and more? How does their improvisation differ from the other members?