As part of GCSU’s annual Constitution Week, “Trail Tunes: A Delightful Program of Songs from Presidential Campaigns, 1840–1964,” featured a live performance of historic campaign songs.
This concert, hosted by the GCSU Department of Music on Sept. 16 at 6 p.m., gave the audience a new perspective on today’s political atmosphere. The blend of history and music reflects the environment of past presidential elections.
In a world where political tensions can be high, the GCSU Music Department has transformed them into a harmonious celebration.
“Politics can be messy, divisive and inscrutable. Music, on the other hand, can be welcoming and familiar,” said Dr. Dana Gorzelany-Mostak, a GCSU music professor and co-host of the event. “I think we all need to have a basic understanding of how politicians and other parties use sound to persuade voters.”
Dr. Gorzelany-Mostak emphasizes the need for a general understanding of how music has historically shaped political messaging. She reiterates the point of the show, which is to educate the audience on historical events.
Students at the concert felt drawn to the songs. The impact the Trail Tunes concert had on students went so far as to influence non-music major students to return to future events.
“I really enjoyed the concert,” said Jordan Hyman, a freshman business major. “I definitely will attend an event like this again. Also, the ‘Hello Lyndon’ song stuck out to me the most because of how well the performers did. I feel like I learned something.”
Hyman expresses how outstanding the performers were and the impact the concert had on him. He plans to return to a future GCSU Department of Music event even as a business major.
By attracting students from a multitude of academic backgrounds, Trail Tunes proved that music can be a gateway to understanding political history. It wasn’t only a concert; Trail Tunes is a way to educate an audience in an engaging and inspiring way. Therefore, students were able to walk away with a new perspective.
“I hope the audience walks away feeling patriotic,” said Serah Blair, a sophomore music therapy major. “I hope they feel pride for their country, especially in light of recent events. Things are dark at times and these things are discouraging. There’s always hope and we’re not the only generation to feel that there is no hope.”
Blair mentioned the desperate need for patriotism in the United States today. Her main point was that though there are discouraging events taking place, there is always hope.
This music not only references history, it enhances the audience’s perception of the current state of the world.
Per Trail Tunes being a part of Constitution Week, students were encouraged to attend events in the hopes of gaining additional insight on the foundation of their country. The point of this week that is dedicated to the Constitution is to expand younger generations’ perceptions.
For upcoming events hosted by the GCSU Department of Music, visit the university calendar.