How Music Inspires Social Change | Andrew Chong UIUC

The lines mentioned above from Michael Jackson’s song Black or White are simple yet quite impactful. Every time one listens to the pop song, the message hits home, and Andrew Chong UIUC is no exception to its impact. MJ has used music to talk about various social issues ranging from environmental degradation and racism to the unity of the entire humanity against corrupt politicians. Andrew Chong UIUC, a young and enthusiastic soul, feels quite strongly about such social affairs and, being a musician himself, believes that music is a unique driving force that can facilitate social change and bring smiles to people’s faces. He has previously worked with AMASE (Academy of Arts and Music for Special Education), a non-profit organization where he taught cello to teenagers with special needs for four years. Once the classes got over, Andrew Chong UIUC’s students had increased levels of focus, confidence, and a restored sense of self-esteem- all of which is instrumental in facing the world, especially when you don’t meet the criteria of being “normal.” When all other teaching methods fail, music comes to the rescue for these kids and makes learning about discipline and creative thinking fun.

According to Andrew Chong UIUC, music is inside all of us. The rhythm produced by the beating of our hearts is nature’s way of telling us that. We all have that one song that moves us to tears each time we listen to it. If a simple amalgamation of notes and chords can stir such powerful emotions, imagine its potential to change people’s mindset when paired with heated debates on television channels. During the American Civil Rights Movement, people used to sing songs to boost their morale and promote unity. We Shall Overcome by Pete Seeger became an anthem for the same. Martin Luther King Jr. called music “the soul of the movement.” 

When This is America by Childish Gambino came out back in 2018, many did not understand the hype surrounding it at first. But, upon paying heed, one realizes that the official music video is a huge oxymoron. Donald Glover, the singer, shows some pretty impressive dance moves while wearing a smile against a backdrop full of racist hate crimes, gun violence, and police brutality. It is a musical satire about how most of humanity is busy cavorting around in life and doing a great job at ignoring society’s problems that actually need immediate attention.

Andrew Chong UIUC acknowledges this issue and recognizes the responsibility of making a change. Andrew Chong UIUC’s way of fulfilling it is through travelling to countries facing disaster, reaching out to their citizens in distress, and holding classes for the children in need, giving them hope for a better tomorrow. Back in 2019, when Paraguay was hit with devastating floods, he stayed there and took part in the reconstruction efforts taking place post-disaster. 

It is not uncommon for famous singers to invite fans to concerts and fundraisers to spread awareness about diseases like cancer or issues like school shootings and terrorist bombings. Andrew Chong UIUC, a growing musician and a humanitarian worker, does his part by participating in numerous music events and competitions to use music as something that unites and brings a wave of good change. One such competition got him the Missy Belton Scholarship from The King’s Academy, given to the most outstanding musician of his graduating class. King’s Academy holds yearly service tours to Mexico to help the local community to the best of their abilities. Andrew Chong UIUC has and continues to assist many struggling communities during such annual tours, often by building and fixing houses for the distressed. He has also worked actively with the local church members and supported their attempts to bring the community together. 

Andrew Chong UIUC had very little constancy throughout his childhood- from moving to Shanghai to attending a British Internation School and an American middle school. His one constant companion? The cello. Music has helped him stay focused amidst all situations and cope with various hardships in life; He has faith that music has extraordinary potential to bring about social change.

Andrew Chong UIUC:

Bio:

Andrew Chong UIUC student is of the opinion that solo sports introduce a sense of responsibility within payers because both, success and failure are influenced by a single player’s performance.

About Andrew Chong UIUC