Crowder College Social Sciences will host its annual “Raise Your Voice” event on Tuesday, October 8, at 6 p.m. on the college's Neosho campus. The program, a key feature of this month’s History Symposium, is titled “Celebrating the songs that sing America’s story” and will explore the ways music has served as a powerful tool for public commentary throughout American history.
The event is scheduled to take place in the Wright Conference Center, situated on the second floor of the Arnold Farber building at Crowder College Neosho. The campus is located at 601 Laclede Ave., Neosho, MO. The evening will blend historical lecture with live musical performances, offering attendees a unique perspective on the intersection of music and societal change.
Dr. Denna Clymer, Crowder College Social Science Division Chair and Instructor, described the event, “Raise Your Voice: Music of Patriotism and Protest,” as an exploration of how Americans have employed music to express public opinion and influence historical movements. Dr. Clymer stated that history “doesn’t just happen in books,” emphasizing that it “is sung, shouted, marched to, and played at full volume.” She further elaborated that the presentation will examine how musical compositions both mirror the eras in which they are created and simultaneously act as catalysts for transformation. This dual function of music—as a reflection and a force for change—will be a central theme of the symposium.
The format of “Raise Your Voice” is designed to be both educational and engaging, combining scholarly insights with artistic expression. A significant portion of the event will be dedicated to a history lecture, providing context and analysis for the selected songs. This will be complemented by live performances from local musicians, who will bring these historically significant pieces—and their underlying stories—to life for the audience. The aim is to make the history of these songs accessible and impactful, demonstrating their enduring relevance to the American narrative.
As with all events in the History Symposium series, the “Raise Your Voice” program has received funding support from the Missouri Humanities Council. This funding enables Crowder College to offer programs that delve into significant historical and cultural topics for the benefit of the community in Neosho and the broader Four States region. The annual nature of the event highlights Crowder College Social Sciences' commitment to exploring history through diverse and engaging mediums. The public is invited to attend this examination of music's role in shaping the American story.
