November 16, 2001

Dear friends of music:

As directors of the Mockingbird Foundation, we extend our condolences to all those affected by the events of the last eleven weeks, from the tragic events of September 11 to the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. As a nonpartisan funder of music education, we take no position on the conflict itself. But whatever the sources and dynamics of that conflict, the fall of the Taliban has brought one change in which the world can rejoice: the return of music, once outlawed. Whatever successors there may be, may music remain alive, in Afghanistan and everywhere.

Music is both a source and a signal of hope. It is something to be fostered wherever possible, and of particular importance during times of grief. In the memory of those lost, in support of those moving on, and for the promise of a brighter future, we ask you to pause and reflect on a song written 30 years ago this month, words you may know only from a soft drink commercial:

   I'd like to teach the world to sing
   In perfect harmony
   I'd like to hold it in my arms
   And keep it company
   I'd like to see the world for once
   All standing hand in hand,
   And hear them echo through the hills
   For peace throughout the land.
   That's the song that I hear
   Let the world sing today
   A song of peace that echoes on
   And never goes away

We appreciate your continued support in helping make the world more musical and hope that, whatever song you hear, you'll sing it aloud once today. The world needs it.

Sincerely,

The Board of the Mockingbird Foundation
http://www.mockingbirdfoundation.org/funding
(Lyrics by Backer, Davis, Cook, and Greenway)