Mary K. McNeill
February 2004 | Evergreen Citizen
Songs for a Planet
This music teacher-peace activist stayed true to her values, only to lose her job. Her offense? Talking about war with kids
BY HEATHER NORDELL
Here is a song excerpt from one of Mary K. McNeill’s classes. The line about war was suggested by a 7-year-old boy and essentially cost the teacher her jobs: :
“We are the children of peace, we are the children of the world.
We are the children of love, we are the children of the world.
We don’t want war anymore), we are the children of the world.”
Four years and several thousand elementary students later, a beloved music teacher was asked to avoid “controversial subjects” in the classroom or leave.
The subject in question was war. After Sept. 11, children were concerned and turned to teachers with their questions. This teacher opened the classroom as a safe place for expression.
She always encouraged students to imagine lives of children in another parts of the world.
“What would you say to the children of Afghanistan?” Some responded, “I would want to be friends” and “We don’t want war.”
When this sentiment was included in one of the class songs, a parent complained to the school district. The school confronted the teacher. Presented with an ultimatum, the teacher was told the subject of peace was allowed, anti-war was not. Reluctantly, this month’s Evergreen Citizen decided in September to not return to her position at Olympic View elementary school.
Meet Mary K. McNeill, 44, musician, teacher and peace activist. Trained as a pianist and music therapist, the native North Carolinian moved to Seattle in 1996. She lives in the Ravenna neighborhood with her husband, son and daughter.
Evergreen Monthly recently spoke with Mary about her music programs. During the interview at Third Place Books, McNeill’s face lit up when a former student approached her.
EM: Why did you include the subjects of peace and war in the classroom?
McNeill: I had always taught songs about peace and it was never a problem. After 9-11, the children were upset. I used music as a way to help them explore what’s happening. It generated compelling dialogue, and the children felt connected to what was going on in the world.
EM: Why is teaching music important to you?
McNeill: I enjoy getting people to sing together. Music speaks to the human being within us all. I choose music that reflects the human condition and celebrates being alive. Music encourages children to value themselves and others. It has a wonderful power to bring people together as was seen during the civil rights movement.
EM: What were some of your most meaningful programs?
McNeill: After 9-11, I organized the first of several children’s peace programs. “A Children’s Gathering for Peace” at Seattle Center joined a thousand students from 11 ethnic communities to sing together.
I heard responses: “My child feels like she is making a difference.” One child said, “I bet we can stop war with this song.”
This summer will continue the tradition and we expect a special guest, Farlis Call-Guerrero, a five-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee.
On another occasion, a hundred kids recorded a tape for the children of Iraq. The event was filmed by KCTS, KING 5 and Channel 4, and the tape was escorted to Iraq by Bert Sacks (a well-known advocate for Iraqi children).
EM: What makes you most proud?
McNeill: When I hear, “I love the songs you teach” or “I love that my kid is singing.” Music hooks up to the child and does a little dance.
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