North Central College in the News
North Central College dean quoted in Naperville Sun
Feb 05, 2021
Dr. Stephen Maynard Caliendo interviewed on the concept and impact of protest music
A Naperville woman found a melodious method for voicing her opposition to a proposed subdivision on what once was Nokia property on the city’s far north side. “Wooden Houses,” a song written and performed by Phyllis Betenia, is a throwback to the protest tunes of the 1960s that called for defending the environment and valuing nature. Rather than waiting for her voice to be heard, Betenia instead drew inspiration from folk musician activists like Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Buffy Sainte-Marie and Bob Dylan to reach a broader audience.
Dr. Stephen Maynard Caliendo, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at North Central College, interviewed with the Naperville Sun to share how using music to get across a view has long been a part of political discourse.
“Rallies and marches often feature music to stir emotions and chants—a form of music—to create a sense of unity within the crowd,” said Dr. Caliendo. “What makes music so popular is it can go anywhere. Unlike theater or visual arts, music is one of the most portable art forms.”
