Message in the Music

Amy Ziff, Alyson Palmer and Elizabeth Ziff of Betty
Amy Ziff, Alyson Palmer and Elizabeth Ziff of Betty

Saturday morning turned out to be a sunny morning but students of Hyderabad Public School were all charged up as band Betty gave out an electric performance.

Organised by the US Consulate General, the New York-based all woman trio were in the city to perform their brand of music with a message.

Known for using the arts to counter and raise a voice against gender-based violence, Betty, which features Elizabeth and Amy Ziff on the guitar and cello respectively and Alyson Palmer on the bass, has been a unique initiative in the States since 1986.

As they took to the stage, at least a 1,000 students cheered them on. Getting right down to business, the ladies launched into a pop number that got people’s feet tapping. However, singing an underlying message about determination and perseverance, the own compositions told the tale of a sailor which was followed by Elizabeth stressing on the importance of passion.

“Be passionate no matter what it is. No matter what situation you are in, never give up and lose your passion. Spread love and hate none.”

Following this pattern of song and sermon, the morning had messages on bullying, empowerment of the woman and equal rights, peace and love for all.

Playing own compositions, the band garnered much enthusiasm from the crowd with their rock sound, even head-banging to a few numbers. Elizabeth Ziff also had the kids doing a few robotic dance moves, keeping them engaged.

Explaining why they were in India, Alyson said, “We want to build bridges but not walls between New York and India. There shouldn’t be any difference between one and another.”

With issues like equal rights and bullying at the top of their list, the band tried to reach out to students through their music to push their point forward.

“One’s dignity can never be taken away unless it is surrendered. I believe that the students here are the future leaders not only of India but of the world,” said Amy, who appealed to students to not  bully their peers.

At the end of the hour-long concert-with-a-message, students were clamouring for more and called for an encore, which the band willingly obliged to.

While students wished to speak to the artists, the band made a quick exit, leaving their music to the talking for them.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Jiby Varghese – Hyderabad / February 10th, 2014

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