We Came to America 2024

We Came to America Overview

We Came to America is an innovative and collaborative musical work about the history and experience of immigrating to America. Commissioned by the JCC Thurnauer School of Music and composed by the school’s artist in residence Rob Kapilow, the world premiere performances will take place in January 2024. 

The project is inspired by Faith Ringgold’s 2016 children’s book, We Came to America, and by the spirit of her words: “We came to America, every color, race, and religion, from every country in the world.” We Came to America is an innovative and collaborative musical work about the history and experience of immigrating to America. The breadth of this project integrates community outreach, explores and celebrates diversity, and strives to promote inclusive and equitable educational opportunities through the transformative power of music. ​

Proceeds from We Came to America will support the Thurnauer School of Music’s major, annual fundraising event of the year. The proceeds will support the school’s mission to make high-quality music education available to all who wish to study music. Support for this project will expand our outreach in elementary schools, middle schools and high schools to inspire a nationwide conversation about the value and place of immigrants in the country’s past, present, and future. ​

Additional We Came to America components include:​

1.  The world premiere of a five-movement musical work for chorus and orchestra entitled, We Came to America, which interprets the immigration experience and the value of diversity and inclusion in America.​
2.  An educational curriculum for students of all ages and backgrounds about the value and role of immigrants and diversity in our country.​
3.  A research study has been funded to analyze the impact of We Came to America on its participants.​
4.  A We Came to America music education scholarship fund for students who wish to study music but lack the financial resources to do so.​