This course looks at the history of musical collectives in relation to social and political activism. Social justice ideology reaching far beyond the bandstand is often the binding force that glues creative communities together, as can be seen in examples as wide ranging as the Harlem Renaissance, the Association for the Advancement of Creative Music (AACM), and humanitarian benefit concerts like the Concert for Bangladesh. In addition to surveying historical examples, students will also undertake a group concert production assignment connecting a musical program with a social justice project. By combining historical analysis with practical production skills, the course will help students develop new and creative approaches to activism that can address today’s complex world.