Uncomposed — White Ribbon

62%

of North Americans would feel relief if showing emotion was more widely accepted.
33M+

North American men believe strong men don't show emotion.
31M+

North Americans have told their sons not to show emotion.

Men are socialized to believe that expressing emotion is a sign of weakness.

Because of this, many feel disconnected from their complex feelings and have difficulty expressing them. This results in poor mental health, lack of emotional connections to loved ones, the use of violence and control to address difficult emotions, and so much more.

Research shows that specific attributes found in music are capable of evoking strong emotions. With help from a team of world-renowned musical experts, scientists, and psychologists, we composed a musical score to help men connect with the emotions they’ve been socialized to suppress.

This initiative commemorates White Ribbon’s 30th anniversary of working towards a new vision of masculinity – one that inspires men to promote gender equality, end gender-based violence, and embrace vulnerability.

The short film will be part of White Ribbon's workshops at schools across the country. It sends a powerful message: showing vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength.

About This Composition

Our composers merged creativity and science to move listeners with this piece of music. The techniques and overall structure of the piece were informed by world-renowned musical experts and therapists. Some of these techniques backed by psychology and research include:

Appoggiatura

A musical ornament that creates emotional tension by resolving an unexpected note with an expected one.

The Mourning Cycle

Reflects the cycle that people go through when they’re experiencing grief. Within the music, this is expressed as sounds alternating between melancholy and grief to create a cycle of tension and release.

Voice-like Instruments

Choosing instruments like the cello—the “most human of instruments" for how closely it imitates the human voice—to create an emotionally compelling experience.

Hear The Composition

Let the music take you on a journey. Think of a memory, perhaps of a loved one, or something you’re going through right now, whatever it may be. Try to let yourself just be in the moment and listen.

Created by:
Jared Kuemper – Owner Producer at Berkeley Inc.
Kristian Alexandrov – Composer at Berkeley Inc.
Shannon Gaye – Composer at Berkeley Inc.
Johannes Debus – Music Director Canadian Opera Company
Dr. Psyche Loui, PhD – Associate Professor and Director, MIND Lab
at Northeastern University
Dr. Frank Russo, PhD – Professor of Psychology at Ryerson University

Played by:
Drew Jurecka, Rebekah Wolkstein, Shannon Knights,
Amahl Arulanandam, Joe Phillips

Download Music Sheet