Title: Teamwork: we’re not just about politics!
Original CoS Document (slug): teamwork-we-re-not-just-about-politics
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Created: 2020-10-17 11:05:50
Updated: 2025-02-18 23:07:13
Published: 2020-10-19 00:00:00
Converted: 2025-04-14T21:07:14.686788554
So what did some New York patriots do during the COVID-19 lockdowns? Not what you’d expect! In addition to our mission to spread the word on Article V of the U.S. Constitution and build the world’s largest group of grassroots activists, we had some fun and made music.
The idea arose when I first realized that two other members of our leadership team played stringed instruments. I’ve been self-learning how to play the violin for a few years now, attempting to fulfill a childhood dream of mine.
Then, I learned that Lois Alimonti (one of our Convention of States New York Co-Directors) is also a violin student, who takes lessons in her spare time. Additionally, one of the newest members of our team–Melissa Brown–shared that she plays cello.
And so the seed was planted for a string trio!
For our first attempt at making music, we agreed to play “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood as a Fourth of July tribute. We all dutifully practiced our musical parts. Nonmusical members of our team provided pictures to add to the project.
Then the moment of truth came: putting it all together. Lacking an active videographer on our team, I did my best to edit the videos and put it all together. Admittedly, I bit off more than I could handle in that department. It was a challenge, but I did my best.
https://youtu.be/3dB2CcV4M04
If you dabble in photography, videography, or editing, we would love to have you join our team. There are always Convention of States New York events throughout the state where we could put your talents to work. Apply here, and a member of our leadership team will contact you.
As the summer and the lockdowns persisted, our next project was born: “You’re a Grand Old Flag” by George M. Cohan. We set our goal of Labor Day Weekend and began practicing. This time we recruited some vocalists.
Mary Buckley (a member of the COS New Jersey team) kindly agreed to sing for us. Adrienne Harris (a COS supporter from Utah and a good friend of mine with a talent for acting and singing) amazingly recorded two different versions of herself singing the catchy tune.
Mary also had a great idea to have someone tell the story of why George M. Cohan wrote the song. Sebastien Porsenna (who is a recent addition to our growing team of District Captains) agreed to narrate. Silver Dreaming Wolf (Co-Director of our New York team), Media Liaison Janis Gregory, and Volunteer Roger Stefanchik had fun recording a short clip in period dress to add to the project.
https://youtu.be/53oUrHm2_eo
Do you have a suggestion for our next musical project? We would love for you to join our team of fun-loving New York patriots. Visit us at the Convention of States Project.
Sign the petition and browse through the wide variety of volunteer roles for one that suits your time and talents on our Take Action page.
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