Mekdes’ Story
Music is the lifeblood of her culture
From One Repaired Harp, Many Cultures Can Unite
BY KATHERINE HOVLAND
JULY 25, 2019
(MILWAUKEE) — Music is more than just beauty. It’s the lifeblood of her culture.
Mekdes Woldemariam isn’t interested in playing a trumpet or a clarinet, or other instruments commonly found in a school band or orchestra.
She wants a harp, and vividly remembers the first time she heard someone play it.
“She was playing the music so beautifully and her hands were moving so fast,” Mekdes said, recalling the mesmerizing experience.
“As soon as you hear the music it’s so soft and delicate… It makes you go into a different zone. It’s just so beautiful.”
Music is central to the culture of her home country, Ethiopia.
“There are so many different ethnicities in one area so there is no way for you to communicate [with words],” she said. “So, a lot of times they perform music and dances… and that’s how I grew up communicating.”
Many of her family members have performed together, and she is eager to join them.
When the Ronald Reagan High School senior heard about WCM’s Instrument Drive, she jumped at the chance to receive a harp of her own.
After studying physics and fine arts in college, she hopes to travel abroad, play internationally, and inspire others to find common ground through music.
“I want to use music to create communities, to unite people,” Mekdes said with a smile.
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From One Repaired Harp, Many Cultures Can Unite
Mekdes’ Story
Music is more than just beauty. It’s the lifeblood of her culture. Mekdes isn’t interested in instruments found in school band. She wants a harp, and vividly remembers the first time she heard it.