A volunteer organisation with a truly unique mission, the Black String Triage Ensemble arrives in the aftermath of violent and tragic events on the streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to perform concerts for the community in an act of healing. In doing so, the group, which is composed of Black and Latinx performers, seeks to fight hopelessness and send the message that ‘a different reality is possible’ for residents of the city, which has one of the highest violent crime rates of any urban centre in the United States. The short documentary Black Strings follows the ensemble as they sit ‘on call’, monitoring police, ambulance and fire department radios, awaiting a situation they deem suitable for a performance. In this profile of the ensemble, the US director Marquise Mays captures how spirituality drives their work, as well as how their performances can be met with mixed reactions by the communities they’re attempting to heal and inspire.

1,066 Views

 Your Name: Email:
  • Lulu

    So incredibly moving. Honoring presence at the death of strangers….talk about deep healing for honoring those who have died…..Reminds me of the parallel of the Threshold Choir. Look us up. We sing at the bedsides of those struggling. Calming, peaceful, beautiful….Bless these musicians who show up. I am honored to know of them. Thank you. Your work is so meaningful. It has moved me to tears….

  • Trina

    Wow. I don't adequately have the words for what this group is doing. Only..beauty, honoring and rebellion in the midst of violence and tragedy. A beautiful group of people. Thank you.

  • Rajat Mishra

    First responders—not in panic, but in music; not in trauma, but in love.

  • Diana

    God bless you and your reverent work! Stay inspired! Thank you!

  • Kevi

    I would love to see this on the streets of Northampton.

  • Marcella Brady

    The commitment to hope and non violence.

  • Page 1

  • Learn how interrupting the storage of traumatic memories might help prevent PTSD.
  • Discover how music can be a source of healing as a therapy and as a practice in your own life. 
  • What music helps you to feel better when you are feeling upset? Next time there is an upset, play some music and notice how you can help yourself or someone else feel better simply by listening to music. 

Related Videos