Omar Thomas to Conduct Banned Song in Watertown on May 21 as School Board Defends Ban
Updated
Updated · WISN Milwaukee · May 19
Omar Thomas to Conduct Banned Song in Watertown on May 21 as School Board Defends Ban
5 articles · Updated · WISN Milwaukee · May 19
A free 7:30 p.m. community performance of "A Mother of a Revolution" is set for Wednesday at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, with composer Omar Thomas traveling to Watertown to conduct it.
The concert follows the Watertown School Board's vote last week to pull the piece from the high school band's spring program, saying it celebrated violence and that schools should be free from indoctrination.
Monday's school concert went ahead without the song, but the ban drew a support rally outside and thunderous applause inside as residents, parents and students protested the decision.
The instrumental work honors Marsha P. Johnson, the trans woman widely linked to the 1969 Stonewall uprising, turning a local programming dispute into a nationally noticed fight over LGBTQ representation in schools.
What does a school board's vote against a song reveal about the future of public education?
How can an instrumental piece of music, with no words, be banned for promoting indoctrination?
After the Ban: 283 Signatures and the Fight for LGBTQ+ Representation in Watertown’s School Music
Overview
After the Watertown School Board banned the performance of 'A Mother of a Revolution!' on May 12, 2026, the community quickly organized an alternative concert for May 21. This event became a strong show of support for students and artistic freedom, drawing national attention. Composer Omar Thomas, inspired by the situation, chose to conduct the concert himself. The effort was driven by a deep community desire to recognize students' hard work, with alumni leading advocacy before the ban. The alternative concert highlighted unity and resilience, turning a controversial decision into a powerful moment for the town.