Harper Lee's classic American novel is a thoughtful recollection of one girl’s childhood. As Jean Louise Finch begins her story, a sparse piano solo introduces the innocence of her early years, when she was “Scout” (“The cement would still be there.”). But the recollection is not merely nostalgic; Jean Louise is looking for something, some lesson that she has forgotten ("What I want to remember").

Jean Louise’s story is, in one sense, a story about small-town racial prejudice in the South in the 1930s. This album’s music reflects that rustic context by means of an unpolished, personal sound. The music is humorous in its grit ("All angles and bones"); mildly soulful in its harmonies ("Tom Robinson's trial"); and scratchy in its agitation ("I'll fix her!").

This story is also about a father who must introduce his children to a brutal world. The innocence of the opening strains now finds a darker context ("They're goin'"). Atticus is a hero who quietly does what is necessary ("A chair and a light bulb"). His ideals are his weapons. With them he fights for the African-American cause. He loses ("Mr. Finch won't let 'em."). Or does he? ("You're beginning to realize.") For his pains, Atticus Finch reaps the worst in human nature: violent revenge ("Our longest journey together").

But this is also a story about “Boo” Radley, a hidden symbol of the novel’s theme. People can be misunderstood. The children misunderstand Boo, their legendary and reclusive neighbor. And Maycomb, Alabama, misunderstands Tom Robinson, the African-American. The musical motives for both Boo and the racial drama are, therefore, closely related ("Boo Radley" and "Tom's dead!"). The first statement of Boo's theme ("Boo Radley") presents the man as mysterious and frightening. Only once does Jem summon the courage to mount the Radley porch and touch Boo's door ("Right behind you!").

As the story progresses, however, the children's mistrust turns to wonder at the recluse’s anonymous generosity ("Look at these."). In the end, Scout finally recognizes Boo as her protector ("Someone came out."). She finally sees him as her friend, and she walks him home ("Will you take me home?"). Standing on his porch, she finally stands in his shoes and understands him. And Jean Louise finally remembers what Atticus taught her about the inherent value of people.

To Kill a Mockingbird is a story that provokes thought. In our case, that thoughtfulness provoked musical creativity. Although we produced this music for a staged drama, we are glad to offer it to you here, on its own. We hope you will enjoy and support this special album composed, performed, and produced by student musicians.