Southeast’s music department and local musicians are participating in Concert Across America, a national event to raise awareness for gun violence Sunday, Sept. 24.

Local folk musician Chris Moore will play from 2 to 4 p.m. at Cup ’n’ Cork at the corner of Spanish and Independence streets.

Students and faculty members from the Southeast Department of Music will be performing a variety of classical pieces at the Christ Episcopal Church from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Concert Across America was organized five years ago with the help of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America in response to the 2012 Sandy Hook tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.

Last year’s concerts brought together 5,225 performers in 43 states for a total of 350 events to increase gun violence awareness. The event and Moms Demand Action advocate for changes in firearm policy and legislation, especially concerning ease of access.

According to the Moms Demand Action website, seven American children or teens are shot and killed every day.

Paul Thompson, applied flute instructor at Southeast and Moms Demand Action affiliate, helped to organize the classical concert. He said Dr. Sophia Han, Southeast’s new applied violin instructor will be performing. The harp, flute and other instruments will bring a diverse classical program to Christ Episcopal Church.

Moore’s performance at Cup ’n’ Cork will incorporate a sing-along version of the song “Nothing More” as a part of a national effort to break a world record on Sunday.

With the lyrics, “We are Peace, we are War, we are how we treat each other and nothing more,” the popular song by band the Alternate Routes is a fitting anthem and will be sung by all manner of participants, in multiple languages.

Thompson said both Sunday concerts are free and casual, and all are welcome to attend.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that Missouri seen 943 firearm deaths in 2014 and 1,094 firearm deaths in 2015.

In April of 2016, the Southeast Missourian reported 15 Cape Girardeau shootings in less than a year.

If these statistics seem worthy of more attention, consider attending the Concert Across America to create heightened awareness in the community or talk to a local representative about the importance of firearm laws and policies.

To learn more about Concert Across America and join in the world record attempt, or to learn more about raising awareness for gun violence, visit concertacrossamerica.org or momsdemandaction.org.