Never Doubt, an instrumental duet for flute and clarinet, is an intimate
reflection on a song frequently sung by climate activists during non-violent
actions. Its text is adapted from a famous quote commonly attributed to American
anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever
has.” My most significant memory of this song happened when 11 protestors
were arrested in Vancouver on Oct. 7th, 2019, for sitting peacefully in the middle
of Burrard Bridge to protest government inaction on the Climate and Ecological
Crisis. As the arrestees were calmly escorted, one-by-one, to police vehicles, the
surrounding crowd, observing from the sidewalks, gently sang this song. It was
the middle of the night.