Join us on Zoom this weekend.
Note: the online sessions hosted by the folks at the national SSV are paused (see below).
Here's a synopsis of last week's session:
There were five intrepid attendees with Carl Solomon leading the day presenting the topic "speak truth to power". Unfortunately, Trish was not feeling well so I assumed the role of host for the workshop. Carl's presentation included a discussion on how veterans are/may be affected by recent political events. Deborah Wesloh commented on her work with the VA wherein she manages one hundred contractors hired by the VA to expedite PACT Act and other disability claims filed by veterans. The impact of staff reductions remains to be seen.
So how does one "speak truth to power" in a song? Strong emotional content, stories, cause and effect scenarios, and visual elements are key. Asking questions of the listener may be more effective than telling a listener what to think. To illustrate the power of questions Carl performed two songs including, 'The Crime of Silence', followed by a discussion.
Some of the other songs played are:
Deb Wesloh - 'On the Eve of Destruction' and 'Crank the Music'
John Lowrance - 'Bells of Rhymney' and 'Last Resort'
Jeff Chambers - 'The Border' and a raw parody of 'The Universal Soldier'
Ed Wales - 'This Land is Your Land' and 'Brave Soldiers'
John and Deb - shared a recording of their song ''18' that captures the life and emotion of young soldiers sent to war. And John and Deb will perform on Open Mic America, April 6.
Here's what will be happening on Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m.
We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share.
Here's a link to get to the workshop:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09
Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684
Passcode: 939440
Last week we kicked off something new
We liked what the vets in Texas were doing with having a song prompt that lasts for the whole month. It gave a little direction to where folks were headed, without being overly programmatic or structured.
So we introduced Themes.
For the month of April, consider the following idea and if it finds its way into your songwriting or your choice of others' songs to play, enjoy exploring it. Thanks to Carl for suggesting the first one.
Speaking Truth to Power
Try writing a truth song, maybe perceived as a protest song, about to cuts to veterans benefits and services. Could be a song, poem or haiku.
Future Themes we're envisioning include Masters (great writers), How Stuff Works (how to, from technique to transposition), Play It Like You Mean It (performance), Song Craft.
So, give it a try. Or do what you usually do. We'll have some encouraging words, but no song police on duty.
And from the folks at the SSV home office:
We wanted to let you know that our master classes are currently on hiatus. Rest assured, we’re working hard behind the scenes and will resume classes in the near future. Please keep an eye on your inbox for further updates.
Thank you for your continued support.
Coming up:
We'll be on Zoom April 13. The next session at Artichoke Community Music will be on April 20. Save the dates!
And don't forget the weekly session with our partners, Warrior Beats on Wednesdays at 6 PST:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89190909283?pwd=1jX8bTa3H3qWLEsQ6rDbrrcPBjPBzN.1