May 23, 2025

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

Here's what will be happening on Sunday, May 25 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share. This month's theme:

Masters: Neil Young

See below for details

Here's the link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440

The Songwriting Sessions and Master Class are back!!

We’re thrilled to share that Soldier Songs & Voices’ Master Class and Songwriting Sessions are back at 5:00 PM Central Time! These free, weekly gatherings bring together veterans and active-duty service members (plus allies) to polish lyrics, craft melodies, and share stories in a supportive community. You’ll learn from guest instructors, swap feedback with fellow songwriters, and lean into the healing power of music. We’ll meet in our usual space (online via Zoom – link below), so grab your notebook, your guitar, and your creative spirit.

See you Monday!

May Schedule

5/26 5:00pm CT : Memorial Day Song Share and Revue

Click here to join the Master Class Zoom Meeting

Last month 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 May, we're celebrating Masters, in particular the Canadian master songwriter Neil Young. Consider his body of work and if it has influenced you, enjoy exploring it. Thanks to Robert for suggesting this one.

Perhaps learn one of his songs to share, or try writing a song that reflects his style or impact.

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 will be on duty.

Coming up:

We'll be on Zoom June 1 and 8 and at Artichoke Community Music on June 15. 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

May 17,2025

Welcome!

Join us for some in-person inspiration on Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m.

We'll be in the upper classroom, as usual. Bring a song or two to share! Or just listen!

Here's where:

Artichoke Community Music

2007 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202

Map

And don't forget our April Theme,

Masters: Neil Young.

Consider this 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.

We won't be Zooming for this event.



The crew of the Hillsboro Beginning Guitar Class!

On Wednesdays, in collaboration with Warrior Beat, we're offering something a little different on our Zoom space. We hope you'll stop by and check it out!

Here's an opportunity to sample a whole new way of connecting with the rhythmic part of what we do.

Join the Zoom Meeting from 6-7 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85695100053?pwd=RWpjcnVwM1hzWTBHenpqYnYxamdyQT09

Meeting ID: 856 9510 0053

Passcode: 700977



And from the folks at the SSV home office:

We’re thrilled to share that Soldier Songs & Voices’ Master Class and Songwriting Sessions are back at 5:00 PM Central Time! These free, weekly gatherings bring together veterans and active-duty service members (plus allies) to polish lyrics, craft melodies, and share stories in a supportive community. You’ll learn from guest instructors, swap feedback with fellow songwriters, and lean into the healing power of music. We’ll meet in our usual space (online via Zoom – link below), so grab your notebook, your guitar, and your creative spirit.

See you Monday!

May Schedule

5/19 5:00pm CT : Writing Session

5/26 5:00pm CT : Memorial Day Song Share and Revue

Click here to join the Master Class Zoom Meeting

Look for us on Zoom on May 25. The next in-person Vets' Song Circle will be June 15. Join us!

May 9, 2025

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

Here's what will be happening on Sunday, May 11 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share. This month's theme:

Masters: Neil Young

See below for details

Here's the link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440

From last week's Zoom Workshop:

Participants:

Robert, A thread you follow, Take a giant step, Motion pictures

Ed, Old Man

Deb was driving to a radio interview and listened in as long as she could

David M, shared changes to the song he is working on

Trish hosted

Small group, Robert showed up to kick off our Masters month with an intro to Neil Young, Ed did a rather impressive rendition of Old Man.

It must be Spring time. Everyone was ready to leave a bit early and we stopped at 3:00

The Songwriting Sessions and Master Class are back!!

We’re thrilled to share that Soldier Songs & Voices’ Master Class and Songwriting Sessions are back at 5:00 PM Central Time! These free, weekly gatherings bring together veterans and active-duty service members (plus allies) to polish lyrics, craft melodies, and share stories in a supportive community. You’ll learn from guest instructors, swap feedback with fellow songwriters, and lean into the healing power of music. We’ll meet in our usual space (online via Zoom – link below), so grab your notebook, your guitar, and your creative spirit.

See you Monday!

May Schedule

5/12 5:00pm CT : Writing Session

5/19 5:00pm CT : Writing Session

5/26 5:00pm CT : Memorial Day Song Share and Revue

Click here to join the Master Class Zoom Meeting

Last month 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 May, we're celebrating Masters, in particular the Canadian master songwriter Neil Young. Consider his body of work and if it has influenced you, enjoy exploring it. Thanks to Robert for suggesting this one.

Perhaps learn one of his songs to share, or try writing a song that reflects his style or impact.

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 will be on duty.

Coming up:

We'll be at Artichoke Community Music on May 18 and on Zoom May 25 for a special Memorial Day session. 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

April 30, 2025

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

A hearty welcome aboard to the folks from the SSV 8 Week Beginning Guitar Class at the Walters Cultural Arts Center in Hillsboro and the Vets' Resource Center at PCC Rock Creek!

Here's what will be happening on Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share. This is the first week of this month's theme: Masters: Neil Young

Here's a link to get to the workshop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440

From last week's Zoom Workshop:

Small but fun group. David said he didn't want to take up a lot of time so we all told him to take up as much time as he wanted and we helped as much as he wanted with his song. We talked about what a hook in a sing is and Ed and I boosted up the SSV September event. Maybe we can talk John and Deb to come visit and be part of it.

Participants:

John L, Polaroid, Listen to the silence speak, BBQ for breakfast

Ed, Brave soldiers

David M, After your good bye

Trish, I should put my phone down(Judd Harris), QOOC

Last month 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 May, we're celebrating Masters, in particular the Canadian master songwriter Neil Young. Consider his body of work and if it has influenced you, enjoy exploring it. Thanks to Robert for suggesting this one.

Perhaps learn one of his songs to share, or try writing a song that reflects his style or impact.

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 will be on duty.

Coming up:

We'll be on Zoom May 11 and at Artichoke Community Music on May 18. 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

April 25, 2025

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

A hearty welcome aboard to the folks from the SSV 8 Week Beginning Guitar Class at the Walters Cultural Arts Center in Hillsboro and the Vet's Resource Center at PCC Rock Creek!

Here's what will be happening on Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share. This is the last week of this month's theme: Speaking Truth to Power

Here's a link to get to the workshop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440

Happy Easter last week!

Last month 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 May, we're celebrating Masters, in particular the Canadian master songwriter Neil Young. Consider his body of work and if it has influenced you, enjoy exploring it. Thanks to Robert for suggesting this one.

Perhaps learn one of his songs to share, or try writing a song that reflects his style or impact.

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 will be on duty.

Coming up:

We'll be on Zoom May 4 and 11 and at Artichoke Community Music on May 18. 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

April 17, 2025

Welcome!

Join us for some in-person inspiration on Sunday, April 20 at 2 p.m.

We'll be in the upper classroom, as usual. Bring a song or two to share! Or just listen!

We met on Zoom last week. Here's how it went:

Participants:

JMichaels, Summer rain, I'm just a mongrel living in your poodle world, It will be alright

Jeff, shared David Rodrequez singing I wonder how it feels to be so sure

David M was clever as always

Trish, I don't mind

Small but enthusiastic group sharing some memories. Oh look, people are smiling!

Here's where:

Artichoke Community Music

2007 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202

Map

And don't forget our April Theme,

Speaking Truth to Power.

Consider this 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.

We won't be Zooming for this event.



Dogs write songs, too, apparently!

On Wednesdays, in collaboration with Warrior Beat, we're offering something a little different on our Zoom space. We hope you'll stop by and check it out!

Here's an opportunity to sample a whole new way of connecting with the rhythmic part of what we do.

Join the Zoom Meeting from 6-7 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85695100053?pwd=RWpjcnVwM1hzWTBHenpqYnYxamdyQT09

Meeting ID: 856 9510 0053

Passcode: 700977



Look for us on Zoom on April 27. The next in-person Vets' Song Circle will be May 18. Join us!

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.



April 8, 2025

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

A hearty welcome aboard to the folks from the SSV 8 Week Beginning Guitar Class at Walter Cultural Arts Center in Hillsboro!

Note: the online sessions hosted by the folks at the national SSV are paused (see below).

Here are last week's shenanigans:

Participants:

Jeff, Don't try to tell us, a protest song, Bad man, Paradigm shift, suffering, (his own verses to the song) god bless the boys that make the noise on 16th avenue

Carl, Where is truth, The crime of silence

Sean, Into the Grey, Open your mind, Keep em on the toes, The needle and the damage done, Only one

Deb, What's up, Glass ceiling

David M (he's back listening today)

Ed, Poncho and lefty, Twisted throats

John L, Veteran's lament, Living here alone with you

Trish QOOC

Here's what will be happening on Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share. Remember this month's theme: Speaking Truth to Power

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 month 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 at Artichoke Community Music on April 20 and on Zoom April 27. 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

April 2, 2025

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

March 27, 2025

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

Note: the online sessions hosted by the folks at the national SSV are paused (see below).

Here's what will be happening on Sunday, March 30 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share.

And we're starting something new this week:

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're introducing Themes.

For the next month, 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.

Here's a link to get to the workshop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440



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 6 and 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

March 18, 2025

Click here to check out Sean Ramstead's new CD!

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

Note: the online sessions hosted by the folks at the SSV mothership are paused (see below).

Here's what will be happening on Sunday, March 23 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



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 March 30. 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