YOUTH SONGS WORKSHOP
FOR FULL DESCRIPTION, SONG SAMPLES AND PHOTOS, PLEASE VISIT:
KATHERINE WHEATLEY YOUTHSONGS PROGRAMME
FOR A VIDEO CLIP OF KATHERINE WRITING A SONG WITH A CLASS, PLEASE VISIT
http://www.plumtv.com/video_player/nantucket/06089_katherine_wheatley.flv
I haven't managed to set up my "Workshops" page on my website yet. For now, I'll put it here, in my "NEWS" section. My website know-how is limited, but at least I know how to update my "NEWS" page. The links above have more information. Here, on this "NEWS" page, I wanted to say that for me, the "workshops" part of my life is kind of newsworthy. It's a new thing in my life in the last few years. I love it.
I do a number of workshops: songwriting, touring, singing. But the one I'm most excited about is called "Youth Songs". Basically, I go into a school and write songs with the classes, then, once all the songs are written, I record them (usually in the school library) and make a school CD. At home, I do this program at local schools with my great friend Jude Vadala over a number of weeks. Away from home, I do it by myself in a shorter, more intense period of time. The programme was developed by Jude Vadala and Sarah Harwood (one of the parents at the first school we worked at) and me. The idea and know-how for writing songs with classes came from James Gordon, a wonderful singer/songwriter.
Below is the formal description of the programme. If you need more info about schedule and budget, or you want to hear some of the songs, please e-mail me at katherine.wheatley@sympatico.ca.
Thanks for your interest
A DESCRIPTION OF THE YOUTH SONGS PROGRAMME
Rather than read below, it might be more fruitful to link to:
KATHERINE WHEATLEY YOUTHSONGS PROGRAMME
where you can hear song samples...
“Youth songs was the best school-wide program I’ve seen in my career as an educator.”
- Nelson Keane, Principal, Paisley Rd. P.S.
What is the Youth Songs Program?
It’s a songwriting and recording program for Kindergarten to Grade 6 classes. Katherine writes songs with each class - up to 6 per week. The program will culminate in two events:
1. The production of a CD of all the class songs
2. A concert to celebrate those songs
Writing the songs:
Each class receives 2 one-hour visits from Katherine. She gives them a crash course in songwriting. Together, they choose a topic, they brainstorm, they write the lyrics and they write the melody. Each class ends up with their own class song. If time allows, each class will participate in writing a school song. One class may write the chorus, others the verses. Katherine will visit each class for an extra 20 minutes to rehearse the songs.
School Concert Assembly:
The school will assemble at the end of the week so that each class may perform their song. The songs are usually 2 to 3 minutes long, so it will be a short concert (20 minutes). The assembly will be a dress rehearsal for the parent concert and the recording.
Recording the songs:
On the final day, each class will record their song in the library or staff room or whichever room is most suitable for setting up a portable studio. The library works well because the books make good sound baffles. It takes around 30 minutes to record each song.
In past programs, Katherine has worked with a few of the older students who play instruments to compose and record parts (cello or violin pads, clarinet and guitar solos). They will overdub their parts at the end of the day.
Concert for Family and Friends
A concert is held for friends and family to celebrate the accomplishments of the students.
CD Duplication:
The CD will have to be edited, mixed and mastered before it’s available for duplication. If Katherine is on tour, this may take a few weeks. Once the master is available, it will be ready for duplication. Katherine can provide 10 masters of the CD. To save money, it’s advised that volunteers duplicate the Cds. If 10 volunteers duplicated 20 cds each, there’d be 200 Cds. The idea is that students will receive their own CD of all the class songs.
Another option is to put the master on a web site for download. If the school has enough computers, each student can download the recording on to a CDR at the school.
CD Cover:
Katherine will provide a template for the CD insert. The insert will have a blank cover. Students make their own CD cover (crayons, computer graphics).
Result:
Through songwriting, children learn the benefits and enjoy the rewards of collaboration and creativity. As a “team” they will write songs, produce a CD, and put on a concert. (Please see notes Re. benefits of songwriting for children at the end of this proposal).
RECENT SCHOOL SONGWRITING PROGRAMMES
-2005 to 2007: 3 years as a mentor in the SASS program for the Durham District School Board Grade 7 to 12 (~100 visits to schools giving 1 to 2 hour workshops)
-2006 to 2007: 18 songwriting sessions with Grade 5 classes of the Upper Grand District School Boards, sponsored by the Edward Johnson Foundation in Guelph, ON. Katherine wrote and recorded a song with each class during a one-hour visit.
-Spring 2006: A 6 week YOUTH SONGS program, along with Jude Vadala, at Paisley Road Public School in Guelph for 15 classes.
-Winter 2007: A 6 week YOUTH SONGS program, along with Jude Vadala, at Laurine Avenue Public School in Guelph for 6 classes.
-May 2007: A 1 week intensive YOUTHSONGS program at Nantucket New School, Nantucket, MA
-May 2007: A 2-week intensive LOCAL HISTORY YOUTHSONGS program with Grade 7s from schools in the Parry Sound area. The songs celebrate the history of Parry Sound and were performed at the 5th Year Anniversary of the Charles Stockey Performing Arts Centre.
-June 2007: 2 day songwriting workshop with Grade 10s at an Arts School in Toronto.
-February 2008: 1 to 2 week intensive LOCAL HISTORY YOUTHSONGS program in Madison Indiana (to be confirmed)
-March 2008: A 1 week intensive PEACE YOUTHSONGS program at Nantucket New School, Nantucket, MA
-May 2008: A 1 week intensive YOUTHSONGS program at Tecumseh Public School, London, ON
-Feb/March 2009: A YOUTHSONGS program with the Children's Youth Advisory Council at the London Health Centre.
-May 2009: A 1 week LOCAL HISTORY YOUTHSONGS program with Nantucket New School.
KATHERINE’S THOUGHTS ON THE BENEFITS OF A SONGWRITING PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN
During the creative process, students are encouraged to listen to and respect each other’s ideas as well as offer their own ideas. What they may find is that their idea didn’t end up in the song, but it led to an idea that led to another idea that ended up in the song. They see that the class would never have arrived at that idea without their first courageous offering. And that courageous offering might never had been made had the class not agreed at the beginning of the process to be respectful of each other’s ideas. In this way the kids learn that respect for each other and courage are key components of collaboration and creativity.
More Notes on the Benefits of Songwriting Programs for Children:
-It’s a popular art form and therefore compelling and attractive to many students, including at-risk students.
-It combines different skills: lyric writing, composition, musicianship (vocal and instrumental), and performance.
-It is a precise art and teaches the kids to be clear and focused.
-Because a song is short, writing a song is manageable in terms of time commitment and resources. The kids feel a sense of accomplishment and boost to confidence relatively quickly.
-Songwriting requires both right and left-brain activity. It involves techniques that help students tap in to their creative spirit. Helps them develop problem-solving abilities and editing skills.
-Songs are a form of self-expression. Songwriting is an outlet for one’s feelings, thoughts, observations, queries, philosophies and politics. Kids not only learn to understand themselves, but also to observe and empathise with others. Songwriting gets kids thinking as well as being creative and productive.
-A songwriting program delivered by class encourages kids to listen to and appreciate each other. Not only do they learn to listen, but they also enjoy the benefits of having their creative expression taken seriously. Thus they build respect for each other and for themselves.
QUOTES FROM PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS
“Youth songs was the best school-wide program I’ve seen in my career as an educator.”
- Nelson Keane, Principal, Paisley Rd. P.S.
“ I just want to thank you for the amazing energy that you have brought into my classroom. My students and I all look forward to when you come and work with us. We are very proud of the song, "CANADA IS MY FAMILY". Thank you so much for your patience, inspiration, enthusiasm and expertise. We have so benefited from your presence. You need to know that everyone is thrilled with the quality of the CD. You and David did an amazing job of recording and mixing the songs. It sounds so professional! It's been a hit and a real gift to the students, staff and parents of Paisley Road School.”
- Jane Rocher, Grade 4 Teacher
"Katherine Wheatley’s Song Writing Workshops with Grade 7 students attending schools in Parry Sound and area schools were amazing. She was patient, enthusiastic, and very talented. It was an absolutely wonderful and extraordinary experience for the students and teachers." Dave Golden, Education Director, Charles Stockey Centre, Parry Sound
“I believe it was an enlightening project for everyone who participated and listeners. It was a fantastic way to bring the school together with our communities. It was uplifting and fun to listen as well!” - Vittoria Balfour, parent
"Creating the music and lyrics was an extraordinary musical experience. Every song captures the spirit of the children in such an exciting way. My children are so proud to share their CD with family and friends." - Anne Phillips, parent
"We have been playing the CD all summer and other families have been also. It's great!" - Mary Anne Giovinazzo, parent
“The program had a big impact -- teachers and kids loved it. I attended the concert and was so moved by it. I support this wonderful work.”
- Erin Kelly, Superintendent, Upper Grand District School Board
“I thought that the music program was wonderful for the students. The trustees were delighted as well and welcomed the performers to the Board Room.”
- Martha Rogers, Director of Education, Upper Grand District School Board
“The presentation was absolutely wonderful. The children were so engaged that it was obvious that this is a venue that should be pursued elsewhere. This is the type of outreach that all cultural groups in Guelph should strive to accomplish. My congratulations to you, Jude and Katherine on a job well done. Sign me up for at least one CD.”
- Nicholas Dalton, Hillside Music Festival
"The music enrichment program last year at Paisley Rd. Public School, developed by Jude Vadala and Katherine Wheatley, was fantastic! The feedback from students, teachers, and parents has been extremely positive. The entire school community was excited throughout the process! The songs written and sung by each class were developed into a CD and are wonderful. We hope to have Jude and Katherine back this year."
- Nelson Keane, Principal
KATHERINE WHEATLEY YOUTHSONGS PROGRAMME
FOR A VIDEO CLIP OF KATHERINE WRITING A SONG WITH A CLASS, PLEASE VISIT
http://www.plumtv.com/video_player/nantucket/06089_katherine_wheatley.flv
I haven't managed to set up my "Workshops" page on my website yet. For now, I'll put it here, in my "NEWS" section. My website know-how is limited, but at least I know how to update my "NEWS" page. The links above have more information. Here, on this "NEWS" page, I wanted to say that for me, the "workshops" part of my life is kind of newsworthy. It's a new thing in my life in the last few years. I love it.
I do a number of workshops: songwriting, touring, singing. But the one I'm most excited about is called "Youth Songs". Basically, I go into a school and write songs with the classes, then, once all the songs are written, I record them (usually in the school library) and make a school CD. At home, I do this program at local schools with my great friend Jude Vadala over a number of weeks. Away from home, I do it by myself in a shorter, more intense period of time. The programme was developed by Jude Vadala and Sarah Harwood (one of the parents at the first school we worked at) and me. The idea and know-how for writing songs with classes came from James Gordon, a wonderful singer/songwriter.
Below is the formal description of the programme. If you need more info about schedule and budget, or you want to hear some of the songs, please e-mail me at katherine.wheatley@sympatico.ca.
Thanks for your interest
A DESCRIPTION OF THE YOUTH SONGS PROGRAMME
Rather than read below, it might be more fruitful to link to:
KATHERINE WHEATLEY YOUTHSONGS PROGRAMME
where you can hear song samples...
“Youth songs was the best school-wide program I’ve seen in my career as an educator.”
- Nelson Keane, Principal, Paisley Rd. P.S.
What is the Youth Songs Program?
It’s a songwriting and recording program for Kindergarten to Grade 6 classes. Katherine writes songs with each class - up to 6 per week. The program will culminate in two events:
1. The production of a CD of all the class songs
2. A concert to celebrate those songs
Writing the songs:
Each class receives 2 one-hour visits from Katherine. She gives them a crash course in songwriting. Together, they choose a topic, they brainstorm, they write the lyrics and they write the melody. Each class ends up with their own class song. If time allows, each class will participate in writing a school song. One class may write the chorus, others the verses. Katherine will visit each class for an extra 20 minutes to rehearse the songs.
School Concert Assembly:
The school will assemble at the end of the week so that each class may perform their song. The songs are usually 2 to 3 minutes long, so it will be a short concert (20 minutes). The assembly will be a dress rehearsal for the parent concert and the recording.
Recording the songs:
On the final day, each class will record their song in the library or staff room or whichever room is most suitable for setting up a portable studio. The library works well because the books make good sound baffles. It takes around 30 minutes to record each song.
In past programs, Katherine has worked with a few of the older students who play instruments to compose and record parts (cello or violin pads, clarinet and guitar solos). They will overdub their parts at the end of the day.
Concert for Family and Friends
A concert is held for friends and family to celebrate the accomplishments of the students.
CD Duplication:
The CD will have to be edited, mixed and mastered before it’s available for duplication. If Katherine is on tour, this may take a few weeks. Once the master is available, it will be ready for duplication. Katherine can provide 10 masters of the CD. To save money, it’s advised that volunteers duplicate the Cds. If 10 volunteers duplicated 20 cds each, there’d be 200 Cds. The idea is that students will receive their own CD of all the class songs.
Another option is to put the master on a web site for download. If the school has enough computers, each student can download the recording on to a CDR at the school.
CD Cover:
Katherine will provide a template for the CD insert. The insert will have a blank cover. Students make their own CD cover (crayons, computer graphics).
Result:
Through songwriting, children learn the benefits and enjoy the rewards of collaboration and creativity. As a “team” they will write songs, produce a CD, and put on a concert. (Please see notes Re. benefits of songwriting for children at the end of this proposal).
RECENT SCHOOL SONGWRITING PROGRAMMES
-2005 to 2007: 3 years as a mentor in the SASS program for the Durham District School Board Grade 7 to 12 (~100 visits to schools giving 1 to 2 hour workshops)
-2006 to 2007: 18 songwriting sessions with Grade 5 classes of the Upper Grand District School Boards, sponsored by the Edward Johnson Foundation in Guelph, ON. Katherine wrote and recorded a song with each class during a one-hour visit.
-Spring 2006: A 6 week YOUTH SONGS program, along with Jude Vadala, at Paisley Road Public School in Guelph for 15 classes.
-Winter 2007: A 6 week YOUTH SONGS program, along with Jude Vadala, at Laurine Avenue Public School in Guelph for 6 classes.
-May 2007: A 1 week intensive YOUTHSONGS program at Nantucket New School, Nantucket, MA
-May 2007: A 2-week intensive LOCAL HISTORY YOUTHSONGS program with Grade 7s from schools in the Parry Sound area. The songs celebrate the history of Parry Sound and were performed at the 5th Year Anniversary of the Charles Stockey Performing Arts Centre.
-June 2007: 2 day songwriting workshop with Grade 10s at an Arts School in Toronto.
-February 2008: 1 to 2 week intensive LOCAL HISTORY YOUTHSONGS program in Madison Indiana (to be confirmed)
-March 2008: A 1 week intensive PEACE YOUTHSONGS program at Nantucket New School, Nantucket, MA
-May 2008: A 1 week intensive YOUTHSONGS program at Tecumseh Public School, London, ON
-Feb/March 2009: A YOUTHSONGS program with the Children's Youth Advisory Council at the London Health Centre.
-May 2009: A 1 week LOCAL HISTORY YOUTHSONGS program with Nantucket New School.
KATHERINE’S THOUGHTS ON THE BENEFITS OF A SONGWRITING PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN
During the creative process, students are encouraged to listen to and respect each other’s ideas as well as offer their own ideas. What they may find is that their idea didn’t end up in the song, but it led to an idea that led to another idea that ended up in the song. They see that the class would never have arrived at that idea without their first courageous offering. And that courageous offering might never had been made had the class not agreed at the beginning of the process to be respectful of each other’s ideas. In this way the kids learn that respect for each other and courage are key components of collaboration and creativity.
More Notes on the Benefits of Songwriting Programs for Children:
-It’s a popular art form and therefore compelling and attractive to many students, including at-risk students.
-It combines different skills: lyric writing, composition, musicianship (vocal and instrumental), and performance.
-It is a precise art and teaches the kids to be clear and focused.
-Because a song is short, writing a song is manageable in terms of time commitment and resources. The kids feel a sense of accomplishment and boost to confidence relatively quickly.
-Songwriting requires both right and left-brain activity. It involves techniques that help students tap in to their creative spirit. Helps them develop problem-solving abilities and editing skills.
-Songs are a form of self-expression. Songwriting is an outlet for one’s feelings, thoughts, observations, queries, philosophies and politics. Kids not only learn to understand themselves, but also to observe and empathise with others. Songwriting gets kids thinking as well as being creative and productive.
-A songwriting program delivered by class encourages kids to listen to and appreciate each other. Not only do they learn to listen, but they also enjoy the benefits of having their creative expression taken seriously. Thus they build respect for each other and for themselves.
QUOTES FROM PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS
“Youth songs was the best school-wide program I’ve seen in my career as an educator.”
- Nelson Keane, Principal, Paisley Rd. P.S.
“ I just want to thank you for the amazing energy that you have brought into my classroom. My students and I all look forward to when you come and work with us. We are very proud of the song, "CANADA IS MY FAMILY". Thank you so much for your patience, inspiration, enthusiasm and expertise. We have so benefited from your presence. You need to know that everyone is thrilled with the quality of the CD. You and David did an amazing job of recording and mixing the songs. It sounds so professional! It's been a hit and a real gift to the students, staff and parents of Paisley Road School.”
- Jane Rocher, Grade 4 Teacher
"Katherine Wheatley’s Song Writing Workshops with Grade 7 students attending schools in Parry Sound and area schools were amazing. She was patient, enthusiastic, and very talented. It was an absolutely wonderful and extraordinary experience for the students and teachers." Dave Golden, Education Director, Charles Stockey Centre, Parry Sound
“I believe it was an enlightening project for everyone who participated and listeners. It was a fantastic way to bring the school together with our communities. It was uplifting and fun to listen as well!” - Vittoria Balfour, parent
"Creating the music and lyrics was an extraordinary musical experience. Every song captures the spirit of the children in such an exciting way. My children are so proud to share their CD with family and friends." - Anne Phillips, parent
"We have been playing the CD all summer and other families have been also. It's great!" - Mary Anne Giovinazzo, parent
“The program had a big impact -- teachers and kids loved it. I attended the concert and was so moved by it. I support this wonderful work.”
- Erin Kelly, Superintendent, Upper Grand District School Board
“I thought that the music program was wonderful for the students. The trustees were delighted as well and welcomed the performers to the Board Room.”
- Martha Rogers, Director of Education, Upper Grand District School Board
“The presentation was absolutely wonderful. The children were so engaged that it was obvious that this is a venue that should be pursued elsewhere. This is the type of outreach that all cultural groups in Guelph should strive to accomplish. My congratulations to you, Jude and Katherine on a job well done. Sign me up for at least one CD.”
- Nicholas Dalton, Hillside Music Festival
"The music enrichment program last year at Paisley Rd. Public School, developed by Jude Vadala and Katherine Wheatley, was fantastic! The feedback from students, teachers, and parents has been extremely positive. The entire school community was excited throughout the process! The songs written and sung by each class were developed into a CD and are wonderful. We hope to have Jude and Katherine back this year."
- Nelson Keane, Principal
posted by Katherine Wheatley at 3:33 PM
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