Song Writing Intensive - a Centennial project for aspiring student song writers
Edmonton... Many songwriters have been inspired to write their best-loved songs by the places where they live. Mary Kieftenbeld wrote Alberta, the province's official song, out of her love for the province and it has become a favourite during Centennial year celebrations. Alberta's young songwriters now have a chance to work with the Alberta song composer.
Song Writing Intensive:The Centennial Music Project will provide students with the opportunity to explore the art and practice of song writing through school-based workshops with Mary Kieftenbeld who will be accompanied by another songwriter-musician.
The workshops, available to grades 4-6 students as selected by the school, will focus on the forms and methods of song writing, and students will write and perform songs about their own school, community or region of Alberta. The workshops will culminate in students and Kieftenbeld performing the new songs for the school and/or community.
Eight schools throughout Alberta will be selected to take part in this special Centennial project. To be eligible students must write a short essay explaining why their school should have a workshop and submit it along with information about the school by June 17. The workshops will take place in October and November in both urban and rural schools in all parts of the province.
"As a composer and professional musician, I am very familiar with the artistic and literary processes that go into composing a song," said Education Minister Gene Zwozdesky. "This Centennial music project will encourage students to find ways to celebrate their school, community and our province through their own words and music."
Details of the project are available at www.education.gov.ab.ca/centennial/ or by calling Alberta Education's Centennial Coordinator at 644-6821 (call 310-0000 for toll free access outside Edmonton).
