Plugged In 2-Day Songwriting Workshop Open to the Public

In conjunction with each Plugged In session benefit concert, a 2-Day Songwriting Workshop is held. The workshop is open to all Plugged In students as well as youth ages 8-19 who are not in Plugged In. Musical experience is not required.

During the workshop students learn songwriting techniques from professional songwriters and how to write, perform and record an original song for a CD. Participants will also learn about Greyhound Friends, the organization being honored at the benefit concert.

On the first day of the workshop, a representative from Greyhound Friends will talk with the students about their work. We hope that by acquiring a deeper understanding of the cause, the experience of performing in the concert becomes more meaningful for the students. Later in the day, students break into groups, led by professional songwriters, and write songs based on their reactions to what they have learned (and/or on any subject of their choice).

On the second day, we record the students performing their original songs and create a CD of these performances. The CD will then be sold at the show to raise additional funds for Greyhound Friends. Students also perform their original songs at the concert.

The first day of the workshop will be on Saturday, January 3 from 1-6 PM. On the second day on January 4, each group will come in for 2 hours sometime between 12-8 PM to do their recording. We will schedule the recording sessions on January 3. The fee for the workshop is $175. The workshop will take place at Plugged In at 40 Freeman Place in Needham.

For more information and/or to register online, please visit www.pluggedinband.org.

The Plugged In Band Program is a non-profit rock band program in Needham teaching kids ages 8-18 throughout Massachusetts about using music to help others. In addition to ensemble band classes, private lessons, songwriting workshops, summer camp and community performances, five times a year students perform in benefit concerts that raise money for causes and organizations chosen by the students themselves. Plugged In provides a nurturing and supportive community to which young musicians of all levels and needs feel a sense of belonging, have an opportunity to express and be acknowledged for their musical interests and a chance to use their music to help others around the world. In the loving and non-competitive environment at Plugged In, all differences are transcended through a shared passion for music, the teamwork involved with using music to help others and an atmosphere of compassion and fun.