SWR2010 Report

[Diana, NEC Music Advisor]

SWR2010 Report by Diana Sinclair 14/2/2010
The much anticipated Song Writers Retreat was held at the luxurious De
Vere Hotel in Daresbury Park, near Warrington a 30 minute drive from
Manchester. From interested supporters to experienced song writers,
attendees came from as far as Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Bradford,
Fazeley, Northampton, Sheffield, Stafford, Manchester and
Wolverhampton. The weekend began with a group song writing session
lead out by Diana Sinclair on Friday evening. The group selected the
theme of hope & trust to begin their discussion and working together
producing a song called God is Always in Control. Over this time
spent together, the focus ranged across the song writing process from
inspiration, through various methods of working, some aspects of
writing poetry, structure, form, writing for a specific group or
community or to a set theme, arranging, working with your
accompanist(s) and sound engineer, and producing a finished product.
There was much time for reflection and some lively discussion
regarding the philosophy of song writing – should Christians only
write songs about Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit? How do you deal with
emotions? Who should evaluate your song? Must your song be shared, or
is it ok to write songs for your own benefit?
The Tuckley Twins, Linda and Arlene were able to share on the topic of
inspiration during Sabbath morning. They later shared that they have
songs accepted for publication in the expected NAD Youth hymn book.
Time was spent completing individual and group assignments throughout
the weekend. Presentations were short leaving plenty of time for
discussion and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us. Each of
the three the open mic sessions yielded something new, from poetry,
spontaneous applause to exclamation when surprising skills were
revealed. “I didn’t know he could play the guitar!’ ‘She has a really
lovely voice!’ ‘That song really did speak to me.’ There were some
vegan choices available and the atmosphere was supportive throughout
the weekend, resulting in some personal triumphs. Christine Burt,
Simon Douglas, Chantell Hayes, Bryan Quarrie, Carina Stewart, Zena
Taylor, are just some of our well known song writers and musicians who
worked together over the weekend. Other visitors included Carlance
Parnell and Pastor Ikwisa Mwasumbi who closed the occasion with words
of encouragement and a reminder that our partner is God.
Songs were written for baptism, children’s story time, and communion,
and you will shortly be able to hear them through the NEC music
website. Our discussions included the possibility of a book and
recording of original songs with a message for people today. If you
would like to be part of this project, please contact Diana Sinclair.
In addition to song writers, musicians would be needed to notate,
arrange and record. As several song writers were unable to attend
this event, another open mic sharing session will be arranged within
the West Midlands.