Welcome to the site of one of the fastest-growing young people's artistic communities in the world: The School Alliance of Student Songwriters
S.A.S.S., the School Alliance of Student Songwriters, was created to support young people as they express themselves through songwriting in a safe environment. Joining forces with school boards, S.A.S.S. provides students free guidance in the art of songwriting, as well as opportunities to connect with other artists. Ultimately, S.A.S.S. challenges youth to make their world a better place through love and music.

S.A.S.S. (School Alliance of Student Songwriters) was founded in 2003 to help young people express themselves through music, along with learning music literacy skills, developing creativity, and building an artistic support network.

Currently available to grades 6-12 students in Durham Region, S.A.S.S. is a growing force, with plans to open chapters in Markham in the fall of 2007. The program, which has also expanded to Guelph and Peterborough as well as ten schools in Vancouver through Don McLeod, links paid professional songwriters with students in the schools, free of charge. Students are first exposed to the program when songwriters perform during a school assembly, emphasizing the concept of songwriting as an art. Students hear the stories behind the songs and are invited to begin exploring their own creativity. Teachers then announce the launch of lunch-hour or after-school songwriting clubs for those who wish to try their hand at this skill.

Step two involves weekly meetings for the new songwriting clubs, supervised by teachers, where students learn songwriting tips from a binder of provided lessons, and study examples of great songwriting. They also work with a partner on developing the lyrical or musical layers of their own songs. Once or twice a month, students and teachers share what they have been working on, and their new friends provide feedback and support. The highlight of each month consists of a visit by a professional songwriter, who performs and presents a helpful lesson on songwriting techniques.

The final step involves interschool events, such as mass songwriting workshops. Regional recitals are held to assist young musicians from different schools with networking and collaboration. Students also participate in songwriting contests that result in selection of a team for a final gala concert. The emphasis, however, is on non-competitive, supportive get-togethers.

The S.A.S.S. program operates on generous funding from Markham sponsors Leland Industries, MIAC, OTSFF, and Keith Bray & Associates, as well as from the Durham District School Board, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Long & McQuade, the CMPA and the SOCAN Foundation.

Now in its fourth year, the results of the S.A.S.S. program are clearly visible. Many of the students have performed their songs publicly, made recordings, and even traveled to Nashville to explore career options. Schools have reported a spike in confidence and a sense of fulfillment among students. The program thrives on the courage, generosity, and adventurous spirit of wonderful teachers and passionate founders.

For more information on the S.A.S.S. program, visit www.sasscanada.net.