Veterans Seek Emotional Solace Through Songwriting Retreat
Veterans who have seen and experienced the horrors of war are a small subset of today’s American population.
While many citizens can perhaps empathize with their plight, few can truly understand what many of these veterans have endured.
SongwritingWith: Soldiers, an Austin, Tex.-based nonprofit organization that was founded in 2012 by singer-songwriter Darden Smith, works to bridge the gap and foster greater understanding between the military and civilian communities while providing veterans an outlet to express their emotions, said Executive Director Mary Judd.
As the name of the organization suggests, the main function of SongwritingWith: Soldiers is to bring veterans together at one of several weekend retreats around the United States each year. They partner with professional songwriters who guide them in developing their lyrics for the story they want to tell. The songwriters then put music to the veterans’ words.
During the course of the weekend completed songs are performed and recorded, Judd said. There are also peer support groups, creativity workshops and main dinner and concert. Veterans do not need any musical background to participate.
Judd, a middle school classmate of Smith’s growing up in Colorado who partnered with him to execute his idea for the organization, said the songs can address any topic related to the soldiers’ experiences while in the service. In the roughly two dozen retreats completed to date, Judd said beautiful and powerful messages have been written, from what the soldiers see, hear and smell, to the loss of friends, the time away from family and the longing to return home.
“I’ve said these are like the Civil War Diaries of our time because these are the stories we would not be hearing,” Judd said.
For the first time since forming, SongwritingWith: Soldiers will be holding a retreat this month in the New York metropolitan area. From May 13-15, the retreat convenes at the Edith Macy Conference Center in Briarcliff Manor.
Two nights before the start of the retreat on Wednesday, May 11, the Jacob Burns Film Center will hold a special program for SongwritingWith: Soldiers, featuring performances from Smith and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier. Documentary filmmaker Jon Siskel and veterans will share stories, photos and film clips about their experiences. Additionally, there will be a slide presentation of veterans’ portraits by Michael O’Brien in the Jane Peck Gallery.
Lori Zakalik, marketing manager and digital media specialist for the Jacob Burns, said the film center looked forward to hosting the event for SongwritingWith: Soldiers. Whether it is through music or film, songwriters and filmmakers long to tell a story.
“In the context of using these mediums, the mission is to transform lives,” she said. “It seemed like a natural fit.”
Judd said at a typical retreat there are about 12 veterans and four songwriters. In addition to Smith, Grammy Award-winning songwriter Gary Nicholson, country music artist James House and Terry Radigan are the songwriters for the Briarcliff retreat.
Typically, attendees are recommended through local veterans’ groups. Veterans and other residents from the area volunteer to help make the weekend run smoothly.
Most of the veterans who attend the retreats served in post-9/11 conflicts, Judd said, although there have been some that have included servicemen stretching back to the Vietnam War. She stressed that the retreats are not music therapy but a way for the veterans to express their emotions.
“What we find is that stereotypes are busted, common bonds are discovered,” Judd said. “Our program has been life changing for everyone involved – from the soldiers to the songwriters to the staff and volunteers.”
The public is invited to the Jacob Burns event for free, providing there are tickets remaining. Those interested in attending can RSVP to ssoliman@burnsfilmcenter.org with the subject line SW:S at JBFC. Include first and last name and the number of tickets requested in the e-mail There is a four-ticket limit per person.
For more information on SongwritingWith: Soldiers, visit www.songwritingwithsoldiers.org.
Martin has more than 30 years experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, including a frequent focus on zoning and planning issues. He has been editor-in-chief of The Examiner since its inception in 2007. Read more from Martin’s editor-author bio here. Read Martin’s archived work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/martin-wilbur2007/
