Page Title

How

          How can you get involved in SASS?

Whether a educator interested in opening a free SASS forum or network of clubs in your
area, a sponsor looking to support pro.-writer workshops, concerts, or writing contests,
or a parent or student wishing more information, please write

                              sass@sasscanada.net

and Dale Russell, Artemis Chartier, or members of the SASS Canada Board will be
pleased to answer your questions by e-mail, phone, or a personal meeting.

                       How did SASS start?

SASS began in Oshawa, Ontario, in February of 2003, when 70 students filled singer-
songwriter and veteran high-school teacher Artemis Chartier's classroom to form the
first SASS writing club.   Artemis so appreciated the new opportunities to listen to and
appreciate the ideas of today's young people that she encouraged teachers in 20 other
Ontario schools to begin their own writers' clubs the next year.
By 2004, SASS had grown to 40 Ontario clubs, providing free guidance in music creation to
over 1,000 students each year.

Dale Russell (Lead guitarist of The Guess Who from 1983-2000, and award-winning
songwriter- producer), was present at the first meeting, and was also moved by the
voices and thoughts of young writers, remaining involved over the next seven years in
the development of the program.

After donating thousands of hours to SASS, Dale calls that first meeting "a life-changing
event for so many, including me."

Don Quarles, (now the Executive Director of the Songwriters Association of Canada),
helped establish the SASS mentor program.

The School Alliance of Student Songwriters is a registered not-for-profit, run by a 12-
member board.

SASS thrives on the support of the Durham District School Board’s Student Success
program, the generosity of Oshawa’s Long & McQuade, and a donation of $20,000 from
philanthropist, Byron Nelson, of Leland Industries. Caring educators like Darlene Voogt,
Josh Raycroft, Mary-Ann Nova, Stephanie Siegner, Judy Hung, and Victor Fuke, as well
as encouraging families like the Moynes, the Regans, the McNevins, the Axfords, the
Alis, the McTaggarts, the Rouettes, and many others have all strengthened the program
with their gifts of time, creative input, and energy.

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