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What is SASS?

          Please click here to view the official
              "Guiding Principles of SASS"

SASS Canada, the School Alliance of Student Songwriters, is not one, single
school, but rather a network of co-curricular songwriting clubs offered to
children in grades 6-12, which has been thriving in 20-50 Ontario schools since
2003.

SASS has had a hand in inspiring similar songwriting communities in several other
parts of Canada.

SASS Canada's goals are to make young people's lives happier, more
balanced and well-rounded through musical creativity explored in a safe and
protective environment.

The program's founders believe that the discipline of songwriting boosts
literacy and welcomes self-expression. SASS also hopes to improve
attendance in school, build character and leadership, and to provide more
forums for caring adults and peers to listen to youth. SASS songwriting clubs
aspire to be 'as much about love as they are about music'.

SASS offers young people an outlet where they can express themselves with
voice or instruments, in whatever genre they wish, and respect each other
as artistic peers, encouraged by fellow artists and professionals.

Since 2003, SASS has provided over 1,700 professional writers' workshops, over
150 concerts, open-mics, and interschool recitals, welcomed thousands of e-mails,
offered over 12,000 teacher-led writers' clubs, made scores of free recordings,
planned 8 national song contests on uplifting themes, and seen thousands of young
lives enriched by music and enduring friendships in the SASS community.

SASS Canada does not guarantee the production of 'famous' musicians, although
career-minded young artists have found the SASS community a helpful place to
network and grow. Star-making is not a main goal of SASS. The nurturing of
community-minded artists with solid writing skills and a social conscience IS.
SASS creators/ founders and administrators do NOT request any percentage of the
future earnings of any young artists it may help to develop. SASS students retain
all rights to their songs and all free SASS studio recordings.

SASS Canada does not currently attempt to teach the instrumental or vocal skills
already covered in band or choir classes. SASS agrees with the Coalition for Music
Education, that more school choirs, bands, and orchestras are needed in every
community, revived by parents’ interest in their children’s musical creativity.

SASS is a community labour of love. We are proud of all of the caring writers,
teachers, sponsors, and parents who make this writers' community happen.

                 Click here to hear samples of SASS student music.