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Welcome to the site of the School Alliance of
Student Songwriters. The S.A.S.S. team appreciates the time
you have taken to look into this dynamic, young songwriters' community.
We invite individuals with songwriting questions, teachers ready to
sponsor a S.A.S.S. club in their own school, or anyone wishing to help this
not-for-profit organization to write us through our "CONTACT US" page.
Student Songwriters. The S.A.S.S. team appreciates the time
you have taken to look into this dynamic, young songwriters' community.
We invite individuals with songwriting questions, teachers ready to
sponsor a S.A.S.S. club in their own school, or anyone wishing to help this
not-for-profit organization to write us through our "CONTACT US" page.
| Dale Russell visiting the Queen Elizabeth P.S. SASS Club |
| The Duffy sisters record their song in French |
Artemis and Dale, Artemis & Don Quarles, Dale Russell
her family who have watched S.A.S.S. grow since 2003
her family who have watched S.A.S.S. grow since 2003
"I began my first high school songwriting club for three reasons: Because I hoped to make this corner
of their world a more creative place for my children to grow. I also value the enthusiasm and ideas of
all young people. Finally, I need music like breathing. "Do what you love...because when you're
happy you can share your best energy with people." I like both sides of my life: making music and
the privilege of teaching part-time.
Through students' poetry and music, we can hear what is important to them. The year of my first
songwriting club, I listened in wonder as these teenagers surpassed my expectations. I observed
friendships forming between writers of all musical abilities and styles. I thank Joe Taylor, John
O'Regan, Tammy Sirotta, Victoria Voogt, and so many others for the inspiration they gave their
fellow-students. The extraordinary young writers I knew then are the reason S.A.S.S. has grown from
one club to over fifty dynamic groups of young writers. That first group was just so inspiring.
Over three years, with the help of Co-Founder and phenomenal musician, Dale Russell, and our
wonderful Mentor Program Co-Ordinator, Don Quarles, S.A.S.S. has grown to a vibrant, young musical
community.
With positive feedback, self-discipline, and the help of professional music mentors, young writers can
reach above their own creative canopy. As their own abilities grow, students gain the confidence to
connect with and help other people.
Students need to also acquire an appreciation for the art of songwriting and a realization of every
Canadian's mission to support the creation of music in this country. I am fiercely patriotic about
Canadian culture, and believe our artists should be nurtured and valued.
For some of these unique, Canadian minds, S.A.S.S. will prove to be only the beginning of a
wonderful journey of self-discovery and making this powerful, miraculous magic that we call music.
I invite those who believe in the next generation and the future of Canadian music to help give our
young people the strongest possible voice.
With hundreds of people now investing time, love, and energy in the development of young writers'
talents, S.A.S.S. will keep on getting stronger, and SASSier!"
| Lindsay and her proud father, John Regan, at her video shoot |
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| Three young Oshawa writers begin to share their creative energies |
| S.A.S.S. writers are showcased at the Durham West Arts Centre |
| About Us: How S.A.S.S. Began |