To take part in the Rhapsody Song Writing project please register your interest by signing up for an account via the Cambridgeshire Music website by the 16th December 2020!
Have you ever wanted to create your own song?
If you are aged 7-21, then why not sign up to Cambridgeshire Music’s songwriting project: Rhapsody? Open to beginner songwriters through to those who have been writing their own material for years; the project is designed to support all participants in the creation, rehearsal and performance of their own song. This year, Cambridgeshire Music is asking participants to use their experiences during 2020 as the starting point for their pieces.
The impact of coronavirus across the country and the world has had unprecedented ramifications on everything. This includes our ability to attend school and meeting with family and friends outside our own immediate ‘bubble’. The prospect of being ‘locked down’ may have challenged our wellbeing, mental health and resilience may have been challenged and tested by. In addition, we may have felt our freedoms limited in order to help combat the virus.
Songwriting, and writing in general, can be a therapeutic tool and outlet. They’re also a useful and creative way of expressing and processing things which have affected us both positively and negatively.
Cambridgeshire Music originally launched The Rhapsody Song Writing Project back in 2016 as Sing for Your School. Now in its third phase, and with a brand new title, the project to date has helped participants to create over 70 songs.
Choose your Pathway
The project offers participants the choice of three different Pathways.
Pathway 1 – Write lyrics or a poem based on your experiences of 2020
Pathway 2 – Write lyrics and a melody line to one of our backing tracks, based on your experiences of 2020
Pathway 3 – Create an original song linked to the theme
How to Enter
Send completed lyrics and songs to Cambridgeshire Music (via mymusic@cambridgeshire.gov.uk) where they will be uploaded onto the Rhapsody Project Chart. The project’s panel of reviewers will offer feedback to all uploaded songs. The judging panel (whose identities will be revealed in the spring), will pick their favourite to go through to the final virtual concert. This will take place in June 2021.
Voting
Family members, friends and anyone else who fancies a listen will be able to play back all of the entries and cast votes in the search for the people’s choice. This additional song will also be showcased in the final virtual concert on 10 June 2021.
About the Project
Alex Bowen, Head of Singing and Curriculum for Cambridgeshire Music, said, ‘We are so excited to be launching the Rhapsody Song Writing Project and are really looking forward to hearing the songs which participants create in response to what has been a difficult year for everybody.’
If you have never written a song before, please don’t worry. The Rhapsody team have created lots of different resources, for example video tutorials and step-by-step guides to support you through the process of creating your song.
So if you are interested in learning more about songwriting, playing an instrument, singing, or any aspect of making music, please get in touch. Cambridgeshire Music runs a wide range of bands, clubs, orchestras and other projects at all levels, covering most musical styles. And further information about the organisation’s work and the Rhapsody Song Writing Project itself can be found on their website: https://www.cambridgeshiremusic.org.uk/
