OAKLAND, MD—Canadian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and activist James Gordon is bringing his “Rhyme Capsules” songwriting workshop to Garrett County students on Tuesday, October 14. Hosted at Garrett College, the event will engage students from the Partners After School program in a hands-on, 90-minute session to compose and record their own original song. With a folk music career spanning decades, Gordon has extensive experience leading youth songwriting workshops across the globe. His visit promises to be a unique and inspiring opportunity for local students to tap into their creative potential and express their perspectives through music. “I’ve got a method of working with the kids that works pretty well: with a class of up to thirty students we do a crash course in songwriting,” Gordon said. “Together, as a group, in less than 90 minutes, we compose a song from beginning to end”. The workshop is designed to be accessible to all students, regardless of musical background, and encourages creative writing and collaborative expression. Gordon says the material produced by young songwriters is often surprising and deeply personal. “I find that the students write amazing songs about their communities, their school, their environment, and about important current issues,” he explained. Following the collaborative writing process, the students will perform their newly created song as a choir, with Gordon accompanying them on guitar. Each participant will also receive an MP3 copy of the final recording as a keepsake, ensuring they can share their accomplishment with family and friends. The workshop aligns with the mission of the Partners After School program, which provides enrichment and development activities for at-risk students in grades 3-5 across Garrett County. The program, administered by the Garrett County Health Department, partners with organizations like Garrett College to offer diverse educational experiences. Funding was made available by the Maryland General Assembly through the Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports, through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Kristen Walker, Director of Partners After School @ Oakland, praised the initiative. “This is a fantastic way to engage our students in the arts and to give them a voice,” she said. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Garrett College to bring an artist of James Gordon’s caliber to our community.”For many students, the workshop has had a lasting impact. “The sessions have often inspired students to continue with creative writing on their own, with rewarding results,” Gordon said. Songwriting is a potent tool for mental health, helping individuals process and express emotions, manage stress, build resilience and gain self-awareness. About James Gordon: James Gordon is a Canadian musician, songwriter, and activist, known for his work in folk music and his engaging, community-focused songwriting workshops. His long and distinguished career includes composing the viral internet hit “Crybabies Caravan” and contributing his iconic song “Frobisher Bay” to choirs worldwide. About Partners After School: Administered by the Garrett County Health Department, the Partners After School program serves students in grades 3-5 across the county, providing academic support and enrichment activities. The program collaborates with various community partners to offer a wide range of opportunities to its students. PAS is supported by the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission and Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports. The views presented here are those of the grantee organization and not necessarily those of the Commission or Consortium. For more information visit http://livehealthygc.com or call 301 334-7730.
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