The 12th Annual Writing Workshop for Outer Banks Veterans will be held on Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the UNC Coastal Studies Institute in Wanchese.
This year’s event is a hands-on songwriting workshop led by singer/songwriter/producer Jana Pochop, singer/songwriter and engineer/producer Tony Rosario, and Veterans Writing Project founder Ron Capps, a songwriter, memoirist, and playwright.
The two-day workshop will cover song structure, basic chord functions, producing/recording at home, getting the most out of your lyrics, putting all the elements together, performing in front of an audience, and the life and business of a singer-songwriter. There will also be time for songwriting.
“Songwriters have never had as many tools at their disposal as they do today,” said founder and vice president of Soldiers’ songs and voices Tony Rosario. “In this workshop, we’re going to open the hood and look at some of the basics of how to turn ideas into songs in the digital age. All of the ideas we have planned for this workshop are geared towards giving the individual songwriter the freedom to create without limits.”
In addition, workshop participants have the opportunity to experience a free concert by their talented lecturers.
“We hosted a songwriting workshop for veterans with these instructors in 2020, and the entire experience was virtual,” said Jessica Sands, executive director of Dare Arts. “Participants loved it then, so we know this year’s participants are in for a wonderful and enriching in-person experience. We are thrilled to bring these world-class instructors from across the country to the Outer Banks so they can share their love of songwriting with veterans, active military members, and their families.”
Beginners and experienced songwriters are invited to attend this two-day workshop, which is free to veterans, active military members and their family members. Participants may bring an instrument if they wish.
Registration for the writing workshop is now open at DareArts.org/veterans. Registration is required. Participants will receive a confirmation email with further details after registration. The workshop can accommodate up to 25 participants.
The Outer Banks Veterans Writing Project is modeled after the Veterans Writing Project, a nonprofit foundation that teaches veterans to express their military experiences through literature. The goal of the project is to teach enrolled applicants the art of writing and self-expression.
The Outer Banks Veterans Writing Workshop is part of Outer Banks Veterans Week, which runs November 4-11.
Dare Arts will create the Outer Banks Veterans Week Events Calendar, a free digital directory of ceremonies, events and special offers for veterans from Corolla to Hatteras Village.
Businesses, individuals and groups wishing to have their veterans ceremonies, events and/or specials listed on the events calendar should email [email protected].
For more information about Outer Banks Veterans Week, visit DareArts.org/veterans or call 252-473-5558.
Thank you to the Coastal Studies Institute and Hotel Manteo for sponsoring Outer Banks Veterans Week.
This project is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.
This project is sponsored by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.
Dare Arts is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organization dedicated to advancing the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity.
Singer, songwriter and producer Jana Pochop. Photo courtesy of Valerie Fremin Photography.
Singer, songwriter, engineer and producer Tony Rosario. Photo courtesy of Tony Rosario.
Founder of the Veterans Writing Project, Ron Capps, who is a songwriter, memoirist and playwright. Photo courtesy of Ron Capps.
The Veterans Writing Project is a 501(c)(3) organization that offers free creative writing and songwriting workshops across the country.
