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The program pairs veterans and active duty service members with professional songwriters to craft songs about their experiences in the battlefield and returning home.
"We are working to reconnect people to each other, to bridge the gap between the military and civilian communities with these retreats and with the songs," said SongwritingWith:Soldiers’ Executive Director Mary Judd. "What we find is that stereotypes are busted; common bonds are discovered. Our program has been life changing for everyone involved -- from the soldiers to the songwriters, to the staff and volunteers. I am thrilled to bring it to Westchester."
A free concert will precede the retreat at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville on Wednesday, May 11 at 7 p.m. The concert will feature performances by Judd, program founder Darden Smith, singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier and documentary maker Jon Siskel.
Veterans from previous retreats will speak at the concert and then provide peer support, foster further connections, attend additional workshops and hear new songs at the retreat.
For additional information on SongwritingWith:Soldiers, visit www.songwritingwithsoldiers.org.
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