by Robbie Mason, Community Connector
Robbie was one of the motivating forces behind a joint Soulwood Arts Education and MacIntyre Our Voice project in Hertfordshire. Culminating in a special performance of song and poetry in August, we asked Robbie all about it.
Why did you chose to take part in the Music project?
I really liked the taster session with Flo and Jay. That was my motivation to take part. I like music and that’s a big part of why I joined too.
What was your favourite part of the project?
My favourite part was getting to write songs and also to sing the ‘we are family‘ song with the group.
What was your song or poem about and why?
Mine was heavy metal, because it’s my favourite genre.
How did Flo and Jay help you to write the lyrics? Did the sentence starter activity help?
I thought of all the lyrics and then they helped me with the tune. We sat down and worked together to come up with a tune that went my lyrics.
I did the sentence starter activity and I liked it very much, it was good. It helped me to think of where to begin each time and then I just filled it in with some answers of mine.
I would use these again if I wrote another song as it would help, because I’m not very confident at writing music myself and thinking where to start.
I’ve never had the chance to write my own song completely before. I have only ever written as a part of a group. I liked writing a song on my own, for myself.
I think it was the first time for all of us to have done this. I think I would have the confidence to do this again now.
A lot of people had music played and some people chose to read it like a poem. Everyone took it in different directions from the sentence starters.
How did it feel to perform to your family and friends at the final showcase?
It was fun and exciting. I have got used to standing in front of people though so it’s not really something I am phased by. I wasn’t nervous. Some people may have found it terrifying and may not do it. It can be nerve-wracking.
We're sure that everyone who saw the performance in St Albans by Robbie and other performers will have realised the value of community collaboration, whether that's in the arts or elsewhere.
