For the first time, Western New Mexico University will be hosting a free, day-long song writing workshop for active and retired military, veterans and their spouses. The event, which will take place on April 13, is sponsored by WNMU Cultural Affairs and New Mexico Arts, and it is brought to campus by the Center for American Military Music Opportunities (CAMMO), a Washington, DC, area non-profit organization dedicated to providing music-based therapeutic programming for service members, veterans and their families. CAMMO also provides training and education in music industry career opportunities.
Cathie Lechareas, the co-founder and executive director of CAMMO, said that the organization’s mission is especially needed in today’s world. “In a world of wars that last decades,” she said, “hundreds of thousands of military men and women who serve our country make sacrifices for our security and endure injuries to both their bodies and their spirits. Additionally, many delay developing their musical interests and talent and miss important early milestones in a music career.”
CAMMO, Lechareas said, “provides a safe place to serve the people who serve our country. We are committed to the concept of bringing American service members and veterans together to share their love of music, performance, and audio technology and to benefit from the healing power of music and sound.”
According to Director of Cultural Affairs Alexandra Tager, the event is important to the university’s identity as a military friendly institution. “We want to be able to reach all of our constituents with the arts,” said Tager, adding that doing so is consistent with the university’s Strategic Plan.
There are over 140,000 veterans residing in New Mexico, as well as numerous active service members.
The workshop is designed to work for experienced musicians as well as non-musicians who are looking for ways to unlock their creativity, said Lechareas. Participants will have a chance to work collaboratively with experienced professionals and with a supportive community of peers with different styles and backgrounds. The workshop leaders include songwriters, vocal coaches and a musical therapist.
“We want everyone to know that this is a safe space for you to share your thoughts, ideas and be a little creative,” Lechareas said, “The mix of veterans and pros lends itself to an easy format for those that have never written before to advanced writers. We have a space for everyone.”
The day-long event will culminate with a musical showcase in Light Hall.
The workshop is free to participants. Those interested in taking part should sign up by April 7 at culture.wnmu.edu, where one can also read the biographies of the workshop leaders and find a schedule of workshop activities. Space is limited, so early sign-up is encouraged.