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Compassion International

Sunday Edition


31
Aug
2002
Songwriting Seminar and Concert of a Lifetime!!


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Songwriting Seminar and Concert of a Lifetime!! -

On August 22, 23, and 24th, songwriters came from all across the country to attend the Songwriting Seminar and Concert of a Lifetime that was sponsored by Mark Jones Music and Five For Him Promotions. This great event was held in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on the University of Alabama campus at the Bryant Conference Center.

Writers both flew and drove from places like Portland, OR; Pensacola, FL; Wooster, OH; Candler, NC; Nashville, TN; Ball Ground, GA; Alleene, AR; etc??. Around 50 writers attended this great three-day conference.
One of Gospel Music's finest writers (and sweetest ladies) was there all three days?. ..Ms. Dianne Wilkinson. Dianne wrote many songs the Cathedrals and Gold City have recorded, including, "We Shall See Jesus", which was showcased as possibly the greatest quartet song ever written.

Attending the seminar were several other writers including the legendary DOTTIE RAMBO and Gerald Crabb. This led to a very open and touching part of the seminar where each top writer shared from the heart about writing and their own career. Dottie even shared a little bit about her time with the famous Elvis Presley.
Throughout the three days, writers and artists like the Lesters (Brian Lester and Ginger Pitchers) as well as the Galloways (Earl, Charlene, and Brittany) also attended. Each had something to add on songwriting and performing and was asked many questions by the fellow writers in attendance.
As expected, with Dottie, you get more than your money's worth. She is a special blessing and feeds from the energy of her audience. So, it is not surprising that she makes you feel special just being with her for that short, intimate period of time?.what a "Lady From The King"!!
Writers experienced many different types of teaching including dissecting songs openly in class. One unique element was added that made each writer feel special? Co-writing. One particular afternoon yielded enough time to do a bit of co-writing, an invaluable tool that may help the writer in times to come. Even Dianne Wilkinson was getting into this co-writing thing.
You can tell she is giving GREAT instruction and advice. Thank you, Dianne!!!!
One group even chose to go into the corridor where they found it a little quieter and easier to concentrate. Wow, these writers really take this writing thing seriously!!
Finally, at the concerts at the Bama Theatre, the crowd was good on Friday, but packed on Saturday. All the writers seemed to enjoy seeing the artists perform that had spoken at the seminar.
Every seat was still full at the end of the concert as Dottie made her way to the stage. All in all, it was a wonderful, wonderful weekend!

So, finally, I say THANK YOU to each writer that came. Your faces will be with me forever. I really think the hardest part was returning to the empty room to clean up. As I looked at the empty seats, I couldn't help remember the eager faces that brightened my day each morning. To each of you and all the artists that were there, I say a heartfelt Thank You!!

Sincerely,

Mark Joneswww.MarkJonesMusic.com

Reader Comments

I attended the concert at Bama Theater in Tuscaloosa, AL hosted by Mark Jones Music and 5 For Him Promotions. It was outstanding. One of the best concerts I have attended in a long time. I can't wait till next years concert.


Commented by On 01/26/2003
MARK,

I MET YOU A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AT UNION HILL BAPTIST CHURCH IN MCSHAN, ALABAMA. I HAVE NOT FORGOTTON YOU BECAUSE YOU WERE SO VERY NICE TO US THAT DAY AND VERY TALENTED. YOUR COUSIN SANG THAT DAY AND I ALSO ENJOYED HER. JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU I THINK THE SONGWRITING SEMINAR WAS A GREAT IDEA AND CONTINUED SUCCESS. TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

ALISON BEDSOLE
COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI


Commented by On 01/26/2003
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