Wood Street Annex Will Be "Smoking" This Weekend
For Release #05-66
Thursday, Mar 17, 2005
WHITEHORSE -- Yukon youth will gather this weekend to participate in a songwriting workshop that will culminate in a free public concert Saturday night at 8:00 pm. Organizers are hoping to hear some songs about tobacco and smoke-free lifestyles that can be used in upcoming smoking cessation campaigns.
The full-day workshop is being sponsored by Health and Social Services, Yukon College, and Health Canada. Six local musicians with backgrounds in rap, rock, pop and folk will be working with the youth ages 18-24. No songwriting experience is necessary.
"Basically, it's a crash course in song-writing, with a particular focus on tobacco and how smoking affects the lives of youth," health promotion coordinator Susie Ross said. "We are looking for pieces that can eventually support a youth smoking cessation campaign."
Health Promotion has been working a lot with youth focus groups, and Ross said these have indicated that youth want to hear messages that are relevant to them. Although smoking rates across Canada have dropped, the rates among young adults are staying the same. Already 10 youth from around the Yukon have signed on for the day.
"It is exciting because at the end of the day, we have lights, we have a sound person, and we will be recording a live performance of the songs that have been written during the day. Ultimately, we will have an original soundtrack around smoke-free lifestyles by young Yukoners," Ross said.
Ross added that not all kids who write music may be musical and thats where working in groups comes in handy. "We've got a range of musicians to help participants write their songs and back them up musically if they don't play an instrument."
Youth who are interested in attending the workshop can contact Ross at 667-8394 or Fran Curran at 668-4539. The workshop is free of charge and includes snacks, lunch and dinner. It runs 9from a.m. 10 p.m. at the Wood Street Annex, Saturday, March 19.
-30-