Songbook South

History shows the Ark-La-Tex area is a fertile ground for raising amazing, legendary performers; the future generations of legendary performers are being raised here!  

Songbook South® prepares students for success in auditions and national competitions, and invite them into the elite network of the music business by connecting students with established industry luminaries in the fields of Broadway, Cabaret, Jazz, Country and Pop music, with a particular focus on connecting our young musicians with industry luminaries who are from our area, who have a special interest in giving back to our young people. Donors like you will provide the opportunity to give our students rich, pre-professional experiences they need in this highly competitive industry while offering a chance for these students to become more confident, effective communicators through performing the music that is reflective of America’s rich cultural heritage. Although, aimed at individualized instruction, Songbook South® has a broader goal of creating a conduit for local talent to enter the entertainment business, thereby anointing the Ark-La-Tex as a high profile and generative source of artistic talent, growing our local entertainment industry and economy through the many 

Songbook South® Inspiration Weekends are treasured annual events.  Songbook South® Inspiration Weekend: Great American Songbook Edition 2023 will consist of three days of workshops, master classes, and a high school vocal competition slated for September 21-23, 2023 in Shreveport. The aim of the event is the study and performance of the Great American Songbook. In addition, the promotion of this classic American genre to local students, middle school to college age, is central to the mission of the event.   In addition to vocal pedagogy, lyric interpretation, and recasting vocal arrangements, workshops on the entertainment business, piano accompanying and songwriting will also be offered by the visiting music industry clinicians.

Songbook South® scholarships are awarded to the top three winners of the Songbook South® High School Vocal Competition to apply to and attend another prestigious national program (intensive or competition) of the recipient's choosing that is approved through our Board of Directors.  The winners also provide a year of service in our Songbook South® Singers.

Songbook South® Singers is a troupe of regional singers, ages 10 - 24, who serve as Songbook South® ambassadors, performing at local events (including Songbook South® Inspiration Weekend), providing music therapy to regional seniors in assisted living or advanced care, and presenting concerts throughout the year. The troupe serves as a year-round performance training vehicle for regional youth, including students from a variety of cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. There is no charge for membership.

Testimonials

"Songbook South is one of a kind! When you attend this program, you get to work with professionals and teachers who are there to help you better your craft. The friendships and connections I made at Songbook South will be something I will always take with me. The knowledge I gained has helped me to further develop my talents and given me even more confidence to take on any stage! - Caleb Freeman, 2017 Feinstein Songbook Academy ® Celebration Award Winner, 2017 Songbook South® High School Vocal Competition Grand Prize Winner, and 2016 Feinstein Songbook Academy ® All-Star and Most Promising Award Winner

"After participating in Songbook South, I made connections and friendships that, I believe, will last the entirety of my career. For me, it is so gratifying to participate in a program that provides invaluable one-on-one coaching. So much growth can happen in a short time span when you have access to people who are experts at their craft." -Bridget Winder, vocalist, actor, artist (New York, New York) www.BridgetWinder.com

"It is a distinct honor to participate in Songbook South. Jennifer [Dowd] is uber-talented, inspirational, and always pointing each member to reach higher, to obtain their personal best. It is so important for vocalists to collaborate and have the opportunity to perform, and this is a great way to do just that, with expert instruction. I highly recommend Songbook South for anyone wanting to grow as a vocalist, and I am certain it will be a positive and enriching experience for them, as it has been for me." - Cassidy Ewert, 2019 Feinstein Songbook Academy® All-Star, 2018 Songbook South® High School Vocal Competition Grand Prize Winner