Grade 8: Musician Helps Craft Graduation Tune

Eighth grade songwriters have been working with a professional musician to create the 2016 graduation song in time for the big ceremony. Justin Bullis of Denver is the guest artist who brought his music-writing talent to Graland. It was a collaborative process from day one, according to choir teacher Josh Gaffga.

 

Earlier in the fall, students began practicing the art of song writing and workshopping their lyrics with each other for feedback. Fresh from winter break, they brainstormed themes and ideas for the special song, including input from their peers. As the lyrics began to take shape, Justin took a stab at the music. With a bachelor’s degree in music ministry and a career in worship arts, he is passionate about the songwriting process.

 

“I love putting music to other people’s words,” Justin says. “I try to feel the rhythm of the words and usually the melody comes to me almost immediately.”

 

On his visit to the club this week, students worked on the bridge lyrics, harmonies and other tasks.

 

“The girls are brilliant,” Justin says. “I’m really impressed that they are thinking about this process creatively and holistically. They’re good at taking all the ideas and pulling them together.”

 

Olivia Cohen, Grade 8, says her favorite part of writing the original song is the independence and the freedom involved. “I like that we are all eighth-graders in the club,” she says. “Writing the graduation song is very intimate and I’m glad the ones who are working on it are the ones saying goodbye.”

 

The theme, Olivia says, is about being there for each other even after they go their separate ways.

 

Next, club members will finalize the lyrics and music and select a title before the graduation choir begins rehearsing. GO create!