Introducing the Central Co-op Songwriting Group
The Central Co-op Songwriting Groups meets once a month in Stirchley in South West Birmingham. We write songs and try out new ideas in a safe environment for experimentation. I facilitate the monthly session. The Group is funded by Central Co-op as a member group, for members of Central Co-op. Central Co-op has other member groups for activities such as gardening. We were asked by Central Co-op to perform at the half yearly meeting. The half yearly meeting provides a business update as well as a community update for members of the Co-operative. We accepted and were excited for the prospect of the Songwriting Group playing a first gig to an audience that would understand what we are about.
Preparing for the performance
In our monthly sessions we wrote, and rehearsed songs about table tennis and history, because Central Co-op have member groups about those subjects. We were guided by a tutor, Kate, who helped us shape the songs. We do have a drummer in the band, but they wanted to play the accordion, so I played the drums for the performance. I can’t play the drums, but I was able to figure out how to play a very simple rhythm and keep time for the other members of the band. We regularly switch instruments during the sessions. We can try new things musically to see if we like the results.
The Performance
On October 23rd 2024 the Central Co-op Songwriting Group performed the two songs to the Central Co-op Half yearly meeting meeting in Lichfield. It was exciting for us as it was out first gig, and for a couple of members of the band, their first public performance. The first song we played was the table tennis song, which starts with a keyboard intro that replicates the sound of a table tennis match. I did introductions for the participants as part of the song and harmonised with two other members of the band in the final outro chorus. We then played our song about history. This song was much more free form and had a much looser structure then the table tennis song. The song had a longer instrumental section with room for improvisation by the members. Our performance was appreciated by the members attending the event.
Member Benefit
As an active member of Central Co-op, who is on the membership and community council that has oversight over members groups, it was great for me to be able to demonstrate what our songwriting music group does. Member groups like the Central Co-op Songwriting Group are a fantastic example of a member benefit for the members of Central Co-op. Central Co-op subsidises member groups like ours from the surplus that the co-operative makes from its business activities.
The Central Co-op Songwriting Group continues to meet on the second Thursday of the month at Stirchley Baths between 7-9pm. New particpants are encouraged. The sessions are currently free for members of Central Co-op. You can join at the first session.
