These stories were produced a virtual audio production workshop series for women veterans. Workshop participants worked with expert program facilitators to explore their stories through a lens of reflection and healing and turn their narratives into music. At the conclusion of the series, each attendee had an opportunity to produce a completed song based on their story.

This program is funded in part by an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network is a partnership with the US Departments of Defense and Veteran Affairs and the state and local arts agencies with administrative support provided by Americans for the Arts. Additional support was provided by the City of Austin Department of Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs Grant for Technology Opportunities (GTOPS), the Texas Folklife Board of Directors, and Texas Folklife Members.

Support Texas Folklife’s work, such as Stories for Creative Forces, by making a tax-deductible donation or becoming a Texas Folklife member today at texasfolklife.org/give.

Texas Folklife is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

2022 Stories For Creative Forces: My Story, My Song

This song was written by US Veteran Sandy Cleary with the support of Kelley McRae and Terry Pierce. Written, Recorded, and Produced in Texas, during the Stories for Creative Forces "My Story, My Song" Workshop Series May 2022. Learn more at texasfolklife.org.

Still Imagining

This song was written by US Veteran Minnie Whitzel with the support of Kelley McRae and Terry Pierce. Written, Recorded, and Produced in Texas, during the Stories for Creative Forces "My Story, My Song" Workshop Series May 2022. Learn more at texasfolklife.org.

Time, Time, Time

This song was written by US Marine Corps Veteran Judith Estrada Garcia with the support of Kelley McRae and Terry Pierce. Written, Recorded, and Produced in Texas, during the Stories for Creative Forces "My Story, My Song" Workshop Series in May 2022. Learn more at texasfolklife.org.

The Black That Was Done To Me

This song was written by US Veteran Deborah Wesloh with the support of Kelley McRae and Terry Pierce. Written, Recorded, and Produced in Texas, during the Stories for Creative Forces "My Story, My Song" Workshop Series in May 2022. Learn more at texasfolklife.org.

Wish You Were Still Here

Texas Folklife is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and presenting the diverse cultures and living heritage of the Lone Star State. Since 1984, Texas Folklife has honored cultural traditions passed down within communities and explored their importance in contemporary society. Texas Folklife has been called “one of the state’s true cultural treasures” by the Austin American-Statesman for the accessible, joyful arts experiences we provide.

For more, visit:
http://www.texasfolklife.org