The SWAN song of Norman

The Song Writers Association of Norman's mission statement reads, "The Song Writers Association is a non profit group organized under the Norman Arts Council and is designed to promote and support the creation of original music in the greater Norman community."

But after visiting one of the weekly meetings and song circles, you realize that this organization is more than just a group designed for promotion of music. It is a family, of friends and strangers, that comes together every week to share and encourage those around them.

Along with the valuable feedback and encouragement the musicians gain from the group, the Song Writers Association of Norman, or SWAN, provides help with copywriting original material, tips for song writing, and musical showcases at various local venues around Norman.

SWAN was started a little more than a year ago, but the foundation of the organization was born long before.

Contacts and relationships made through open mics and song circles led Richard "Daddy" Love to realize that the Norman music scene was lacking something. The musicians of the city needed a steady place to feature their talents and get feedback to their original songs.

Love decided to reach out to one of the local musicians he had met at a music event.

Michael Bendure, who is the publicity officer of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, listened to Love's idea and decided to pitch it to Rick Fry, head of the Norman Arts Council. After some discussion of what the goals and aspirations of the organization would be, SWAN was officially formed.



The organization has quickly gained momentum with more than 25 members eager to share their musical talents and learn about the “ins and outs” of the business.

At the beginning of every month, before the music starts, there is an informational presentation.

"It's a different thing every month," said Love. "We usually try to do the nuts and bolts of song writing. We've had presentations on how to set up a PA, how to use social media to promote your music, home recording, and even workshops on how to write lyrics."

SWAN is always looking for new artists to join and share their talents. The fees are very affordable at just $30 for a basic membership and $20 for students, educators, and seniors.

The growth of the organization doesn’t seem to be slowing any time soon. The members of the group have just recently released a compilation CD of their original works, and are adding a new element to the meetings. In addition to the song circles and open mics, there will now be an occasional “jam session”, where the musicians will play their instruments together instead of one after the other.

Love is inspired by the progress that SWAN has made in the musical community, and how it has helped the local musicians of Norman get there names out there.

"I'm proud of what we've done. The best music in the world is what you've just stumbled onto; what you weren't expecting to hear. There's a whole lot about the songs that people write themselves thats amusing, or interesting or intriguing, and thats what we do here."