Everyone has a story. Every story can be a song.
No experience required! Facilitated workshops in Pocahontas and Greenbrier counties will guide participants from songwriting through a studio recording with professional musicians and a public performance.
The Yew Mountain Center announced the new Storied Lives Songwriting Series to be held both in Greenbrier and Pocahontas Counties. Writers, Amy MacIntire (Greenbrier Co.) and Ned Dougherty (Pocahontas Co.) will guide participants through the process of writing their own original songs — no prior musical or creative writing experience required.
Two Storied Lives programs will be offered, one in Pocahontas County and one in Greenbrier County, each beginning in October 2026. The program gives first come, first served for senior citizens through support from the “Creative Aging and Lifelong Learning” grant from the WV Department of Tourism and the WV Commission on the Arts. Space-permitting, participation will be open to others in the community. Each workshop series will be limited to a small group of eight participants.
Over the course of four workshops, a facilitator will guide participants through the songwriting process, helping them turn their own stories, memories, and experiences into original lyrics and music. Participants do not need any musical background to take part. Those who wish to contribute as musicians are welcomed and encouraged to do so, but it is not a requirement. Musicians Kayde Deardorff, Amy MacIntire, and Phil Rolleston will be available to accompany and/or perform the songs for the recordings and the concert.
“Music and writing play a large role in this area’s heritage, and I am excited to bring people together to create new material to add to this tradition,” said Erica Marks, director of the Yew Mountain Center and another one of the musicians who will be working with the participants.
Registration is now open for both the Pocahontas County and Greenbrier County sessions. Space is limited to eight participants per group. The cost to participate is $30, but no one will be turned away for lack of ability to pay. Those interested in participating, or in learning more about the Storied Lives Songwriting Series, are encouraged to contact the Yew Mountain Center at yewmountain.org or 304-653-4079.
This project is supported with financial assistance from the West Virginia Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.
About the Yew Mountain Center
The Yew Mountain Center is a locally-run nonprofit education, recreation, and community center on a 500-acre nature sanctuary in Pocahontas County, WV. Overnight lodging (optional) is available at a discounted rate for songwriting participants during the project.
Media Contact: Erica Marks Phone: (304) 653-4079 [email protected]
