Whether on a personal basis or as an organization or business, it’s always good to look back on the year and reflect on the goals that were set and accomplishments attained. Often adversity comes into play as in 2008 when Hurricane Ike made an unwelcome visit. You plan the best you can and make adjustments as needed. For HSA in 2009 the skies were clear and the accomplishments many. First, let’s take a look at some numbers and then we’ll look at some of the year’s highlights.

Membership Totals
We had 68 active members (49 registered on the website)
14 Lifetime members
15 New members
33 Renewing members
6 Potential members (registered on website but not subscribed)

I’m always gratified to see renewing members. With a mission to support and encourage the art and craft of songwriting, to provide resources and educational opportunities to songwriters and to nurture a positive environment in which songwriters may fully develop their potential as songwriters, those renewing members tell me that they like what HSA is doing and it benefits them. If my math is correct we are averaging better than one new member each month. That’s pretty good. New members are the new blood critical in keeping the organization moving forward and in touch with the times. Our website has been an integral part in maintaining our membership by informing the public of our presence, mission and accessibility.

Songs Submissions
123 Songs were critiqued in 2009 (7 of which included guest critiques)
29 Songs were collaborations (10 of which included Non-Members)
25 Song of the Month Winners
51 Songwriters (of which 34 were HSA members – 17 non-members)
5 Monthly winners were collaborations

Wow! That’s a lot of songs and songwriting. Keep up the great work!

Highlights

Our name change to Houston Songwriters Association from Houston Ft. Bend Songwriters Association became official and recognized by the state.

In March online voting for Song of the Month started as well as live recordings at our regular meetings. The online voting allows additional time to review and critique songs. Peer review is an essential part of crafting a good song. The live recordings offer assistance to those without access to recording gear and the ability to post their songs online. In addition, recorded songs can be used to monitor a songwriter’s progress from both the writing and performing perspective

In June a new laptop and recording gear were purchased to aid our live recording.

Four mini songwriting workshops were held throughout the year. These were 15-30 minute informal sessions held prior to the song critiques and presented by HSA members. These were well received by all in attendance.

In December our annual Christmas party was held. Activities included the buffet luncheon with members contributing their dishes, the white elephant gift exchange, awards presentation and open mic. Awards presented and recipients included:

Distinguished Service Tony Ryan

Song of the Year Neverland (Van Buchanan)
1st Runner Up Breathe the Moment (Andrew Richardson)
2nd Runner Up You Missed the Dance (Mitch Tiffin)

Songwriter of the Year Andrew Richardson
1st Runner Up Ron Tintner
2nd Runner Up Tony Ryan

Charitable Contribution Pam Herndon/Jim Fowler (Christmas Adopt a Family)

Congratulations to all the recipients for their well deserved awards.

Several HSA members completed CD projects in 2009. Among those were :
Bill Aspinwall (Free Range Trout)
Rob Barreda (Paper Windows)
Willie B (Money Thinks I’m Dead) (2010 CD Launch)
Tom Tranchilla & Buddy Allan (Acoustic Audio-Dacity) (2010 CD Launch)
Mike Darnell (The Promised Land)
Danny Liggett & Buddy Trotter (Emotions)

Member Lloyd Daniel engineered and co-produced two of those projects. Hats off to all! Many of the songs on these projects originated at an HSA meeting and evolved into a final produced product. It’s gratifying to see and hear the results.

Let me take a moment to pay special recognition to some of the other members whose behind the scenes contributions have been essential in moving HSA forward:

Pat Bishop for serving as secretary/treasurer and staying on top of all business matters. Pat’s enthusiasm and organization skills are invaluable.

Tony Ryan for his creation and maintenance of the HSA website.

HSA Board of Directors: Willie B, Clyde Sayre, Tony Kozel and Bob Yoh.

Lloyd Daniel and Ron Tintner for their sound engineering skills and bringing live recording to the sessions. Ron also brings many new ideas and suggestions to the meetings.

Clyde Sayre for putting together the annual HSA compilation CD.

Larry Englebretson and Bob Yoh for handling the annual vote counts for Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.

Andrew Richardson for sitting in as Critiquemeister when I could not make the meetings.

TC Smythe and Willie B for their mini seminar/workshop presentations.

I hope that I did not overlook anyone. If so, I apologize.

In closing I would like to thank each and every member for coming out to the meetings and sharing their gift of song. I believe that much of being a songwriter/musician is listening. We all learn from one another. May 2010 be a prosperous and happy year for you and let the songs keep flowing!

Mike Darnell
HSA President.