Family bond inspires creativity
- EFN Staff | March 25, 2015
Maybe it has something to do with the name. Perhaps it has more to do with the family values that a new generation is picking up from a father who missed out on that vital part of life as a youngster.
Prince Albert’s Strong family has forged a bond that provides the focus and the inspiration for the creative Thunder and the Sky Dancers band that is making a name for itself in Saskatchewan.
Father Glen Strong, affectionately known as ‘Dadager’ is joined by daughters Amanda, 21, Allison Rae, 18 and Rebecca, who is just 11.
Clearly, music runs in the Strong family and for all of them the passion for singing, writing music and performing began early.
Glen didn’t really get to know his family until he was in his thirties, reuniting with his mother and his sister,Billie Schibler, who is the Chief Executive Officer for Manitoba’s Métis Child & Family Services Authority. He has never met his father.
Music was a big part of Glen’s young life as he began writing songs and performing as a 12-year-old.
“It was difficult years ago,” he explains. “To try to learn one song you had to listen closely to the radio to try to get all the words and chords. The encouragement wasn’t there like it is today
“We have computers and the Internet. All we have to do is tap and click to find a song.”
And while modern technology has made some aspects of the creative process easier, Glen offers his own encouragement for his talented daughters.
Allison, who was born in Uranium City and raised in Stony Rapids, began singing at age four and was playing the guitar and writing her own songs by the age of 12. She is now recording some originals with Rich McFarland at Mosaic Music in Prince Albert.
Influenced by Avril Lavigne, Shania Twain and, more recently, Adele, Allison has performed at Casino Regina, Buffalo Days in Regina, Search for the Stars at the Prince Albert Exhibition talent show – where she took first place – Voices of the North, The Points Athabasca Northern Spirits Showcase and other venues.
One of Allison’s originals, “Waiting On Your Love” has reached number one on the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Music Countdown and number four in the National Aboriginal Music Countdown.
She will be interning with a local law office this summer and if she likes it she plans to continue law studies at the University Of Saskatchewan.
Twenty-one-year old Amanda admits to being shy and seems to appreciate the fact that the spotlight has found her younger sister Allison. She sings and plays guitar and likes doing cover tunes where she enjoys making them more acoustic. She sings more as a hobby and enjoyment and is quite supportive of the route Allison is taking.
She is more particular when it comes to the song “Listen” which they perform as “Thunder and the Sky Dancers” which was written predominantly by Dad but all the girls had a hand in, including mom Joan.
The lyrics have a powerful message for children and adults, Amanda says.
“We should try help those who struggle, who think about suicide, they feel no one is listening.
Allison adds that the song’s words, “there’s problems all over the globe, starving children here at home and some are missin’, when will I find the love I need, and the arms to rock me back to sleep,” resonate with her.
Rebecca is a Grade 6 student in Prince Albert and she has been typing stories on a computer since she was in Grade 3. When a new song comes out, her sisters are amazed how fast she can learn the lyrics and chords. She plays the recorder, the harmonica, the piano and now learning guitar. She is a member of the Prince Albert Children’s Choir and her school choir.
When asked about the advocate song, “Listen”, she says that adults shouldn’t think that kids her age “don’t know anything” and that they should be listened to because they do have something to say.
Amanda adds that using an actual children’s choir gives the song more meaning, and that no child should be afraid around anything or anyone.
“How are they going to reach their full potential and have positive outcomes in their lives? There are not many songs out there on the topic and our children never be abused and be continually nourished,” says Amanda.
Allison suggests it is a two-way path, that we shouldn’t undermine our youth.
“They should be listened to, and they have more insight than past generations. They are our future, we need to appreciate, cherish and protect them,” offers Allison
The Strong family believes they have a certain respect for each other and if stardom and fame comes, Dad hopes they remain humble.
Allison says that her dad is her true hero, and she very much appreciates all that Dad has done for her and the girls and the family band, Thunder and The Sky Dancers.
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