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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Sharla Feldscher Public Relations
215-627-0801
Sharla Feldscher #101, 215-285-4868, cell
sharla@sf-pr.com
Liz Matt, #102, 215-285-4867, cell
liz@sf-pr.com
She Sings: “Sound the Alarm, Stop the Harm!”
NEW JERSEY MUSICIAN/SONGWRITER
SUSAN GOODMAN
OPENS STUDENTS’ EARS AND MINDS THROUGH URGENT TUNES
THAT DRIVE AN ANTI-BULLYING MESSAGE Breakin’ Down Bias & Bullying via Compelling Programs for School and Community Audiences
"Many anti-bullying programs emphasize respect for
others... but don’t sufficiently educate students
about the biases that shape our thoughts, speech and actions. Goodman
developed 'Stand Up! Speak Out!' to fill that programming need for
schools and community groups."
NORTHFIELD,
NJ (August 13, 2012) – With lyrics like “don’t use my identity like
it’s an obscenity”, New Jersey jazz musician Susan Goodman gets the
attention of kids K-College through her music. Performing original songs
with an urgent beat, her wailing saxophone and frank lyrics, Goodman
challenges students to examine the bias behind bullying and bystander
behavior through her music-based anti-bullying programs entitled “Stand
Up! Speak Out!” Originally inspired by the bullying her two sons
experienced in middle school, Goodman applied her multi-faceted musical
talents to her 2000 CD release “Stand Up! Speak Out!” She has been in
demand ever since, doing music-based assembly programs and community
concerts on bias and bullying throughout the tri-state area of New
Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
Goodman’s newest CD “Live Out
Loud,” released in 2012, was fueled by the outrage and sadness she felt
about persistent news of teen suicides attributed to bias-based
bullying. Just as the suicide of Rutgers freshman Tyler Clementi was
the catalyst for New Jersey’s new Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, Goodman
was especially moved by that tragedy because, at the time, her gay son
was also a college student. "It was past time to take on the anti-gay
bullying he had endured, and for schools to get serious about
bias-awareness," Goodman said. In her song, "Bein' Brave," she calls on
her listeners to “Sound the Alarm, Stop the Harm.”
Goodman, a
highly regarded anti-bullying advocate and educator, tailors her
programs to engage students K-12 in upbeat, interactive presentations in
which she plays saxophones and flute, performs original songs and opens
up dialogues about character and courage that will guide them for a
lifetime. “Some may defend students’ biased remarks as protected free
speech,” said Goodman, “but by law, that right is trumped by the right
of every child to safety and civility in school. Young people are so
music savvy. I respect that and write songs with the kinds of lyrics and
contemporary arrangements that will get their attention. Music is a
great way to reach them and get them to truly hear the hard questions
I’m asking them, about how bias affects our behavior. The lyrics also
challenge those who are compassionate to refuse to be silent
bystanders. I ask them to be brave and speak out, to have the courage
to be an Ally for anyone victimized by hate speech, cyber-sniping or
ridicule.”
“Many anti-bullying programs emphasize respect for
others,” continued Goodman, “but don’t sufficiently educate students
about the biases that shape our thoughts, speech and actions.” Goodman
developed “Stand Up! Speak Out!” to fill that programming need for
schools and community groups.
The compelling lyrics in both
“Stand Up! Speak Out!” and “Live Out Loud” reflect Goodman’s commitment
to social justice and the right of every child to a good education in a
safe space. An award-winning, engaging performer, her music is informed
by an educational background which includes a Holocaust-Genocide
Education Certificate from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, State
of New Jersey Certificates in Bias-Based Bullying and Bullying
Prevention, a Teaching Artist Certificate from the University of the
Arts in Philadelphia and a BA in Political Science (African American
Studies and Spanish minors) also from Richard Stockton College.
A
New Jersey-based professional saxophonist/singer/songwriter and
recording artist, Goodman was raised in Bloomfield, Essex County, and
performed in Boston and New York until settling near the vital Atlantic
City music scene, where she raised her two sons in Northfield.
About
“Stand Up! Speak Out!”: Designed as a menu of music-based assemblies
and presentations geared for young people from kindergarten through
college, “Stand Up! Speak Out! - Breakin’ Down Bias and Bullying through
Music” addresses urgent topics covered by statues on Harassment,
Intimidation and Bullying (HIB). Susan Goodman’s programs incorporate
live music, interactivity and discussion to promote respect for all
people and identities, regardless of real or perceived differences,
including appearance, ability, race, national origin, language, accent,
religion, gender or sexual orientation. Study guides are included for
ongoing learning and Goodman offers professional development sessions as
well. Age appropriate themes range from celebrating diversity and
using “words, not hands” for little ones, to cyber bullying and
respectful dating for older students. The programs help students examine
the bias behind bullying and the roles we choose to play: Perpetrator,
Collaborator, Silent Bystander or Ally. “Stand Up! Speak Out!” promotes
courage and compassion to be an ally, to speak out for one another and
make a difference.
Find detailed information email susan@standup-speakout.com, or call (609) 432-6346.
EDUCATION
2011 NJ Anti-Bullying Legislation Training Certificate(s): Bias & Bias-Based Bullying
Stamler Police Academy
1776 Raritan Road
Scotch Plains, New Jersey
2011 Teaching Artist Certificate
University of the Arts
Avenue of the Arts
Philadelphia, PA
2005 Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
African American Studies (Minor)
Spanish (Minor)
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
Pomona, NJ
1999 Holocaust-Genocide Education Certificate
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
Pomona, NJ
New Release: LIVE OUT LOUD
Calling out bias and bullying in a unique mix of
urban, Afro-pop, jazz, and latin flavored songs, this newest release from Sooz
is the long awaited follow up to her 2000 release Stand Up! Speak Out! Live Out Loud is an ear-catching
expression of Sooz’ distinctly original songwriting, where it intersects with
her passion for social justice.
Weaving together a decidedly diverse collection of musical styles, she
casts a wide net for an equally diverse collection of listeners.
Live Out Loud was created for music-savvy teens
(especially high school, and college students) but will be appreciated by
parents, teachers, and all who support equality and human rights. Lyrics shine
a light on the spectrum of bias--from xenophobia to homophobia—and celebrate
the courage and compassion to speak out and be Allies for one another.
Songs tackling tough topics run the gamut from
fierce to lyrical. Sooz’ soulful
tenor and soprano saxophone and flute solos are threaded throughout, between
unexpectedly ear-catching vocal harmonies (arranged by Kristina Pruitt) and hot
horn sections (arranged by Blood Sweat & Tears trumpeter/arranger Steve
Jankowski). Master percussionist
Bobby Sanabria graces the project with his unmistakably authentic Afro-Cuban
grooves--as well as a heartfelt Spanish rap--on the lone Latin jazz song on the
CD, Compasión (a bilingual appeal for compassion).
The rhythm section is comprised of the usual mix
of exceptional groove-meisters, including the inventive Frank Strauss on
keyboards (and rhythm section arrangements), Sounds of Philadelphia veteran
guitarist Ron Jennings, legendary bassist Chico Huff, and drummer Jimmy Coleman
(formerly with John Legend). Jazz
pianist Jim Ridl (Dave Liebman Big Band) makes a guest (re)appearance on the
driving remix of Prejudice Is the Enemy.
Sooz has been presenting her music-based program
on bias and bullying STAND UP! SPEAK OUT! for over a decade. She is glad that some recent national
and state legislation is reflecting the lethal effects of bias-based bullying,
and that some schools are more actively protecting the rights of all students
to learn in a safe environment, free of harassment, intimidation, and bullying
(HIB). Legislation is a step in
the right direction, but a lot more work needs to be done, to change school
cultures, so that every student can exercise his or her right to a good education
in a safe space. Sooz is committed
to making great music that is part of the solution.
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