| HOW SILAA CAME TO BE | |
 |
Vickie Garland was only a teenager when she lost her beloved mother. And for the two decades following, she struggled in vain to try and work through her grief. Finally, in 1997 as her older and only brother Jody lay brain dead from a heart attack at the age of 48, she experienced what she calls, "a miracle of song". A song that seemed to "coincidentally" present itself at that most critical time offered her positive expression, and thereby a comforting outlet for her imminent loss, as well as that of her mother 22 years earlier. |
|
After her brother's death, she began to write and perform songs like the one that had helped her. And the reception was so overwhelming that her experience and work have been chronicled in feature stories on television and in newspapers in North Carolina.
Given all of this, when the horrific attack on America happened, Vickie was inconsolable, knowing all too well not only the immediate pain of loss, but also how losing a loved one has the ability to rob survivors of their lives, as well. And her upset was only compounded by the fact that the city where Vickie lives had taken a direct blow. Sandy Bradshaw was a flight attendant aboard United Airlines Flight 93 that crashed in PA. And, besides her husband, Ms. Bradshaw left behind two very small babies - a three-year-old daughter, and a son who turned one-year-old just days after she died. Because Vickie spent so many years in search of positive expression for her own pain, she instinctively knew that the tens of thousands of children who lost loved ones on September 11th, as well as the millions who watched what happened, would have the same need. And from that, the lyrics to SILAA were born. Originally, she wrote a simple melody for the song, as well. But when she contacted Paul Coulianos and asked him if he would help her produce the accompaniment, he expressed an interest in composing the music himself. A big fan of Paul's work, Vickie jumped at the chance. And the moment she heard the finished product, she knew beyond any shadow of a doubt that this song would be a very fitting "Thank You" for the ultimate sacrifice that so many have made, and continue to make for America's freedom. Vickie first fell in love with singing as just a child, in church. She was a sophomore in college studying music and voice when her beloved mother died, after which she began singing professionally in duets, trios, and bands throughout the southeastern United States. After her healing by song, she was inspired to begin independent research into psychology, where she discovered that we often instinctively sense what can heal us. And with that insight, she began to understand how words and music have a phenomenal ability to aid in the grief recovery process. Not long after that, she began composing and performing what she calls "Celebrations of Life and Love-Songs of Hope for Survivors". And in addition to being chronicled in feature articles in NC newspapers and on television for this work, she was also a presenter and performer for the 22nd Annual Association for Death Education and Counseling National Conference in the year 2000. Now a part-time volunteer grief counselor, Vickie is in the process of writing a book detailing her healing by song, as well as developing a uniquely simple program for reclaiming your life after devastating loss. And whenever possible, she continues to write and perform "Celebrations of Life and Love". (Click here to read the lyrics to some of Vickie's "Inspired Writings") |
 |
Paul Coulianos is a musician trained in the classic tradition whose compositions run the gamut from children's songs to orchestral scores, and everything in between. Born and raised in New York City, he is a Lexington, SC resident by way of Greensboro, NC. He began violin and music studies at age eight, and has done extensive touring with the New York Pro Musica Antiqua, working on recordings with such artists as Perry Como and Pat Martino, on television and film spots with such stars as Robert Young and Ali McGraw, and in concert performances with many great conductors including Leonard Bernstein, Lucas Foss, and Seiji Ozawa. |
|
While at the High School of Music and Art, he switched his focus - first to lute, then to jazz guitar. His self-study of classic guitar and an original guitar composition led to his acceptance to the Davis Center for the Performing Arts, CUNY, where he studied under classic guitarist Roslyn Dlugin and The Modern Jazz Quartet pianist John Lewis. In addition to cable television and radio scores, Paul has written and recorded music for guided meditation workshops and sacred settings. Following his belief in the powerful healing powers of music, he is currently working on an album of music especially for hospitalized and terminally ill children. Besides all that SILAA will offer survivors of September 11th, the writers also hope to use it in remembrance of September 11th to foster healing for anyone who has experienced, or will experience, a loss. This purpose can best be served through a non-profit organization, which Vickie Garland hopes to eventually set up to supply SILAA free of charge (through the organization) to any needy child or children who may benefit from its beautiful and positive expression. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |  |