Alanna Lin Ramage, a singer/songwriter who is leading a two-part 826LA workshop called Popcorn Songs, describes songwriting as “a great way to get to know yourself.”

She began last week’s session by getting to know the students in (virtual) attendance and asking what factors were applying pressure in their lives.

“In school we’re doing state testing,” said Caroline. 

Gio recalled the early months of the pandemic, when he didn’t get to play outside. 

Alanna extended her popcorn metaphor: “Popcorn, if you’re lucky, turns from one thing into another when you turn on the heat. We’re in the pan of life.”

Students described their feelings through the lens of popcorn:

“I’m cold, not-out-of-the-bag popcorn,” Gio said.

“I just want it to go back to how it was in 2019, before quarantine and before I was put into the microwave,” Caroline said.

But the group, which consisted of nine- to eleven-year-olds, had no trouble finding the bright side. 

“I got a bunny and her name is Bubbles, and she’s crazy,” said Sophia. “She’ll bite you.” But she made getting chomped by a rabbit sound like part of the adventure.

Now, Alanna prompted: You are the popcorn. Where are you? Situate yourself.

“On a plate,” said Julia.

“In my mouth,” said Cassidy.

Can someone simultaneously be popcorn and be in their own mouth? In the imaginations of 826LA students, definitely. 

Alanna gave students writing time to turn their kernels into songs, which they performed boldly. Gio added a beat track. Sophia revealed confident, deep vocals. 

Gio’s chorus went, COVID has been okay, not bad.

Alanna observed how convincing his song was. “We all want to believe him. We want to believe that COVID has been okay and not bad.”

To see upcoming 826LA Workshops and get more information, please visit our Workshops page.