Caitlin Sommerville youngest of 200 plus FBISF performers

Caitlin Sommerville youngest of 200 plus FBISF performers
Youth songwriting seminar at LuLu’s part of event’s InSchools Program

Even at the ripe old age of 13, Gulf Shores Middle School 8th grader Caitlin Sommerville is a seasoned participant in the FBISF youth songwriting seminar held at LuLu’s Restaurant in Gulf Shores. This was her fourth year participating in the seminar that puts select students from area high and middle schools in the room with industry professionals to discuss the art and business of songwriting. The seminar is part of the FBISF Foundation’s InSchools Program.
“This has very much helped me,’’ Caitlin said. “It’s helped me be more creative, and I’ve learned tips about how to write new songs.’’ Caitlin, who wrote the first of her 20 songs when she was eight, said she heard about the FBISF youth seminar from her mother.
“Caitlin has improved every single year. It’s nice to see that type of progress in our younger writers,’’ said Karen E. Reynolds, director of FBISF’s In Schools Program.
“It’s coming to the point where this is more of a youth showcase where they can get stage time in front of their peers and a general audience,’’ Reynolds added. “We act more like moderators. Our goal has always been the same, and that is to make songwriting more attainable to them.’’
In addition to Sommerville, Hollye Horton, Faith Jess, Nikki Moore, Leah Rose, Shelby Leann and Isaac Moore performed at the seminar as well as later that evening at LuLu’s.
Under Reynolds’ direction, the FBISF’s In Schools Program provided presentations at 12 schools in Baldwin and Escambia counties this month. Reynolds was assisted by Perry Bonck, like Reynolds, a featured writer at the fest.
“We actually have something exciting in the works involving a particular school,’’ Reynolds said. “As it becomes more concrete, I’ll fill you in. It’s the type of thing that truly shows the FBISF’s commitment to area youth.’’
Around 80 band members from Foley High School and Foley and Elberta Middle Schools also attended the seminar.
“We are always available to come and listen to the great performers. We had a great time,’’ said Carl Major, Director of Bands at Foley.
Pictured: (left) 13 year old Caitlin Sommerville of Gulf Shores