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In 2009, The Salvation Army, through the generosity of the Sony Foundation created the Youth and Music Programme (YaMP) to give young people in bushfire affected Victorian communities chance to explore their experiences through music. The program delivers equipment, musical tuition, song writing workshops and recording opportunities to young people in 15 bushfire affected communities. The Salvation Army, Pathways, are responsible for Bushfire Recovery Programs in the Mitchell and Murrundindi Shires.(Victoria) In April 2010, Pathways employed a music program worker and two youth workers to deliver the YaMP program across these shires. Now, just six months later, and just in time for Christmas comes the first of our compilation CD's of songs written and recorded by young people from Marysville, Yea, Glenburn, Flowerdale, Clombinane, Glenburn, Alexandra, Seymour and in and around Broadford. In each area, we have initially run our intensive 2 day workshops where a group of young people come together to write, record and make a video around a theme chosen by them, that is unique to them and where they live. It's a huge couple of days where we all work together to create a song that captures the 'tone' of the community. We never know what type of song we will record -- it's all reflective of the young people involved and the genre's and influences that they bring to the song. These workshops are run where the young people live, in schools, community halls and village hubs and are open to any young person with a love of music and a desire to have a go. The young people do not need to know how to play an instrument, but are asked to bring one along if they do. It's a great introduction to writing and recording as the young person is involved throughout the process from start to finish. Following the group workshop, opportunities are given for participants to work more closely with facilitators to write and record a song that is based on their personal story. There are many issues and experiences reflected in these songs, some are light and have a humour to them; others are more challenging to hear, but just as important. So.... sit back and enjoy the sounds and stories of young people in your communities that have courageously been willing to share some of their stories and step up to the microphone.