Spirituality and the arts players release sophomore album | va washington dc health care | veterans affairs

The Spirituality and the Arts Players (SAP), a musical ensemble born from the Spirituality and the Arts program at the Washington DC VA Medical Center (DC VAMC), released their sophomore

album on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. The group, which is comprised of DC VAMC staff and Veterans, hosted a live performance at Joe’s Movement Emporium to commemorate the milestone. According

to band member and Army Veteran, Harry Clark Walker, the performance showcased a range of music from their new album, to include gospel, R and B, Jazz, modern music and more. He credits

SAP’s diversity with their ability to record such a wide range of genres. “We have a depth of talent in this group that allows us to make so many different sounds and cover almost anything,”

said Walker. “Each voice and instrument bring a different flavor or texture to each song, and we strive to put each talent in the correct place for the best sound.” Walker, who sings and

plays guitar, joined the group in 2017 after being recruited by another Veteran. He felt a connection right away. “The first rehearsal I went to, I just knew it was where I needed to be,”

said Walker. “It is a fun, learning experience and somehow, in that mix, we get a therapeutic value that is indescribable.” Music's theraputic application is what brought SAP to life.

Program Director, Chaplain Cheryl Jones, started teaching music lessons to Veterans at the DC VAMC, as a creative outlet for their emotions. As her lessons grew in popularity, she saw an

opportunity to create something special. “We are more than just a singing group; we are family,” said Walker. “When we get together, we share issues that come up in life and help each other

through them. There’s a lot of love in this group. That’s what really keeps me coming back.” Walker believes that bond they share can be heard in this album and felt during their live

performances. Especially when they perform ‘This Is My Country’ by Curtis Mayfield.    “This song says a lot about who we are as a musical group and a country,” he said. “As a Veteran, to be

able to stand up and sing about my country is powerful. It belongs to all of us, and no one person or group gets to take that away or define it, and this song expresses that.” SAP’s

reputation has grown from its humble roots, to include many performance requests outside of the DC VAMC; some as prestigious at performing at the Lincoln Memorial. But despite their

heightened level of success, SAP remains open to any and all staff or Veteran, regardless of their musical abilities. “We welcome anyone who wants to be a part of what we are doing. And I

encourage those interested to come and see what we’re about,” said Walker. “There is a family feeling here that welcomes you in, and a spiritual element that gives you strength to keep going

when life gets hard. It’s an overwhelmingly positive experience.” ------------------------- To learn more about the Spirituality and the Arts Players, or to find out how you can join,

contact the DC VAMC’s Spirituality and the Arts Program Director, Chaplain Cheryl Jones at [email protected]. Listen to the free album here.