Music and Our Community: Girls Rock NC and Heather McEntire

Music helps me understand my voice, and understand other voices.  If we don’t tell those stories, who will? - Heather McEntire.

We love folks who share our passions for music and for doing good. That’s why we’re happy to introduce you to Girls Rock NC and a local musician named Heather McEntire.Heather works with Girls Rock NC as a mentor, and helps coordinate and direct afterschool programs and summer camps.  Girls Rock NC is a nonprofit organization that empowers girls and women — through creative expression — to become confident and engaged members of our communities. By focusing on the “three Cs”- creativity, confidence and collaboration - their music and empowerment programs for girls and women in the Triangle area serve as a vehicle for building community and self-esteem.In their ten years of programming, Girls Rock NC has held over forty music programs for girls in Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. Campers have gone on to perform in successful bands and even take on leadership positions at camp. Girls Rock NC has roughly 80 active volunteers and a growing number of partners, sponsors, musicians, parents, activists, and mentors working together to build a strong community.Heather has been involved in the Triangle’s music scene since 2003 when she relocated here.  In 2008, she and songwriting partner Jenks Miller formed local band Mount Moriah, which also includes Casey Toll.  She collaborates with fellow Triangle-area musicians, and occasionally will add her voice to local records.Heather feels a strong connection to the local community, and giving back is a way to show her gratitude.  “The support I have received from my community, in encouraging me as an artist, has given me the confidence to be brave and devote myself to music in a way that may not have worked living somewhere else,” she says.  “Music means you have a voice. Music is storytelling, and performing it is a direct connection to the soul.”Girls Rock NC’s biggest program is Rock Camp for Girls, a one week summer program in which girls form bands, write original music with their peers, attend workshops, and perform their songs for the community at a concert at the end of the week. No musical instruments or experience are necessary to participate in any of the Girls Rock NC programs.Mount Moriah has just wrapped up a year of touring to promote “Miracle Temple” (on Merge Records) and is currently working on new material.