introduction
I wrote my first songs when I was about 14, using the Bible as my primary source of inspiration.
In 1994, while still living in South Africa, I made a tape of Christian songs specially for older children (8 to 12s), entitled Shepherd King. I have a preference for this age group - because their needs are so often neglected, and because they are particularly responsive to my brand of music.
In 1996 I wrote and directed a Christmas musical for a cast of two adults and a group of children of all ages. In 1997 the production was rewritten for an older cast (mostly teens and adults), with a whole new script, some additional songs and new arrangements.
After about ten years writing primarily for children, translating spiritual truths and biblical narratives into words and pictures that they can relate to, I've gone back to my first love - Scripture-in-song. Not that I ever left it.
Since mid-2006 I've taken my songwriting ministry up a gear or two - writing songs, networking, giving workshops. Songwriting has become more a way of life than ever before.
I've also written a number of songs in Dutch, with a little bit of help from my native speaker friends. There's scope for more, I think.
I would like to work more on assignment, and collaborate with publishers, teachers, materials resource developers, etc. in producing good songs for today's children, and today's Church.
I'm a member of the Scots International Church Rotterdam, The Netherlands - a lively, family church. I'm currently attached to the English Reform Church in Amsterdam, in my final year of training for the auxiliary ministry within the Church of Scotland.
irene bom ~ songwriter © 2022