March, 2024 CAVARTS Spotlight Feature: Pat White
Every musician has a story, and some stories feel especially close to home. Today, we’re featuring Marine and Air Force Veteran Pat White, a musician whose work is shaped by lived experience, curiosity, and connection.
From their first inspiration to their current practice, Pat’s music offers a thoughtful look at creativity rooted right here in the CAVARTS community.
Name:
Pat White
Branch of Service:
Marines and Air Force
Bio:
I served in the military for 20 years. 16 in the Marines and my last 4 in the Air Force. I did mostly reserves. I was a special education teacher in Philadelphia for 20 years. I’m now a singer/songwriter and I wrote the #1 bestselling children’s book, Molly the Marine. I live right outside of Philadelphia with my dog Molly.
Social Media Handles:
patwhitewrites
Title of Piece:
Get Up
Medium of Piece:
Original Song
Meaning Behind Piece:
I wrote this song about anxiety.
Piece:
What inspires you to create art?:
Writing helps me because I usually write about what I’m going through. Hopefully it can also help others.
What part of your life has benefited the most from your creative pursuits?:
My mental health. My husband passed away in August 2020 from Covid and I’ve written a few things since then. A year after is when I started taking guitar lessons and voice lessons and have bee singing at open mics and karaoke.
Is it important for you to challenge yourself in your art? Tell us why or why not!:
Yes. Sometimes I get stuck and don’t write anything or sing so I need to make myself go out to listen to live music.
What is your process or ritual to get your creativity flowing?:
Just doing. Sometimes the lyrics just come to me.
What does CAVARTS mean to you?:
I am so glad I found CAVARTS. It is great to have a place just for Veterans.
Our monthly theme for March is Magical March. How will you be celebrating?:
I’m going to Iceland!
What words of inspiration do you have for your fellow CAVARTists?:
It’s never too late to do what you love.
