When the Chameleon Music School in Philadelphia offered its expertise and studio recording capabilities to the nonprofit Friendship Circle, its instructors had no idea they’d be embarking on a life-changing experience. Over the course of several months, though, they found a muse in the form of the special needs teenagers whom the Friendship Circle supports with social and interactive experiences throughout the year.
The end result, a complete, professionally recorded album featuring a range of songs recorded in the electronic music style, made its world debut Jan. 3, at a Red Carpet Album Release party at the FringeArts Theater in Philadelphia. The young musicians who created the record arrived in limousines for the event, and online sales of the album will benefit the Friendship Circle and future charitable projects by the Chameleon School.
“It is no exaggeration to say that we were completely astounded by how much soul, innocence, and unrestrained expression the participants brought to this process,” said Josh Madoff, a piano instructor and owner of the Chameleon Music School. “Most producers and artists we know, ourselves included, spend their entire careers striving to make music with this much honesty and emotion.”
While Chameleon staff showed the young artists how to use the equipment and helped keep them focused, the participants made every decision, created all of the drums, played percussion, played every synthesizer or instrument, and wrote and performed all of the vocals. DJ Siyoung, the school’s executive producer and mixing engineer, who has toured internationally and shared the stage with major artists such as Jay-Z and Mark Ronson, produced the unique recording.
For the event, each teen was prepared for photos by professional stylists, and by evening’s end, each received a special copy of the album from a celebrity presenter.
“This is the culmination of many months of effort by these special kids, who really had a chance to tap their creativity,” said Chani Baram, director of the Friendship Circle, which was founded in 2004. “We couldn’t be more excited to give them a night of their own to release their ‘baby’ into the world. Because this truly will be their night on the red carpet.”
The Red Carpet Album Release party was Jan. 3 at The FringeArts Theater, 140 North Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia.
Friendship Circle lets children and teens with special needs enjoy many of the social and recreational opportunities afforded to the community at large. Founded by Lubavitch House in 2004, Friendship Circle has touched lives in the Jewish community and beyond through its core youth programs, its support for the families of children with special needs, and volunteer opportunities for teenagers and adults. For more information, visit http://www.phillyfriendship.com/.
