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WHAT IS KID PAN ALLEY?

Imagine what it is like to be a child writing a song in their classroom with a professional songwriter. And suppose that your song was recorded by a world-class recording artist like Delbert McClinton, Cracker, Sissy Spacek, Amy Grant, Kix Brooks, Suzy Bogguss, Corey Harris, or Raul Malo. You’d be changed forever. You’d have learned about teamwork, the value of everyone’s ideas, embracing diversity and collaboration through the group songwriting process. You might start writing songs to express your feelings rather than striking out in anger. You’d feel really listened to and proud of what you had done. And just imagine that this was the most fun you ever had in school. Well, this is what Kid Pan Alley is doing in schools throughout the country—inspiring kids use their imaginations—to be creators of their own music, not just consumers of popular culture. We’ve written over 1,800 songs with over 30,000 children and we’ve got to say kids make the greatest co-writers. Come on inside and hear some of their creations. And, if you are so inclined, help us bring Kid Pan Alley to schools around the country.  

Here's a new video all about Kid Pan Alley:

 

Our Challenge Grant

Here at Kid Pan Alley we are very excited to have received a $20,000 matching grant from The William and Mary Greve Foundation. This is a great opportunity for Kid Pan Alley to reach more children with our programming and we need your help. Please click on the donate button  if you'd like to help. Remember every dollar you give will be matched. If you'd like to see our December newsletter, click here.

 

  • Here's a video from last week's residency at Union Elementary called Vermont Strong. Written by Paul Reisler, Donald Sosin and Ms. Pine's 3rd grade.  All the songs from this residency are being arranged for orchestra and will be performed on March 31st by the Montpelier Chamber Orchestra.

     

    KID PAN ALLEY IN THE NEWS:

    KID PAN ALLEY ON NPR'S MORNING EDITION! Hear Paul Reisler on NPR's Morning Edition: www.npr.org

    Interview with Paul Reisler and Terri Allard on "What's Going On, C'ville?"


    ACROSS THE AGES--Kid Pan Alley Intergenerational programs: See the video about our programs that bring children and elders together to tell each other stories and write songs about each others' lives. Read about it in the Daily Progress Intergenerational Residency article.

    Kid Pan Alley is the beneficiary of the new Charlottesville Songwriters Christmas CD

    Thanks to all the great artists who participated in this project. They had a great album release concert on December 16th to celebrate the album. For more information and to purchase.

    If you'd like to see video's from some more recent residencies go to Current Residencies 

    Kid Pan Alley Museum Partnerships: We write songs inspired by paintings in a museum exhibition. After recording the songs, the children custom paint the blank CD covers inspired by the songs. The songs can be used with the listening station at the exhibit. Art inspiring song, inspiring art, inspiring us all. 

    Here's a video from our residency in July with the Corcoran Gallery of Art. All of the songs were inspired by abstract paintings in their Washington Color and Light exhibit.

    The Kid Pan Alley Band in concert

    NEW PROJECTS!


    Our latest CD,     I Used to Know the Names of All the Stars, was named Best Children's Music Recording by the W    ashington Area Music Association and received the Parents' Choice Silver Award. F    or information on our new album featuring Cracker, Corey Harris, Sissy Spacek, John McCutcheon, Trees on Fire, Shannon Worrell, Devon Sproule, Sparky's Flaw and many others. Click here

    Stand Up and Be Heard, One Little Song Can Change the World - Kid Pan Alley's Character Development Assembly Program features songs written by kids in Kid Pan Alley residencies that focus on respect - for yourself, for others, for your school, for the environment. Excellent reinforcement of your school's character development program.

     

    WANT TO BE INVOLVED? 

      Bring Kid Pan Alley to your community
    1. See photos and videos from recent residencies Recent residencies
    2. Funding opportunities for residencies: Meet the Composer; Virginia Commission for the Arts residency grant (deadline: April 1); Ways to fundraise for a Kid Pan Alley residency
    3. Want to be a Better Songwriter? Check out Paul's Songcamps
    4. Buy Kid Pan Alley CD 
    5. Help bring Kid Pan Alley to your community and to children across the country. Gifts to  Kid Pan Alley, FEIN 20-1609731 are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.:
    6. You can also donate by sending a check to PO Box 38, Washington, VA 22747.

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