July 6, 2024 was Community Day in Cold Spring, New York, home of the national Be A Friend Project. This annual occasion featured a parade, live music & storytelling, food, fun, and fireworks!
Among the day's performers were the students at East Mountain Studios, a music lesson and production studio in Cold Spring, singing their original Kindness Songs. At EMS, kids (and adults) learn music in a creative way, centered around songwriting, and focusing on building confidence while nurturing self-expression. There are in-person lessons for ages 6 to adult on piano, guitar, ukulele, bass, voice, banjo, and drums. 🎶
The BAFP was thrilled to be chosen in partnership with East Mountain Studios in early 2024 for their “Kindness Songs for Kids” project which engages and builds their students’ empathy and musical talents to make a difference, composing and recording songs to inspire peers with kindness and friendship to stay strong and know they matter. EMS and the BAFP share a passion to use the Arts to support student UPSTANDERS wanting to "speak up, reach out and be a friend."
In March 2024, EMS held their first community Kids Open Mic at MOVE in Cold Spring, debuting their students' original Kindness Songs and raising nearly $200 to support the BAFP!! On July 6th, EMS students sang their original Kindness Songs a second time accompanied by their teachers and founders Stephen and Kathryn Selman at the Hudson River-front bandstand.
"The amount of heart that went into the writing of these songs is just astounding, and we can’t wait for them to be out in the world!" said Kat, who holds a masters degree in Jazz Performance and has over 12 years experience as a music teacher. The singer/songwriter was also a top 5 finalist in the 2014 Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition! Stephen holds a degree in Songwriting and Guitar Performance, and is a musician and studio engineer with over 15 years of teaching experience.
EMS students wrote and performed these songs for kids across the country and the world to listen to if they are surviving bullying, feeling lonely or blue. ❤️ These 'Kids for Kids' Kindness Songs overpowered the sweltering heat and rain on July 6th, delivering the message to be kind, be a friend, be yourself and erase hate - you are not alone, it will get better!
Pictured on July 6th with BAFP Executive Director Jennifer Young (from left to right) is Caden who performed his AMAZING original song, "This Is Me." Next pictured is Sagan performing her powerful song "Hugs and Smiles” and then Juliet performing her catchy song “Blue”! ❤️❤️👏🏽👏🏽
Know a child who needs a transfusion of hope and inspiration? Need new Assembly Songs? East Mountain Studios complete album and individual "Kindness Songs" can be listened to FOR FREE or purchased for download. 100% of proceeds are donated to the BAFP.
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