Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

Children perform at last Wednesday's launch of 'I Am Special', held at the Wolmer's Girls' School, Marescaux Road, Kingston.

Music educator André Adman says he produced the children's album I Am Special because he wanted children to reach their full potential.

The album was officially launched at the Wolmer's Girls' School last Wednesday. I Am Special features songs from different music genres, such as reggae, ska, dancehall and calypso. Experienced musicians like Desi Jones, Grub Cooper, Dean Fraser, Glen Campbell, Alvis Reid, Tafane Buchsaecab and other members of Fab 5 worked on the tracks. The songs were written, arranged and produced by André Adman, with appearances by the Wolmer's Combined Choir (from the Wolmer's group of schools).

Jordan Douglas shares a kiss with his mom, Andrea Douglas.

motivating youngsters

Adman, who is a music teacher at Wolmer's Preparatory School and director of the Wolmer's Combined Choir, says he wanted to do something for children that could motivate them.

"I notice we have a culture where we tell children that they are worthless. I am using music as an inspirational tool for building self-esteem and a greater sense of self-appreciation," said Adman, who is a gra-duate of Edna Manley School of the Visual and Performing Arts.

He added that "Many students suffer from inferiority complexes and music can be a way we tell them how to overcome that fear. It can inculcate values and attitudes that are uplifting."

Initially, Adman said he was targeting primary school students, but the material from the album also appeals to high school students. He says students from the Wolmer's Preparatory and Wolmer's Girls' and Wolmer's Boys' high schools performed together at the album's launch.

"It is something for all age, because once they start listening to it they will definitely enjoy it. It has a message for everybody. The high-schoolers are also put in a mentorship position, which is good for the group because we have a wide age band," Adman told The Sunday Gleaner.

Adman says his work was made easier than the workload would indicate as "I love children, so I know there are challenges working with them and much patience is required. We have ups and downs, but they are very cooperative."

various challenges

This was not the only challenge, as the students' schedules varied and this forced changes in the rehearsal times. In addition, Adman says he got only one sponsor, British Caribbean Insurance Company, out of the many he approached. Therefore, he had to fund a substantial proportion of the project himself.

"It was a sacrifice, but a worthwhile sacrifice. The children are an investment for the future, so I thought they would have come on board," he said.

Though he got little support initially, Adman says the response to the album has been better than he expected.

"The feedback has been extremely positive. It (album) is something with a Jamaican and Caribbean sound for children, and that doesn't really exists. It is something new that will easily appeal to children in the region and those who appreciate music from the region," he said.

Adman says he also created a T-shirt line, which is another way to motivate young people. He says the shirts are another way of reinforcing the positive messages in the songs.

Music educator and producer of 'I Am Special', André Adman, performs a song from the album. - photos by Nathaniel Stewart/ Freelance Photographer

positive impact on society

He says he believes the album and the T-shirt line will have a positive impact on society.

"Having listened to the album I believe many persons will be inspired. The messages are being reinforced and I really want children to believe in the concept. It will be inspiring them and motivating them, I want the kids to feel good about themselves," Adman told The Sunday Gleaner.

He added: "What I am doing now is like a seed being planted. I want to get this out on a national, regional and international level. I believe it is a message that everybody needs to hear."

Adman says he wants to have another launch so that more people can experience the message. He also wants to host a concert series, featuring songs from I Am Special, later this year.