Carolyn Johnson, Freelance Writer
The Wolmer's Prep Dance Troupe performs at the launch of 'I Am Special'. - photos by Nathaniel Stewart/Freelance Photographer
Do you know what kind of music your children are listening to?
André Adman, music teacher at the Wolmer's Preparatory School and director of the Wolmer's Combined Choir, is concerned about the type of music to which children in Jamaica are exposed.
Adman, a teacher for 10 years and a music lover, is dedicated to providing clean music for children.
Reinforcing message
His first step is I Am Special, an album created entirely for children, which was launched at the Wolmer's Girls' School auditorium, Marescaux Road, Kingston, last Wednesday. Reinforcing his message, Adman also launched a clothing line of 'I Am Special' and 'Clean Music For Kids' T-shirts.
"We want to create a different culture for kids, a way of life," Adman told the audience of parents, children and supporters. Music, Adman said, is the best tool for the job. "It's a wonderful tool for teaching values and attitudes."
Opening the launch with the title track, the band started strumming a catchy, upbeat rhythm as children ran onstage from every corner of the room. Some did cartwheels before settling to do what seemed to be everyone's favourite song. The launch was a special affair as much for the Wolmer's Combined Choir as it was for Adman. The choir did Self- Control and Love Is All We Need, having a lot of fun as they provided the audience with good singing.
great performances
There were also performances from saxophonist Sean McDonald and the Wolmer's Prep Dance Troupe, with a special presentation to British Caribbean Insurance Company, the sole sponsor of the project.
After the launch, Adman explained to The Gleaner that he believes children needed this project. "Music for children in Jamaica does not exist unless it is something from Europe or America, so I put it together using only Jamaican rhythms. We have to make time for our children, because they are the future. It's an investment in them. They are a worthwhile investment," he said.
After the parents, Adman's biggest fan may be Christojay Barnett, a grade-one student of Wolmer's Preparatory. As the choir laughed, sang and danced, Barnett stood out as the tiniest and one of the liveliest members of the group. "I like it. It's very interesting," she said about I Am Special. "I like all the songs that I hear, and I think Mr Adman did a great job." Her favourite songs are the title track, De Market and One People.
All the songs on the album are written, arranged and produced by André Adman, with appearances from the Wolmer's Combined Choir (from the Wolmer's group of schools) and other children.
I Am Special features 11 tracks, namely, Self-Control, Love Is All We Need, One People, De Market, Better Now, I Am Special, A Fi We Culcha, I Care, The Rainbow, Meditation and I Am Special (long version).
Simone Foote (right) of British Caribbean Insurance Company (BCIC) receiving a certificate of participation on behalf of BCIC from Andre Adman. The insurance company was the project's only sponsor.
