Music Notes: Whatever I Want To Be by Young Avenue Kids CD Review

	Young Avenue Kids Whatever I Want To Be Young Avenue Kids 28 May 2013
KIDS SING THE CLASSICS! YOUNG AVENUE KIDS' WHATEVER I WANT TO BE My review: Young children need to be exposed to classics and Young Avenue Kids has a unique and entertaining approach.  Each song has fun and education lyrics that work well with the classic and the beautiful voices of these children is angelic.  There are 11 songs and then the songs are played again without the lyrics and the kids speak about the composers.  Kids will be exposed to true classical music and also learn about composers, instruments and the power of good music!  I turned this CD on the other day and both of my children played so quietly for about 30 minutes.  Classics can soothe and inspire young minds.  I recommend this new album. "If you are looking for a fun and playful introduction to classical music for your young ones, this is the perfect fit!" -- Academics' Choice "Smart Media Award" review of Whatever I Want To Be "Ilana Melmed has created lyrics to a set of classical music pieces as a way to interest young ears in this style of music -- and she nicely succeeds in her mission." -- Michael Berick, L.A. Parent LOS ANGELES -- With an Academics' Choice "Smart Media Award" proudly in hand, Ilana Melmed and Young Avenue Kids are set to send their first CD out into the world!  Whatever I Want To Be features Ilana and the children of Young Avenue Kids singing catchy, original lyrics set to well-loved melodies by Rossini, Hayden, Grieg, von Suppé, and more, providing a joyous introduction to classical tunes that all children should know. With a full schedule as a lecturer at USC, Ilana Melmed never envisioned that she would find herself producing a children's CD.  However, inspired by her children and grandchildren, and motivated by a strong desire to share her passion for classical music with families, Ilana took on the roles of producer, singer, and lyricist for Whatever I Want To Be, recruiting a superlative cast of talent to participate in the project, including Emmy Award winner Stephen Cohn as production supervisor and vocal arranger. A "family" feeling permeates Whatever I Want To Be with a sense of sharing and belonging and is part of the album's considerable charm.  The vivacity of the kids (six of whom are Ilana Melmed's grandchildren) is endearing, not only when they sing, but also when they're heard sharing their enthusiasm and a treasure trove of information through a special eleven-track feature of this CD titled "The Kids Speak About the Composers." Whatever I Want To Be takes off in grand style with everyone singing the "rocket ship" lyrics to the fanfare from Franz von Suppé's "Light Cavalry Overture" and proceeds in jolly fashion to "The Orchestra Families," which employs a marching tune by Johann Schrammel to capture the thrill and excitement of an outing to a symphony concert. Other highlights include the clever lyrics of "The Gorgeous Butterfly," which grace a Johann Strauss march, and the galloping tune from Rossini's "William Tell Overture," which finds new life as the humorous "William Tell Is Oh So Swell." Whatever I Want To Be will be available online at Amazon.com, iTunes, CDBaby, and in select retail stores throughout the U.S. # # # Check out the Young Avenue Kids website at www.youngavenuekids.com for information about the instruments of the orchestra, a fun-filled quiz, coloring pages, and more!
*I was given a complimentary copy of this CD for review.  All opinions are my own.*