PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A program that fosters collaboration between parents and musicians is producing songs of inspiration for children — which will be featured in a free concert at the Kimmel Center.
Musician Bethlehem Robinson, from Germantown, calls herself a “vocussionist,” combining her voice and body with compassion. She’s using her art in collaboration with young mothers and caregivers through the Philadelphia Lullaby Project, created by Carnegie Hall and Philly-based Musicopia, an organization that works to improve school music programs in the area.
“We’re so busy adulting, parenting, working, taking care of this and that I thought it was so cool to create space,” she said.
The Lullaby Project is open to parents and caregivers of children between 18 and 36 months old. They work with musicians like Robinson, to create lullabies for their children. The project culminates in a free, family-friendly concert celebration at the Kimmel Center's Commonwealth Plaza, on Feb. 3 at 4 p.m.
These aren't your traditional lullabies, as Robinson explains. “Lullabies back in the day, we didn’t really pay attention to the lyrics because the melody was so sweet,” she said, “‘Ring Around the Rosie’, ‘Rock-a-bye Baby.’”
Here, the lyrics in each song are carefully thought out and very personal. “When composing lullabies with my caregivers and parents, I’m very intentional about the messaging,” said Robinson.
With support from the William Penn Foundation, the Philadelphia Lullaby Project has served more than 130 families over the past four years. Musicopia is one of approximately 50 partners worldwide collaborating with Carnegie Hall to bring the project to communities. Musicopia Director of Programming Leslie Macedo Sr. calls it a public expression of love.
“The idea is that they are working with a professional teaching artist who’s helping them to put into words how they feel about their children,” he said, “give parents an opportunity to build a deeper bond with their children.”