FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
When the sounds of music crescendo, Menace turns Maestro! Kenya’s Symphony is a children’s concept album that takes music entertainment in a whole new direction. Put yourself into Kenya’s shoes to discover the transformative power of orchestra music.
The Story
Creating Music That Touches Hearts
Kenya’s Symphony provides a solution to an age-old problem.
Orchestra music has historically been accessible to the upper elites in society. For such an incredible genre of music to be tucked away from millions of young people is simply unimaginable.
Kenya’s Symphony ™, created by Carlos Douglas Jr, is a music story for kids about the enchanting journey of Kenya, as she disovers a hidden musical gift within her young spirit. From blowing spitballs at the orchestra to playing music with her straw, she finds that there’s more than meets the eye (and ear) at the symphony.
Listening to Kenya’s Symphony, you might discover something new about yourself! Orchestra music tells a unique story that brings out inspiration in even the youngest listeners.
“Expect the unexpected while listening to the musical journey and discovery through the ears, mind, and imagination in Kenya’s Symphony. Exquisite, enchanting, engaging and encouraging a new audience of little listeners. Bravo!!”
Kathy Wade, Co-founder, and CEO, Learning Through Art, Inc. and Jazz Artist
"Kenya's Symphony skilfully depicts the rush of emotions a child feels upon hearing live orchestral music for the first time. Shock, awe, and inspiration are beautifully expressed through a variety of memorable themes and musical styles."
Evan Gidley Executive Director, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra
A modern-day "Peter and the Wolf"
Michael Van Bodegom-Smith’s writing hits that musical pocket which paints wonderful images of inspiration and triumph for the listener. One does not have to try hard to hear the emotions at play in this symphony.
The “car-ride symphony” as Douglas Jr has fittingly deemed this concept album, is a perfectly bite-sized symphony for anyone wanting that concert experience from the comfort of home. Each movement is expertly crafted to tell the story, piece-by-piece (no pun intended) with Van Bodegom-Smith’s whimsical writing.
The Music
“Mother and Daughter” begins with an exciting fanfare and follows with our thematic introductions to Kenya and Gina. It is a lighthearted movement that paints the picture of their lovely mother-daughter relationship, along with hints of Kenya’s child-like boredom.
“Kenya Attacks” takes us on a wild ride as she unleashes chaos in an action-packed spitball battle. The orchestra swells and romps with a silly, taunting motif, as if shouting “catch me if you can!” along the way.
Kenya’s straw transforms into a musical instrument in Movement Three, “Epiphany at the Symphony”. A wholesome moment of discovery develops with the music as Kenya figures out that she can do much more with this straw than create chaos. The oboe performance here shines with whimsical solos that represent Kenya’s straw and boundless imagination.
The grand finale, “Menace to Maestro”, unravels the orchestra to its full potential with thematic material representing Kenya’s triumph over boredom and isolation. She’s now feeling like a true patron of the orchestra! Michael’s music perfectly concludes the hero’s journey with irresistibly charming writing.
LISTEN NOW
CREW
All of the incredible creatives who helped make this album happen.
Orchestrator Nick Fevola
Music mixed & Mastered by Josh Margolis at Sonic Fuel Studios
Sonic Fuel Sessions Recorded by Caitlyn Holley
Performed by the FAMES Symphonic Orchestra
Violin Solo Performance by Tianyun Jia
Oboe Solo Performance by Laura Arganbright
Percussion by Dylan Harper & Hal Rosenfeld
Additional Horn Overdub by JohnStacy
Music Preparation by Juliani Music Preparation
Dialogue Recorded at the Chicago Recording Company
CRC Lead Engineer Mark Wilkening
CRC Recording Assistant Jordan McCarroll
Michael and Carlos Would Like to Thank…
Alisha Syed, Mason Tran, Lexi Chu, all Double Good Popcorn donors, Dara Taylor, Nick Fevola, Juliani Music Preparation, Josh Margolis, the crew and orchestra at FAMES Project, LaKia Bates, Carmela Wallace, Scene in Color Film Series, Target Corperation, NBCUniversal, Elizabeth Gaffney, Kubilay Uner, Ben Bazmore, Rachel Geronimo, Dear Friends & Family
INTERESTED IN PERFORMING?
Let’s change lives with music!
Contact carlosdouglas.info@gmail.com for more information.