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Boys & Girls Club members record inspirational CD
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Published: July 22, 2008
Danielle Houston has dreamed of one day recording her music on a CD.
Now she can say she has done it.
She and other members of the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont finished recording their CD titled "Music Expressions."
The 16-track CD includes poetry, rap and instrumental selections. It is meant to be inspirational, producer Brian Long said.
"I am amazed and overjoyed," Danielle said. "This is a dream I've always wanted and I finally got to be on a CD."
Long said he chose songs that are inspirational because the kids wanted to ensure they sent a positive message to the listeners.
"It gives them an opportunity to express themselves," he explained. "This was something that helped me express my inner feelings."
On Monday afternoon, the students recorded the final songs at Kent Steel Music Factory in Mooresville.
Kent Steel donated about 26 hours of studio time worth $5,000 for the project.
The project was made possible through a partnership with Iredell County Sheriff's Office, Appropriate Placement Options and the Boys & Girls Club.
Danielle, her sister Jasmine, and Jasmine Gray collaborated on an instrumental piece titled "Eclipse."
Jasmine Houston plays the drums on the instrumental piece.
"It's exciting. I'm playing the drums on a CD," she said. "I actually get to be on a CD."
The music portion is just one aspect of the program. More than 200 children will have participated in the program that includes athletics, art, dance and drama.
The program is funded by a $100,000 grant the sheriff's office secured from Governor's Crime Commission, according to Capt. Mike Phillips.
The program is part of an effort to help youth from becoming involved in gang activity.
"There are a lot of different components these kids are being exposed to," Phillips said.
The CD will be released in September during a live performance by the youth.
Jasmine Gray said the project has helped her get a jumpstart on achieving her career goal. She has dreams of becoming a producer and opening her own music shops.
This program helps youth figure out what they want to do in life, she said.
"Positive direction is important in life because it gives us something to do other than turn toward negative things like gangs and violence."
The students will perform four of their songs during National Night Out on Aug. 5.
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