Introducing
The Reach Out Project
A songwriting workshop to finish a song we don't know how to finish!
Our Objective
We are seeking to create a workshop for a small group of local youth and adult advisors to help finish a brand new youth song called "Reach Out".
The hope is to create something that adds a little bit of light and hope into someone's life, either through the song itself or perhaps in the process of creating the song. The end result, we hope, is a professionally recorded and produced song as well as a music video.
Here's some rough drafts of the song to give you a feel for the vibe we are hoping to achieve.
Please note that it is not done and that we are wanting the youth to help us change the words, the melody, the arrangement, add harmony, and even add a bridge. Anything is on the table. We want it to be as much your song as ours.
So please listen with changing them in mind!
We Need You!
Have you ever wanted to help make music like "The Miracle" by Shawna Edwards?
Or like "Peace in Christ" or "A Great Work" by Nik Day?
Well, we believe there is tremendous music talent in our area and that we can create something beuatiful if we bring our gifts together.
We have created a rough, unfinished song that needs your help, your voice, your unique gifts to help it grow.
With this workshop we are looking for youth interested all parts of music, from singing to writing lyrics, to help us finish this song.
We are also inviting adults with musical talent become advisors. Our hope is that we help each other grow and learn while we create something magical.
If any of the following apply to you, we need your help!
Youth 11-18 Interested In
- Singing
- Vocal Recording
- Writing Lyrics
- Songwriting
- Writing Melody and Harmony
- Arranging
- Playing Piano
- Playing Other Instruments
- Music Theory
- Other important things we haven't thought of yet
Adult Advisors with Experience In
- Singing
- Administration
- Songwriting
- Writing Melody and Harmony
- Arranging
- Audio Production
- Music Video Production
- Choral Direction
- Music Theory
- Other important things we haven't thought of yet
Participants should live within a reasonable distance from Lehi in order to physically attend meetings. We will not be holding online meetings expect for an ocassional one-on-one meeting on a case-by-case basis.
Time Expectations
We are hoping to have around 8 sessions to finish the song. Sessions will be around 1 hour but may require additional time depending on the objective of the session. Timing of the sessions will be discussed during the initial meeting on April 13th.
Adivisors can come to any meeting they are available for. We would love any help we can get but want to respect your schedules and time.
Soloists and instrumentalists may have additional sessions for recording and a possible music video.
Cost
There is no cost for youth participating in this initial project.
This project is based on the generosity of local volunteers who believe in the purpose of the project and want to share their talents.
Our Story
The Reach Out Project isn't just about finishing a song called “Reach Out”. We are calling it a “project” because we want the idea of reaching out to live on in our lives and in others. I began writing this song several years ago and have attempted to finish it several times without success. I hadn't thought about it for several years.
Out of the blue, at the end of last year, I had a distinct impression that I needed to finish it. The problem was, I didn't know how. I was stuck. I then had another impression: I needed to “Reach Out” to others for help - something that I am not very good at. It was at this point that my wife and I discovered that the song “Reach Out” was more than just a song; it was an opportunity to actually put into practice the very message of the song.
I'll be honest, I love music and have always loved writing songs, but my musical abilities are limited. I also struggle with asking for help with anything - even to borrow an egg from a neighbor! (Weird, right?) For me, reaching out is a real struggle that has only become harder since the pandemic and even more so when I lost my job a year ago.
That is why I am reaching out to you - as hard as it is for me. I don't want to merely finish this song; I want to live what the song means. That means I have to reach out, be vulnerable, and allow you to help me - my heart races just thinking about doing that!
My hope is that this project can also help others. I believe in the message of the song. I have seen people reach out to our family in miraculous ways. My hope is to do the same. I hope you will consider helping out with this unique project.
We are looking for youth ages 11-18 to take the lead in shaping the song, providing vocals, new lyrics, harmonies, playing instruments, and being in a music video. We are also hoping for help from musically talented adults to mentor the youth.
Thank you for reading our story. We hope it helps you understand the background and reasons for us reaching out. We believe in what this project represents and hope it becomes a blessing to many people. We hope to see you soon!
Let's Reach Out Soon!
Jason Baddley and the Baddley Family