Some musically talented students at a Columbus high school now have an album debut under their belt, and are gearing up for a tour. They say the music they create has messages they are ready to share.
“A lot of us find the music and use it as outlet so I feel like paragon is doing a really good thing, taking young children letting us be a voice and sharing it with the community,” says Fort Hayes Arts and Academic High School senior and Paragon Project participant Jasmine Sy.
The Paragon Project just released its third album earlier this year – “Note to Self”. Fort Hayes students wrote, composed, performed and produced all of the songs.
“I've never had that 1-on-1 experience with a producer which was so amazing, and I'm getting it in high school when I don't have to pay for it which is also amazing,” says senior Kaylah Linkiewicz.
The students say they recognize the value of this experience while they are young.
“It's mindblowing to me, says junior Makayla Nelson. “Simply because I've never written a song and finished it, and for this to be my first song that I've recorded and finished it's recorded on an digital platforms it's mindblowing to me. “
The album has a variety of sounds and messages and reflects some of the challenges facing young people.
“This is like real stuff that's happening and people don't expect us to talk about it because they think oh their teens they really haven't experienced anything,” says senior Ravon Willard. “But, we go through stuff, just like the album says. We might go through the same stuff you go through. And if you can listen and connect you might be better for it.”
Themes such as self discovery, foster care, navigating relationships, and being yourself are all a part of “Note to Self”.
“Everything that everybody records is something personal to them so it means a lot,” says junior Sonje Moore. “So there was a lot of deep feeling and deep thought going into their songs.”
And, they say the process was therapeutic.
“Almost like a breath of fresh air, like deep sigh that I get to help someone else understand someone else,” says Linkiewicz, who wrote about her experience in the foster care system.
Fort Hayes Assistant Principal and founder of the Paragon Project Dr. Tony Anderson, Ph.D., says the stories resonate regardless of age.
“Sometimes I learn later just how deeply engrained some of these topics are for young folks,” says Anderson who has previous experience as a performer and working with musicians in the music industry. “Sometimes they'll tell you this is about a friend but you find out later it's something near and dear to time. But its coming from an authentic place and that's why it sounds the way it sounds.”
He says the professionalism and quality of the work helps to change perceptions about youth in city schools, and provides those youth with a platform and purpose.
“There are a lot of untold stories in Columbus City Schools that don't get heard sometimes,” says Anderson. “And, the Paragon Project is an excellent platform for people around the community and around the world to see what's capable and whats coming out of Columbus City Schools.”
The Paragon Project is taking their talents on tour to Hungary, and to festivals during the summer, which they say is an even bigger learning experience.
Before I'm even 18 I'm out here standing on stage with hundreds of people coming to see me,” says Willard. “And, I'm like 'dang, this could be really it for me if I really keep pushing.'”
“Note to Self” is now available now on digital streaming sites like iTunes and Spotify.
