Americana Project students release CD

The Americana Project's "Breakthrough."

Students in the Sisters High School Americana Project have released their first CD, "Breakthrough."

Students were involved in the project every step of the way. The students created the words and music and performed 10 original songs as well as working on the production, the graphics and photos on the CD.

The recording was done at the Mallen Music Ranch east of Sisters.

Sisters High School has a unique collaboration with the Sisters Folk Festival and Creative Educational Resources, LLC, which provides real life opportunities for teens through music and related projects.

Brad Tisdel, Director of Creative Educational Resources, LLC said that the Americana Project is in its fourth year and continues to grow bigger and bigger.

The CD features the students' original material. Several of the tracks included back-up from professional musicians from the folk band Misty River who worked with and mentored the students. There are additional tracks cut by guest professional artists who have worked with the students in the Americana Project.

Lauryn Shultz, a junior at Sisters High School, spoke about her experiences with the CD.

"Before, I wasn't as confident. Now I am a lot more (confident). Going into a recording studio forces you to look at yourself because a lot of the attention is on you. Making the CD was one of the coolest but one of the hardest (things I've done).

"It took a year and one-half to two years getting everyone together and deciding on one thing," she said. "I've learned about teamwork and flexibility. It was awesome because it shows me that school is not just about textbooks but beyond that."

Tisdel affirmed that providing the opportunity for young people to express their creativity builds self-confidence, self-esteem and self-understanding. It can help their life in many ways, he said.

Elective Americana Project music courses, taught by Jody Henderson and Tara Clarke, are the most sought-after elective classes on the high school campus, according to Tisdel. The Americana Project reaches into the existing high school curriculum, including English classes and art classes as well as the music classes.

Chad Lovegren wanted to take the class to learn to read music, play the guitar and write music. Lovegren says the music course is "really a cool class."

The inspired curriculum includes any type of music that is indigenous to America including, jazz, blues, folk, gospel and American Indian music.

Benji Nagel, a student at Sisters High School, encourages fellow students to take the class "because it's an awesome opportunity to get your name out there and learn to play the guitar."

In the future, he would like to go into a career involving music.

The students work in a relaxed atmosphere. However, the assignments are specific with a deadline. One former student said this requires self-discipline.

Ian Davies enjoys the free playing time, "just to get off by yourself, play and mix chords." He prefers calm, "chill," acoustic sounds from artists like Ben Harper, Bob Marley, Jack Johnson and Ziggy Marley.

The Americana Project has significant sponsorship support, primarily from the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation, the Samuel S. Johnson Foundation and PGE Foundation, as well as the Sisters Folk Festival.

Community concerts and fund-raisers such as "Painted Strings" and "Kite Strings" also contribute thousands of dollars each year.

Students are involved in these endeavors as well.

"Breakthrough" retails for $15 and is available through the Folk Festival office (549-4979), at the high school student store, Boomtown in Bend and will soon be available at other retail stores.