Americana Project students release CD

Last Friday night, members of Sisters' community gathered together under one roof for a common passion: music.

At the Morton family's barn-turned-concert hall, Americana Project students performed at the party celebrating the annual release of the CD consisting of all original music by members of the Americana class at Sisters High School.

The student performers included Elize van der Laan, Jaime Simundson, Tony Pullig-Gomez, Kyle Chambers, Adam Cash and the Cash Family Band, Marin Allen, Julia Rahm, Janelle Johnson, John Morton, Paige Bruguier, Tanner Smith, Dallas Frederick, Melody Youngblood, Bailey Showalter and Austin Erlandson.

It was an exceptional night of outstanding performances. Inside those barn walls it was easy to completely forget that those performing were not professional musicians but students. From Allen's "Seize the Day" to John Morton's heartrending "Angelina" brimming with raw-edged beauty, the concert was of a caliber that could have been held at the Les Schwab Amphitheatre.

There were guests from ages nine to 59, and each seemed to enjoy it as much as the next, including the performers who are constantly expressing their appreciation for a program like this.

"Americana has helped me in so many different aspects of my life... it helps you be more comfortable in front of people and to be more

comfortable with yourself," said Janelle Johnson, who performed her song "Set Free" at the concert, demonstrating a gospel-type voice of immense power and loveliness.

Many of the students performed in each others' song; Melody Youngblood harmonized with Paige Bruguier's "Cest La Vie," adding variety to Bruguier's sweet and charming song dappled with French lyrics and delivered by a voice with a slightly bluesy, old-time vibe.

John Morton accompanied Youngblood in her hauntingly beautiful and emotional song "Broken."

This reinforced the concept that the Americana Project group is one big family, connected by song and lyrics.

"What's cool is that a lot of us all started at the same spot (with our music) and so we grow together," said Johnson. "I see each person getting better and better and I am so happy for them and blown away when they perform. It becomes like a family, all rooting for each other."

The students recorded their songs for the album at different times and different locations, but most with the help of Pete Rathbun, who Johnson said helped to "boost the quality" tremendously.

Johnson commented that recording is rather difficult and much different and more technical than performing live, but she feels "so blessed to be in a community where adults care so much about kids to supply equipment for them to be able to record."

Many of the other students feel the same: privileged to be provided with the opportunity to experience a real aspect of the music industry. The evening concluded with all of the student performers gathering on stage to accompany Brad Tisdel in a rendition of Steve Van Zandt's "I Am a Patriot," in which the whole audience lent their own voices to as well, with spirited clapping and dancing.

For information about purchasing an Americana CD, contact Sisters High School at 541-549-4045.