Welcome to episode 2 of Quarantunes! Where quarantine can’t stop our creativity!

For this new episode, we get to experience musical expression by artists over at our Therapeutic Arts Program (TAP II)

0:47 "Handwashing Song" is a parody of one of TAP II's favorite songs, "Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles. The lyrics were written by artists via the online platform, Zoom. The focus of the song is to demonstrate how to properly wash your hands. The artists at TAP II decided to take a basic procedure of maintaining proper hygiene and turn it into a fun tune for their peers and family to listen to! The vocals and guitar were recorded by Jessica, a music therapist at TAP II and Jamond, an artist at TAP II. All other instruments were recorded by various artists using Garageband in the comfort of their own home. Enjoy this wonderful piece and remember to wash your hands!

3:49 “Your Virtual Heart” was composed in a group music therapy session via Zoom. A total of 13 students worked on this instrumental song. Artists used the program ‘Song Maker’ on the website ‘Google Chrome Music Lab’ to compose this piece collaboratively. All artists voted on the instrumentation, tempo, and structure of the song before composing each section independently. There are three sections-- A, B, and C -- each with its own unique style and texture. About half of the artists directly composed their own designated short segments of each major section using the control screen function on Zoom. This means they directly manipulated the program with their own computer, placing notes on the screen where they saw fit. The other half of the group communicated to the music therapist where they wanted their notes placed in preferred rhythms. This created a truly unique songwriting experience, in which each motif represents each individual in the class, creating a comprehensive instrumental piano piece. The title “Your Virtual Heart” reflects the artists’ collective journey exploring music-making in a new, virtual environment.

5:08 "Garageband Quarantunes" is a compilation of various instrumental improvisations that the artists at TAP II recorded on Garageband to a simple guitar sample that the music therapist, Jessica, provided. Each artist chose an instrument of their choice and recorded their improvisation in the comfort of their own home. This song was created to show each artist's expression and emotion by using the gift of music. Enjoy this wonderful piece!

6:42 “My Heart Broke in Music Lab” was composed by TAP II artist, Rudy during his 1:1 music therapy sessions. This artist utilized the ‘Song Maker’ app found on the website “Chrome Music Lab”. He made all choices about instrumentation, tempo and structure prior to composing. This artist controlled the music therapist's screen to independently explore different musical motifs and lay down notes to create three distinct sections of music. The music therapist and artist converted the sections to Garageband where effects were added and he got to select percussive styles and drum tracks. This song was meant to highlight the creative ways musical collaboration can still take place even when we are not able to do so in person.

A very special thanks to our narrator from ART Center, and album cover artist from TAP II.

You can watch some fun videos created by Able Arts Work staff over at our YouTube Channel, Able Arts Work – Virtual Learning

Learn more about our organization by visiting AbleArtsWork.org

Thanks for listening!