Children’s Hospital patient Chris Weber, right, shares a laugh with Vince Gill in his recording studio. (photo by Joe Howell)
Stars give voice to songs written by Children’s Hospital patients
When Vince Gill lends his unmistakably identifiable tenor voice to a song, he makes it his own. Gill recently recorded “That's Who I Am,” penned by an unlikely songwriter — 17-year-old Chris Weber of Franklin.
“Really good songs play themselves, they sing themselves,” Gill said about the song in an interview with Parade magazine.
Weber, who has cystic fibrosis, receives treatment at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, where he is a participant in the Music Therapy Program. He co-wrote “That's Who I Am,” a fictional song about a young boy's experience as a foster child, with his music therapist, Jenny Plume.
“It was amazing to hear him sing my song,” said Weber, who attended the recording session with Gill. “It was a dream come true.”
The Children's Hospital's Music Therapy Program, supported by the Julian T. Fouce Music Therapy Fund, has been in operation for three years. The program is designed to use music to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of individuals of all ages.
Songwriting is just one technique of the program. Music therapists work with patients using movement, guided imagery, lyric discussion, music assisted relaxation, singing, instrument play, improvisation, recording and legacy building.
Co-founder Tom Fouce, a music producer, and Plume wanted to help bring awareness to the program, so they began talking with their industry contacts to see if there was interest in creating a CD of songs written by patients and sung by well known artists. It didn't take much to get several artists on board, like Gill, who was one of the first to sign on.
“The CD Project is an opportunity for us to celebrate the creativity of our kids,” Plume said. “The fact that we are able to share this with our music community is so special and it is something that is truly healing for patients, families and our neighbors on Music Row.”
Chris Weber, left, sings along with, from left, Vince Gill, Michael Omartian and Children’s Hospital music therapist Jenny Plume. (photo by Joe Howell)
Artists who have already recorded songs or soon will do so include Faith Hill, Kix Brooks, Melinda Doolittle and Cowboy Troy.
Other artists are being approached to finish out a CD that will include 10-12 original songs. Once all the songs are recorded and the final details get hammered out, the CD will be sold to raise funds for the Music Therapy Program.
“For the kids who are involved in writing these songs, it's a huge thrill,” Fouce said. “All the artists involved have been really great about it. Having the CD out there will raise awareness for the Music Therapy Program and then hopefully it will raise money to support the program. The response to the program has been tremendous from the patients and their families.”