Langley Schools Music Project

The Langley Schools Music Project is a unique musical project that gained attention for its unconventional approach to music education and performance. Here are some facts about the project:

1. Origin and Concept: The Langley Schools Music Project was the brainchild of music teacher Hans Fenger, who worked at an elementary school in Langley, British Columbia, Canada, during the 1970s and 1980s. Fenger had a vision of introducing children to music in a creative and inclusive way, so he formed a choir made up of elementary school students and began teaching them to sing popular songs from the 1960s and 1970s.

2. Unconventional Repertoire: What set the Langley Schools Music Project apart was its repertoire of songs, which consisted of covers of popular rock and pop songs from artists like The Beatles, The Beach Boys, David Bowie, and Pink Floyd. The children's choir, accompanied by Fenger on piano, performed these songs with an earnestness and innocence that captured the spirit of the original recordings while adding a unique charm and authenticity.

3. Recordings and Albums: In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Hans Fenger recorded the Langley Schools Music Project's performances using a simple cassette recorder. These recordings remained relatively unknown until the early 2000s when they were rediscovered by a music producer named Brian Linds. Linds was captivated by the raw and heartfelt quality of the recordings and decided to release them as albums. The first album, "Innocence & Despair", was released in 2001, followed by "Innocence & Despair, Volume 2" in 2003.

4. Critical Acclaim and Cultural Impact: The Langley Schools Music Project albums received widespread critical acclaim and garnered attention from music enthusiasts around the world. Critics praised the albums for their unvarnished beauty, emotional depth, and nostalgic appeal. The recordings struck a chord with listeners who were moved by the innocence and sincerity of the children's performances. The Langley Schools Music Project became a cult favorite among music lovers and sparked renewed interest in the power of music education and the creative potential of young people.

5. Legacy and Inspiration: The Langley Schools Music Project's legacy lives on as a testament to the transformative power of music and the importance of nurturing creativity in children. The project continues to inspire educators, musicians, and music enthusiasts to explore new ways of engaging young people in music education and encouraging them to express themselves through song. The recordings of the Langley Schools Music Pr