Remembering Them Through Music

[John Albert Thomas]

UPDATE: We now have 10 families who have asked to participate in this project.

Dear families,

I discovered this website yesterday, and I was speechless. I grieved. I haven't lost a baby like many of you have, but today I appreciate my four children more than yesterday.

It got me thinking about what I could do to honor these precious lives. I am a solo piano composer, and I have been composing piano works for husbands to give as gifts to honor their wives. It struck me that I could use the same process to honor your little ones.

The end product: a solo piano CD of lullabies, inspired by your little ones, which your photographers can use freely as soundtrack music for any and all NILMDTS photo slide shows, including yours.

Here's what I am prepared to do for 10 families at no cost to them:
1) Listen - it begins with a short interview where I simply ask you to tell me about your baby. I write these things down on my sketch pad.
2) Compose - I take my pad and any photos you send to me, sit down at the piano, and I compose a piano work that reflects the things you've told me.
3) Audition - I email an MP3 and a short inspirational comment that I would like to include in the CD notes, telling the world about your baby. I would like your approval before completing the next steps.
4) Production - I will produce and manufacture a CD of all ten lullabies.
5) Special Delivery - Each participating family will receive two copies of the CD for personal use.

I will then release the CD to the public, which will be available on iTunes and other online stores. I will donate 10% of the first month's profits to NILMDTS.

My goal is to have the CD available this Fall in time for Christmas in case you want to give them as gifts to other families who are grieving.

The first 10 respondents using the NILMDTS messaging service will be chosen. All others will be added to a waiting list in case one falls through or in case a second CD is warranted. Thank you ahead of time for your patience as I work through these messages.

I will post an update as often as I can. Thank you, and may God bless each of you.

John Albert Thomas

P.S. To hear samples of my piano music, you can download my music for free at http://johnalbertthomas.com.