GarageBand contest for kids

Debbie and Friends, the acclaimed Boston-based pop music band for kids, offers anyone the chance to become a recording engineer. Between now and April 4, anyone with a Mac and the GarageBand program can remix the song "Willy Won't" from her next CD, More Story Songs & Sing Alongs for a chance to win valuable prizes

It is easy to enter the contest at http://debbieandfriendsremix.ning.com/. Contestants may download a multitrack GarageBand file for "Willy Won't" and then load the file onto their GarageBand app on any Mac computer. (Complete details about system requrirements are available on the contest page.)

Young mix engineers can then record additional tracks, raise or lower the volume on existing tracks, add effects and add their own special touches to create a unique version of "Willy Won't" using Apple's GarageBand program. Contestants must submit their remix entries by Sunday, April 4th at 7 pm (Eastern Time), as instructed on the contest site.

All entries will be considered, and the winner will be announced on Monday, April 5th. The winner will receive a Family Music Making Bundle from Debbie and Friends including two CDs, four music instructional books, t-shirts and other great gear. Two other entries will be chosen for honorable mention prizes. The winning remixes will also be featured on Debbie and Friends' blog this spring.

The latest release from the Boston based artist who is a Berklee College of Music dean by day and a high-energy pop star most weekends, More Story Songs & Sing Alongs features familiar themes like and “I Think I Can” (based on the classic story The Little Engine That Could), “Simon Says” and “Little Red.” Kids will also delight in the goofy wordplay of tunes like “Rosie Wrong Rhyme” and enjoy the success of “Home Run Ronnie.” “Wendell” is a cumulative movement song that will get kids up and on their feet. Sesame Street’s legendary music teacher Bob McGrath, joins Debbie for the sweet good-bye song “Until Next Time.”


The fresh and crisp sound of More Story Songs & Sing Alongs comes from Debbie Cavalier’s deep understanding of what works with kids. Shari Lewis, Buffalo Bob Smith of Howdy Doody and Bob McGrath. Each of these trailblazers influenced her songwriting and creative approach to sharing music with children. After working in the field of music publishing and education for more than two decades, Debbie wanted to return to working directly with children.

The warm public reception and critical acclaim for Story Songs & Sing Alongs convinced Debbie to continue writing and recording new songs over the past two years. The CD won awards from Parents’ Choice, the iParenting Media, National Parenting Center, Mr. Dad, Creative Child Magazine, the Great American Song Contest and the Dove Family Foundation.

One of the highlights of Debbie and Friends’ year so far was the appearance of her music videos on the 2010 season premiere of Fox TV’s “24.” Jack Bauer’s little granddaughter enjoys the videos in one of the opening scenes. View the videos and get more free and fun activity ideas on Debbie’s Fun Page.

In addition to her busy school and performing schedule, Debbie maintains a blog, Kids Music Matters, with regularly updated band and industry news. As Debbie explains, “I believe that music for children is all about music with children. All of these new songs are kid-tested and approved. We hope the enthusiasm of a live concert comes shining through.”

Visit Debbie and Friends' Youtube channel for the latest videos and news!