YNS In the News...The Naperville Sun

From: The Naperville Sun
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Everyday Lifestyle section

International anthem
Naperville musician promotes harmony in song

By Kathy Millen
Staff Writer

The math is simple for Kevin Reid.

“We Are One.”

That is the title of the song, or as he calls it, the anthem, that he wrote in hopes that people might start looking at the world from a different perspective.

The Naperville musician, guitar teacher and founder of the music school, Musical Expressions, Reid composed “We Are One (A World Anthem)” with the intent of putting into words and music the philosophies of unconditional love, compassion and unity he has spent the better part of his life seeking, exploring and embracing. A self-described spiritual researcher and world citizen, he said he has been on a spiritual path for years seeking a way to contribute something meaningful to humanity.

He found it in a roundabout way last fall when the mother of two of his students showed him a colorful flag which she said represented unity. Reid was immediately taken with the flag’s symbolism. One morning, in a burst of inspiration, he sat down with his guitar and composed “We are One” in about 45 minutes. With the sound of the anthem still playing in his head, Reid decided to produce the piece, enlisting the help of his brother, Jimmy, a Los Angeles-based musician, engineer and producer. The song, Reid said, would be that sought-after contribution.

“I always had a message,” Reid said. “That was always very important to me to use the power of music to express those thoughts and feelings and to convey and share what I experienced.”

The three-minute anthem, which will be available for downloading online in December, features the musical talents of more than 160 people, ranging in age from 5 to 60s, representing all parts of the globe. Some are friends and family members. Others are professional singers and musicians. Several performers are from the Naperville area, including the Young Naperville Singers’ Concert Choir and his 7-year-old neighbor, Brooke White. Two of his former students, Nicole Nunziato and Matthew Shear, are helping him put together a Web site which is expected to be in operation Dec. 12.

Oksana Rodak, artistic director of the Young Naperville Singers, said the chance to be part of the production was a valuable educational opportunity for the 40 members of her group who participated. She said it was not only important to show the children the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into a production of this kind, but also to expose them to the message of unity. Music is about making connections at different levels, and the more connections, she said, the richer the experience.

“Music is a connection,” she said. “That’s what it is. It is giving singers a global perspective on things. That’s something that music can really do. We get so involved in our everyday lives and something of this nature, when you have to think on a bigger scope, opens up the mind to a new perspective.”

The song, itself, is taking on a broader perspective. Reid and his brother are in the process building a 9 1/2—minute musical production around the anthem. The longer track, which Reid estimates to be completed by late next year, will feature three main sections, as well as an overture and reprise.

The brothers have been working months on the project, so far, conducting more than 80 recording sessions throughout the Chicago area as well as in Los Angeles, New York, Cleveland and Indianapolis. Participating in the production are 22 singers, 17 drummers, 15 musicians, a 94-person World Community Choir and a 60-person Om-chanting choir. The expanded composition will include excerpts from sacred music from around the world, voices speaking “we are one” in 26 different languages, international performers singing “we are one family” in seven languages, tribal drumming, vocal and instrumental melodies and a dance jam featuring South African singers.

“We Are One” also will launch Reid’s new record label — Light, Love & Power Records — which will focus on artists that, he said, have “something positive and constructive to say.”

Reid has often turned to music to have his say. Growing up in Glenview, he began writing lyrics and music as a teenager. He played trumpet in the school band before falling in love with the guitar.

During his teen years he became deeply interested in spirituality. He has long felt a deep connection to Jesus, Buddha, Krishna and all spiritual masters upon whose teachings religions have been founded. He looks to them for guidance in his life.

“I’ve learned from them all,” he said. “I learn from everything. It’s that whole ’seek and ye shall find.’ Whatever it is in your life, whatever you put your focus on, you will draw that in your life. Mine was wanting to know what’s going on. What’s the plan? What’s the purpose of life? I’ve been asking the questions and slowly been getting those answers for the past 25 years.”

Convinced that “We Are One” is one of those divinely inspired answers, Reid has sunk his life savings into the project and borrowed money as well. He estimates it will cost up to $30,000 when finished.

But he’s at peace with that. Convinced the world will come together through art and music, he sees “We Are One” as the calling card that will open doors to him in his quest to be of service.

Energized by his faith in the project, he is making plans to bring the longer version of the production to the stage someday. He also wants to bring it to the world stage. He said he is going to try to interest representatives of the government of China in the piece in hopes they will play it during the 2008 Olympics.

“My purpose is to cultivate a sense of unity and family among humanity,” Reid said. “In a nutshell, I feel this is my life’s purpose and mission. And how that exactly plays out beyond this initial (project), I don’t know.”

Contact staff writer Kathy Millen at kmillen@scn1.com or (630) 416-5204.

For more information about Young Naperville Singers, call 630-369-9679