Kid Pan Alley

Kid Pan Alley Kid Pan Alley’s mission is to inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster community among children of all ages through the group songwriting process.

We do this through our collaborative songwriting workshops in schools nationwide. During a five-day, in-school residency, two Kid Pan Alley professional songwriters work intensively with up to 225 students writing 8-9 original songs based on the children’s ideas. At the end of the week, the children rehearse and perform their songs for their whole school during an afternoon assembly and again during a free evening concert for families and the community.

08/21/2026

Every work of art has a story waiting to be told. 🎨🎶

What happens when children step into a gallery and let a painting spark their imagination?

In Kid Pan Alley's Music of Art residency at Pattie Elementary, 2nd grade students transformed works of art into original songs—discovering that inspiration can come from a single brushstroke, a shared idea, or a moment of curiosity.

Follow their journey from the gallery to the stage as they brainstorm, write, rehearse, and perform their own original music.

Featuring Paul and Cheryl Reisler with the 2nd grade students of Pattie Elementary.

Watch the full video here:
https://youtu.be/4jD5RBIBmLY?si=CvFfE6RhW9_oA1Tx

08/19/2026

“I’ve got a whole lot to say… but no one to say it to.” 💙

For so many children, the hardest part of quarantine wasn't staying home—it was being apart from their friends.

Written over Zoom during the COVID pandemic, this heartfelt song captures the loneliness, hope, and excitement of looking forward to the day everyone could be together again.

A Kid Pan Alley song by Paul Reisler, Cheryl Toth, and 3rd–6th grade students, written virtually during quarantine. Featuring vocalist Jen Jacobsen, Former Executive Director of Kid Pan Alley, with Marshall Keys on saxophone.

Listen to the song here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZG6TVLxMLjs

08/14/2026

Our friend, acclaimed singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and multiple Grammy nominee John McCutcheon shares why songwriting matters—and why giving children the opportunity to create is one of the greatest gifts we can offer.

At Kid Pan Alley, we've seen firsthand how songwriting builds confidence, sparks imagination, and reminds young people that their ideas have value.

Watch John's inspiring message and discover why helping children become creators is more important than ever. 🎶

Watch here:
https://youtu.be/3LQdk9OJSrc?si=LfjIwNwsVFlQNY84

08/09/2026

“I’m dreaming of a time when we’re together again…” 💙

Written during quarantine, this heartfelt song captures something we all remember—the longing to hug loved ones, hold hands, and simply be together again.

Created over Zoom with the seniors of Rapp@Home, it reflects the resilience, humor, hope, and human connection that carried so many through an unforgettable time.

A Kid Pan Alley song by Paul Reisler, Cheryl Toth, and the seniors of Rapp@Home. Performed by Ben Mason with the Kid Pan Alley Band, featuring Marshall Keys on saxophone.

Listen to the song here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ23yOQNWZo

08/05/2026

“I heard a song in the river… and it spoke to me.” 🌊🎶

Some songs don't just tell a story—they invite us to listen more deeply.

Written in honor of the remarkable Ysaye M. Barnwell, this uplifting piece celebrates the way music connects us to each other, to nature, and to something greater than ourselves.

A Kid Pan Alley song by Paul and Cheryl Reisler and the students of Rocky Mountain Songschool 2021 in Lyons, Colorado, honoring the lasting inspiration of Ysaye M. Barnwell.

Listen to the full song here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJqJAhcZ-VA

07/30/2026

“Small things make a difference… even after we’re gone.” 💙

Sometimes the most powerful lessons come from the quietest moments—a kind word, a helping hand, or simply being there for someone.

Written during the pandemic, this heartfelt song reflects on gratitude, resilience, and the people who carry us through life's hardest seasons. Its message is timeless: even the smallest acts of love can leave a lasting impact.

A Kid Pan Alley song by Paul Reisler, Michael Lille, and the 8th grade students of Saint Mary's School. Performed by the Kid Pan Alley Band featuring Michael Lille.

Listen to the full song here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2TS76gZ2nI&pp=0gcJCZsLAYcqIYzv

07/19/2026

“What if I could fly with the ravens?” 🖤

Inspired by Robyn Ryan’s painting Ravens, this imaginative song takes us into a world of wonder, mystery, and possibility—seen through the eyes of young creators.

Written by Paul and Cheryl Reisler with Ms. Fearon’s 2nd grade class at Rockledge Elementary, the song began as a conversation about art and grew into a musical journey shaped by the students’ ideas and imagination.

As with all Kid Pan Alley songs, it’s a reminder that children don't just appreciate creativity—they create it.

Creative Note: AI-assisted tools were used to help develop the final musical arrangement.

Watch and listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v94IcISSrvk

07/17/2026

“It doesn’t cost anything but love... and it makes your heart feel real good.” ❤️🎄

Some of the most meaningful gifts can't be wrapped.

A picture drawn by hand. A poem written from the heart. A visit with someone you love.

Written by Paul Reisler, Cathy Fink, and the 2nd grade students of Claude Thompson Elementary, this joyful holiday song reminds us that the spirit of giving isn't measured by what we spend, but by what we share.

Featuring vocals by Lea Morris.

Listen to the full song here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ8cuz-LPi8



Creative Note: AI-assisted tools were used to help develop the final musical arrangement.

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PO Box 38
Washington, VA
22747

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+15403222022

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