About Alan Bell:

Alan wrote to his stepson Sam – “These are the words and the musical way I wish I had in the days where you and your sister Ella were in school struggling between schoolwork, play time and nothing time – trying to survive the conflict. I was so sensible and that can get to be so boring! These songs will make up for it – Songs were what we needed to mark the moment or start a talk, or give us a lift. You will be able to play these songs for your children and I will still be with you at your side. They are dedicated to you and Ella, and all the children I have ever known and loved.”

Born in Durban, South Africa in 1945, Alan grew up in the turbulent years of Apartheid. He pursued a career in the arts as a means for the expression of his passion for justice and his dedication to humanitarian causes. Alan graduated in 1974 from the Johannesburg College of Art. He has worked in adult education and The Johannesburg Children’s Home as an art teacher and therapist. Alan is an artist with an extensive experience of children and their needs, family needs, and parent needs. Alan currently lives in Philadelphia, and is the co-founder of ArcheDream, a dance drama company, and HUMANKIND, an NGO dedicated to Edutainment in the field of AIDS prevention.

About Alex Mitnick:

“If there is any one way to instantly access the joys of childhood it is through music. If there is any one way to instantly connect with a child it is with music. If there is any one way to sooth the aching cries of a child it is with music! Music expresses that which cannot be expressed with words alone. It is my wish that this music may create the space for you and your child or for you and your students to reflect upon and experience all the joy, wonder and awe that this life has to offer. Enjoy!”

Alex grew up in the suburbs of Boston and then Philadelphia. He graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia with a degree in Jazz guitar with an emphasis on composition. Alex began teaching music to young children while in college and currently directs the music program from infants to eighth grade at the Princeton Montessori School in Princeton, NJ. He is also on the faculty of the Princeton Center For Teacher Education where he directs workshops for non-“musicians” who wish to incorporate music into their classrooms. Alex also owns and operates Jaisol Productions, a recording studio and music production company.