Songs About Us

Songs About Us. Performed by Kerry Fenster. CD. Approx. 15 min. Produced by Muzic School. 2016. $9.98.

This award-winning album is designed to teach children of all ages and developmental abilities to learn vital social skills, especially those with special needs, such as Down syndrome, and autism. The album includes four original songs, and one adapted cover song, all in pop/rock musical styles. The vocal and instrumental (guitar, bass guitar, drums and percussion) performances are excellent. "Quiet Hands" encourages listeners to keep their hands to themselves, and not hurt others. "Use Your Words" asks listeners to repectfully speak to others. Listeners are reminded to brush their teeth, bathe, and wear clean clothing in "Hygiene." And for those who feel crowded, they are allowed to step away and create more "Personal Space." Fenster also does an excellent cover of "Pinball Wizard," for which he has adapted some of the lyrics; for example, he replaced "deaf, dumb, and blind kid" with "cute, cool, kind kid." I grew up with a sister with Down syndrome, and I believe my parents would have really appreciated an album like this when she was younger.