Popular award-winning singer/songwriter Jared Campbell flawlessly performed his high-energy musical magic at Kelley School at an early morning concert February 26th his third performance at the grades 3-5 school in many years and right out of the gate the atmosphere in the packed auditorium was electric with excitement.
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His upbeat, catchy tunes throughout the 45-minute event were once again this year ingeniously paired with compelling anecdotes and video that engaged and drove home positive messages to the students about the value of showing kindness, compassion and respect to others and themselves.
Every bit the entertainer, the highly animated children’s musician didn’t disappoint from the moment he asked his young audience if they were “pumped” that he’d gotten them out of class until he finished the program that couldn’t help but leave students with lots of positive things to think about.
This year he began telling students about the answers he’s received from other students from Northeastern schools where he performs when he’s asked them what they want to be when they grow up.
One young girl said “Cinderella.” Some kindergarteners’ answers ranged from wanting to be “a cop,” “a schoolteacher like my mom,” and “a dinosaur.”
Harrison, Campbell’s five-year-old son, told his dad he wants to be “Spiderman.”
When asked how many students at Kelley wanted to be “famous” hands shot up all through the auditorium.
Then he sang one of his well-known songs “Famous.” Listen to an earlier recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf9MPotIoLE&list=RDNf9MPotIoLE&start_radio=1
Campbell said he believes everyone can be “famous” or be known for their good character traits that they can begin exhibiting at a very early age in school.
He asked students how they wanted to be remembered by their teachers at Kelley School long after they’ve moved on. Hopefully, for example, that they were kind and lent a hand to others.
“Every interaction is showing the world what you are all about. Imagine if everyone here made Kelley School a school of kindness it would make school like a family a place where you all belong,” Campbell said before singing “What If (The Family Song)” Listen to an earlier recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzMlNmR16WM&list=RDOzMlNmR16WM&start_radio=1.
After singing the song with the audience joining in, Campbell asked Kelley students what the two most important words in that song were and they came up with the answers. Kindness and compassion.
He beautifully illustrated his points sharing that his cousin’s twin sons 18 years ago were born prematurely, each weighing only about a pound. One is wheelchair-bound with cerebral palsy and cannot speak. The other has had four brain surgeries, has lung problems and wears metal braces on his legs to walk.
When he was younger, the son that can walk, surprisingly wanted to complete in a race to raise money for charity behind his school on a very small circular track. His mom was doubtful he could do it and shouldn’t try but her son insisted he could do it. The day of the race in which the goal was to run around the track 35 times, the boy, despite signs of grueling pain he was enduring from running with his braces, was disappointed when his teacher stopped the race after everyone completed 31 laps, saying it was enough and they all went back into the school.
Except for the young boy who was very upset that race was stopped because he wanted to do the full 35 laps despite the pain and insisted he could do it.
Several trying moments passed, but finally with permission from his teacher, his mom agreed to let him try.
So, he began with his mom cheering him on. Soon, the entire school was outside chanting his name _ “Luke, Luke, Luke” repeatedly to cheer him on. And to everyone’s amazement, he completed the 35 laps.
“The entire school showed him kindness and compassion,’’ Campbell recalled
Then he asked students to raise their hands if they want to live a life that gets better every day. Suddenly a sea of hands went up throughout the room.
“If you want to live a better life, your lives will get better every day if you walk in kindness and compassion,” Campbell said before singing “Make Life Better.” Listen to an earlier recording of this song on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hIJJtQL0Mo&list=RD7hIJJtQL0Mo&start_radio=1
Campbell concluded the program with sharing one of the latest
songs he’s written called “LEGOS.”
He talked about how many different LEGO pieces there are and how they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes.
Recalling how he and his son completed an ambitious LEGO project last year building Yoda, the Star Wars character comprised of 1771 pieces, many of which were blue and unseen in the finished product.
But he explained the blue pieces made up the entire center structure of the character.
“Do those blue pieces matter,’’ Campbell asked. A resounding and collective “Yes” roared his audience.
Campbell’s response:
“It’s easy something to look around and compare yourselves to others and you may not feel you have many smarts and talent as others and maybe that you just don’t matter . . . But that’s not true. I want you to remember those blue LEGO pieces. They may not be seen, but they are very important. Every one of you make this place complete.”
And then he sang “LEGOS.” Listen to an earlier version on You tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1FBzTG7Dns
Campbell concluded the program with sharing one of the latest songs he’s written called “Legos.”
After the performance, several students received handshakes, high fives and even a hug or two from Campbell.
“We were beyond excited to welcome back Jared Campbell to the Kelley School. Through music, song, and powerful storytelling, Jared delivers an unforgettable experience that inspires leadership, builds self-esteem, strengthens resiliency, and fills our community with positive energy,” said Kelley School Principal Christina Sullivan.
“Talk about sharing empathy, joy, compassion, kindness and tenacity! Anyone who was present at this event understands what I mean by that statement, as those sentiments were contagious during Jared’s time with us, and I am hopeful that they carry on over time in our classrooms, on the playground, in our cafeteria and in our hallways,” said Superintendent Susan Hasenauer. “Furthermore, as a citizen in our communities in which we are participants. Jared’s ability to connect with students and adults, of any age, for that matter, happens authentically through his story telling and musical talents. You can’t help but walk away feeling energized and positive about being a better human!
Campbell also did a performance in the afternoon at Perkins School. Learn more about Jared Campbell here: https://jaredcampbell.com/