Spokane, WA – For new parents Caleb and Ashlee, creating a custom lullaby for their 13-month-old, Zaidyn, commemorates a special time in their lives, experiencing parenthood for the first time and finalizing their studies at Lumen High School, a public charter school committed to empowering two generations by meeting the layered needs of teen parents. 

The custom lullabies are a part of an annual project in partnership between the Spokane Symphony and Spokane Public Library called the Lullaby Project. The Lullaby Project is a program of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute (WMI) that pairs new or expecting parents with professional artists to write personal lullabies for their babies. The Lullaby Project offers new parents a creative opportunity to communicate feelings, hopes, and dreams as they look to the future with their child. 

Caleb and Ashlee worked alongside Spokane Public Library Music Education Specialist Andy Rumsey and local musician Erin Parkes to make their lullaby unique to the family.

“The morning Zaidyn was born, it felt like we experienced all four seasons, so we incorporated that into the lyrics of the song,” said Caleb. “Everything from there flowed so naturally. Andy and Erin were so happy, making the room very upbeat and energetic. It was good vibes the entire time.”

Lullabies like Zaidyn’s Song, along with three other family’s pieces, will be performed live at a free public concert at Central Library on Friday, May 23 at 6pm by Spokane Symphony musicians David Armstrong, Catherine Shipley, Sarah Bass, Roberta Bottelli, and Patrick McNally with vocals by Andy Rumsey, Erin Parkes, Olivia Brownlee, and Lauren McKinley.

“The power of music can be used to support and unite families during the wonderful and yet challenging times of welcoming a new little member to their households,” said Spokane Symphony Music Director James Lowe. “I can’t think of a better way to introduce music to young children than by having their parents compose a soothing lullaby.”

Date: Friday, May 23, 2025

Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Venue:

Nx?yx?yetk? Hall

Spokane Public Library,

906 West Main Street,

Spokane, WA 99201

Cost: Free and Open to Public

Click Here for more information.