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Award-winning song writer, Kath Bees sings and entertains children. |
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I write songs for kids! I love writing, singing and recording my songs. I love interacting with kids and seeing their happy, smiling faces when they sing my songs and I love their openness, honesty and willingness to participate.
In 2000 I completed the Nelson School of Music Contemporary Performance Course which is where I discovered that I had the ability to write songs and loved doing it. At the end of 2001 I wrote my first children’s song (Christmas Holidays) for a group to perform at their end of year school concert.
In 2002 I submitted "Individuality" to the Learning Media Ltd, who published it on their Kiwi Kidsongs CD. My daughter, then 11yrs old, sang it on the CD. In 2003 I had 2 more songs published by Learning Media – "Dad I wanna be a Camel" and "Seasons". In 2010 they also published my song “Save the Planet”. These four songs are very popular with Primary School teachers and pupils around NZ.
In 2006 I recorded my first album “Dragons Under My Bed” with a lot of help from Rich Kendrick who played guitar and bass on the CD, David Bowater who recorded, mixed and mastered it and Liz Kendrick who’s harmonies just rock!!! My daughter and nieces also helped out with vocals. I designed a very simple cover and as the CDs selling I started thinking more seriously about song writing as a career. By chance I met Paul Kayser who suggested a more "marketable" cover and Dennis Juan Ma was given the job of designing it.
In 2008 I released my 2nd album “I’ve got a dinosaur in my backyard!” and in 2010 my 3rd, “Jump Up”.
I have been commissioned to write 6 Primary School Songs so far, a song for Purple Cake Day and one for the Parent to Parent organisation. I am currently working on two School Productions with co-writers and recording my 4th CD. I have made one music video and am working on a 2nd.
Most of my inspiration and ideas have come from my daughter, my own experiences, observing children and walking on the beach as often as possible!
Awards
Winner of the What Now Children’s Video of the Year Award 2010
1st Place, Pacific Songwriting Contest Open Section 2007 with ‘Don’t Wanna’
Finalist, USA Songwriting Competition 2005 with ‘Individuality’
3rd Place, Pacific Songwriting Contest Open Section 2005 with ‘Dragons Under my Bed’
3rd Place, Pacific Songwriting Contest Open Section 2007 with ‘Dad, I wanna be a camel‘’
Useful Links
www.whippersnapper.co.nz
www.bellybeyond.co.nz
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