Music: a versatile and ideal medium to bring biomimicry to children and their parents
We are thrilled that you're interested in learning more about our Biomimicry Children's album! The CD will include 15 danceable songs that have an underpinning theme of finding solutions to human problems from nature. By redirecting attention to the natural world through the concept of biomimicry we intend to foster ecological awareness while developing responsible citizenship. Educators have long called for more creative and palatable approaches to raising awareness about environmental problems. Given the reality of the current ecological crisis, it is challenging to develop the emotional connection to the natural world that creates caring without instilling fear or hopelessness. Today’s children need positive solutions and realistic tools, such as biomimicry, to address the environmental challenges that they will grow up with and this album will help to inspire and motivate them to make a difference.
This educational music CD is one way that we hope to bring our positive message to the ears of people all around the world. Please revisit this site as we'll be making updates to highlight our progress as we get closer to our recording and release dates in 2008.
Watch a video and hear snippets of some songs that will be recorded for the Biomimicry Children's Album.
What is the children's album all about?
What’s biomimicry? is the question that the children’s album is being designed to answer. It’s also the title of one of the songs on the album. Some of the lyrics are:
Bios means life, mimicry means imitate
Life runs on some basic principles (deep, deep patterns)
We can study and follow those rules
Change our tune, sing along to life’s beautiful song…
In other words, biomimicry is an emerging concept that studies nature’s best ideas then imitates them to solve human problems. The sustainable world we imagine can come true, we just have to have the humility and curiosity to go out and ask nature, “How do you do that?” Learn more about biomimicry here.
What are the primary goals of the album?
1) to foster the innate curiosity and connection to the natural world that we believe all children possess,
2) to inspire innovative and imaginative solutions to human problems by introducing the concept of biomimicry, and
3) to act as a springboard to develop companion curricula for both formal and non-formal educational settings.
Who is involved with the album?
Amy Martin is our creative director, co-producer and singer/songwriter for the Biomimicry Children’s Album. Amy brings her unique mix of genuine compassion, talent and warmth to this endeavor. Amy has been a Missoula-based musician since 2000. During that time, she has released seven albums and started her own independent label, Raven’s Wing Records. She was named Missoula’s Peacemaker of the Year for 2004 and has raised $10,000 for women-run health and education projects in Afghanistan through the sales of her third album, This Fall. Amy’s most recent album, Bind Me to Free, was released in partnership with the Montana Human Rights Network to raise awareness about Montana’s minimum wage initiative I-151 – which passed successfully in November 2006. Amy has shared the performance and the protest stage with many musicians including Pete Seeger, Indigo Girls, and Bruce Cockburn. Amy has already written many unique and inspiring songs that encourage children and adults alike to seek inspiration and to learn from nature. Song titles include: What’s Biomimicry?, Ask the Planet, I Want to be Like a Tree, Get Out and What Kind of Animal are You? Want to learn more about Amy? Visit her website here.
The Missoula Coyote Choir is a 17 person choir comprised of boys and girls ranging in ages from 8-10. All the children live in Missoula and have been singing for most of their lives in community and/or school choirs. Their enthusiasm, devotion and eagerness to learn are infectious, making them ideal ambassadors for biomimicry. They have been practicing together since August 2007 and their amazing voices will be featured prominently on the album. Read a recent front page article about the Missoula Coyote Choir's debut here.
Allison Miller is the co-producer and drummer for the Biomimicry Children’s Album. Alli brings her creative talent and contagious energy to this project. Allison is a New York City-based drummer, composer and singer who goes from playing and recording with world-renowned, songwriting vocalists such as Ani DiFranco, Natalie Merchant and Erin McKeown, to touring with avant-garde saxophonist Marty Ehrlich and legendary organist Doctor Lonnie Smith. Learn more about Alli by visiting her website here.
"In order for human beings to continue living on planet Earth we must stop striping the Earth naked. We must allow nature to guide us, teach us to live cleaner and greener, imitating the genius plan of nature. Biomimicry is the answer and passing on this concept to the next generation is vital for the survival of our planet. What better way to reach children than through joyous vibrant music? I am proud to offer my musical skills and knowledge to the Biomimicry Institute's "Children's Album" project with hopes of transferring the concepts of Biomimicry to the children who will guide our future." - Allison Miller
Recently, Alli visited Missoula to work with Amy and the Missoula Coyote Choir. We are thrilled to have Alli for this project. She brings skills and a dynamic energy which will enrich the musical experience for everyone involved, as well as to help cultivate deeper connections to biomimicry among listeners. In order to bring the Biomimicry Children’s Album to fruition, Alli is working hard to recruit talented and dedicated musicians to play and record on this album. In addition, we are seeking other well-known vocalists to perform on the album and raise its profile.
Who else has joined our Biomimicry Children's Album project?
We are pleased to announce that we have engaged the following highly talented and experienced musicians to participate on the Biomimicry Children's Album: Todd Sickafoose (bass; Ani DiFranco), Adam Levy (guitar; Norah Jones), and Julie Wolf (keyboards; Indigo Girls).
Fantastic news! We are elated to announce that these celebrity vocalists have committed to our incredible project:
Revisit this site soon to learn who else has committed to making this incredible project a reality!
For more information about the Biomimicry Children’s Album or to find out how to donate to this project, please contact Cindy at the information provided below.
Cindy Gilbert, M.Ed., M.S.
Project Coordinator: Biomimicry Children’s Album
The Biomimicry Institute
PO Box 9216
Missoula, MT 59807
406.728.4134
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Children's Album 
We are thrilled that you're interested in learning more about our Biomimicry Children's album! The CD will include 15 danceable songs that have an underpinning theme of finding solutions to human problems from nature. By redirecting attention to the natural world through the concept of biomimicry we intend to foster ecological awareness while developing responsible citizenship. Educators have long called for more creative and palatable approaches to raising awareness about environmental problems. Given the reality of the current ecological crisis, it is challenging to develop the emotional connection to the natural world that creates caring without instilling fear or hopelessness. Today’s children need positive solutions and realistic tools, such as biomimicry, to address the environmental challenges that they will grow up with and this album will help to inspire and motivate them to make a difference.
Amy Martin is our creative director, co-producer and singer/songwriter for the Biomimicry Children’s Album. Amy brings her unique mix of genuine compassion, talent and warmth to this endeavor. Amy has been a Missoula-based musician since 2000. During that time, she has released seven albums and started her own independent label, Raven’s Wing Records. She was named Missoula’s Peacemaker of the Year for 2004 and has raised $10,000 for women-run health and education projects in Afghanistan through the sales of her third album, This Fall. Amy’s most recent album, Bind Me to Free, was released in partnership with the Montana Human Rights Network to raise awareness about Montana’s minimum wage initiative I-151 – which passed successfully in November 2006. Amy has shared the performance and the protest stage with many musicians including Pete Seeger, Indigo Girls, and Bruce Cockburn. Amy has already written many unique and inspiring songs that encourage children and adults alike to seek inspiration and to learn from nature. Song titles include: What’s Biomimicry?, Ask the Planet, I Want to be Like a Tree, Get Out and What Kind of Animal are You? Want to learn more about Amy? Visit her website 
