Elementary school music students from the Coachella Valley teamed up with forthcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Paul Rodgers of Bad Company as he joined members of The Changels (“Angels of Change”) honor choir.
It was for a special recording session, part of Adopt the Arts Foundation's ongoing commitment to providing meaningful music education in underserved communities.
Members of the Changels recorded a special rendition
HERE of the Bad Company hit written by Rodgers, "Rock & Roll Fantasy." Rodgers joined them to sing on the track, which is co-produced by Matt Sorum (Velvet Revolver, Guns 'N Roses) and fellow Hollywood Vampires member Bruce Witkin. Sorum is responsible for the overall collaboration and plays drums on the track.
Out of more than 75 students participating in Adopt the Arts’ Coachella Valley honor choir, a select group was given the opportunity to audition for the recording session at Good Noise studio, giving them a hands-on professional recording experience.
"Music has the power to transform lives – I've experienced it myself and seen it countless times throughout my career," said Paul Rodgers. "Working with these young, talented and very engaged singers is an opportunity to pass along not just technical knowledge, but the passion, joy and spirit that comes from musical expression."
This collaboration is part of a larger initiative by Adopt the Arts to provide students with real-world music industry experiences beyond classroom instruction. The program includes mentoring sessions with professional musicians, recording opportunities, and performances throughout Southern California.
"We're not just teaching these kids about music – we're showing them how music can open doors and create community," said Matt Sorum, Founder of Adopt the Arts and also a Rock Hall inductee. "Having Paul Rodgers join us is incredible. These are formative experiences that build confidence and skills these kids will carry with them throughout their lives."
The Changels, a group of elementary students from Adopt the Arts' partner schools in the Palm Springs Unified School District, are recording songs focused on themes of unity and hope.
The session was filmed as part of an ongoing documentary project following The Changels' musical journey, showcasing the impact of music education during children's formative years.
"What's different about Adopt the Arts is their long-term commitment to these students," said Dr. Tony Signoret, Superintendent of Palm Springs Unified School District. "This isn't a one-time celebrity appearance – it's part of a comprehensive approach to music education that's making a real difference in our schools and community."
Since its inception in 2012, Adopt the Arts has fully funded the music program at Rosewood STEM Magnet Elementary in Los Angeles. In August 2024, the Foundation expanded to serve four elementary schools in the Coachella Valley—Agua Caliente, Bubbling Wells, Della S. Lindley, and Vista Del Monte—with plans to reach two more schools this year. This session reflects the organization’s core mission: to empower students in underserved communities through access to high-quality music education and real-world creative experiences.
About Adopt the Arts
Adopt the Arts Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing underserved elementary schools with high-quality music education, curriculum and resources that empowers students with the music knowledge to learn, develop and grow. Adopt the Arts was founded by Grammy Award-winning musician Matt Sorum, and Golden Globe award and Emmy award-winning Actor Jane Lynch. For more information about Adopt the Arts, visit
www.adoptthearts.org.
About The Changels
The Changels ("Angels of Change") are an honor choir comprised of over 85 elementary students from Adopt the Arts partner schools in Southern California. Through choral music, The Changels bring people together with messages of unity and hope, performing a wide variety of musical genres for local and national audiences. The choir focuses on developing students' musical abilities while building self-confidence, improving reading skills, and teaching teamwork and discipline.
About the Track
Vocals: Paul Rodgers, Adopt the Arts Foundation Changels
Drums: Matt Sorum
Guitar, Keyboards, Bass Guitar: Bruce Witkin
Lead Guitar: Brett Smith Daniels
Producer: Matt Sorum
Engineered and Co-producer: Bruce Witkin
Assistant Engineer: Fabian Metelmann
Mixed by: Derek Bason at ATMOS Studio/Starstruck
Assistant: Todd Tidwell
Mastering Engineer: Adam Ayan, Ayan Mastering
Recorded at: GoodNoise Studio, Palm Springs, California
*Special thanks to Jason Mendelson of GoodNoise Studio
George Paul
