Blair High School Teacher Records New CD

Michael Birnbryer-Lao (Photo courtesy of author)

Michael Birnbryer-Lao has written, produced and recorded a collection of music for his debut CD-EP Mini disc called ‘’I’m Home.’’

By Jean Sudbury

Each song tells a story, and each emits a feeling of self- reflection. With his voice and instruments, he creates a pensive, meditative mix of acoustic and electronic sound. This 2020-2021 project is a new adventure for him. He has produced it under the name Francis Frances.

Michael was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley. Saxophone, flute and clarinet were his instruments of study in the local public schools. His college studies led him to Berklee College of Music, Boston, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. His Master’s in Music Performance/Jazz is from Azusa Pacific University.

Michael began his teaching career at Pasadena’s Blair High and Middle School, where he has been an integral part of the performing arts faculty for 13 years. When Michael began teaching there, the music department consisted of only percussion and a beginning band class. Since he has been there, he has taught marching band, jazz band, orchestra, and music technology and production. He is the chairman of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.

You might ask, ‘’Where can he go from here?’’ During 2020, Michael began a new adventure. The adventure included writing songs, singing them and sharing them in the recording medium.

A One-Man Band

His first C.D., “I’m Home,” is a collection of music he wrote and recorded in his own studio. He was his own engineer, producer, and songwriter, and he played all instruments on the recording, which include alto and tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet, cornet, keyboards, synthesizer and guitar. On one song, he collaborated with Point Lobo on drums. Michael wrote and recorded the music in 2020. This is the first time in his life that he has recorded his voice. They are a history of changes in his life within the past four years.

In the first song on the album, called I’m Home, he shares the value of quiet time spent in comfortable settings. Another song, Back Again, illustrates joys and challenges shared with family members, and the importance of remaining unified as family. Before I Knew You Well reflects the wonderful changes in his life during the past four years. The main subject of the song is meeting Jenn, from San Diego. He knew that he loved her from the beginning. They got married three years ago, and have a two-year-old son, whom they named Rio.

This CD EP project, I’m Home, reflects the more recent directions in his life as a person with a new family. He is planning to release his second independent recording in October 2021. His dream is to become the best singer-songwriter and producer he can possibly be. He sees this as a way to share his artistry, experiences, and wisdom as a full- time teacher, music performer and as a father. Through writing and sharing these songs for anyone to hear, Michael has found new confidence and perhaps he has gotten to know himself a bit better. In these times, that is a valuable lesson.

> Where to buy the CD and more info.