Even though he is only 15 years old Chris LaRosa of Downingtown is already an accomplished musician and composer. And, he is using his talents to raise money for worthwhile organizations. LaRosa, a student at Downingtown High School West, recently composed and recorded nine original songs on the piano and re-leased them on his second compact disc entitled "Friends in Need." The first and last tracks on the CD feature drumming perform-ances by his younger brother, Greg. All proceeds from CD sales benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a nonprofit organization that grants wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. LaRosa, son of Arlene and Rick LaRosa, explained that although the creation of the CD is part of his required graduation service project, it is not the first time he has completed a CD to help others. "Eternal Hope, Eternal Remembrance" was released in 2002 and benefited a scholarship fund for the children of firefighters lost in the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. "I started piano lessons when I was 6; I just love the piano," he said. "My first CD came out when I was in sixth grade. This CD followed the other one. I started working on it 2003. "Make-A-Wish is one of my favorite organizations; it is a great cause," he added.

Chris LaRosa, a student at Downingtown High School West, composed and record nine original songs on the piano and released them on a CD entitled "Friends in Need." All proceeds from the CD will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants wishes to children with serious medical conditions.

He describes the music on the CD as "contemporary."

"In piano theory there are three categories - Baroque, classical, romantic and contemporary," he said. "I would say this is con-temporary."

The CD features songs like "Hope," "Faith," "Dreamkeeper" and "Loving Heartache." The first track is called "Imperfect Mira-cle," while the final track is called "Perfect Miracle."

LaRosa said some of the music he composed easily, while other songs took months to prepare.

"I write them in my head because it is a lot of work to transcribe it onto sheet music," he said. "Each song is different. If I com-pose it in a half hour, that one is usually better because it comes quicker. The ones that take longer, sometimes months, don't click as fast."

In addition to his efforts at home, he is also active in the music program at school where he is a member of the concert band, jazz band and marching band. He is also forming his own rock bank.

"I played the flute last year in concert band but this year I'll be playing the baritone," he said. "In marching band I play the mal-lets which is like a xylophone. And in jazz band I play the piano."

He says he likes all kinds of music, both playing it and listening to it.

"I like classical and rock," he said. "The only genre I don't like is hip-hop and rap."

The youngster said he is not certain how music will impact his future career.

"I either want to go into engineering, music or possibly teaching," he said. "I'm not sure yet."

LaRosa is offering his CD on his Web site, www.purevolume.com/chrislarosa. There are also links on this site to his home page and the Make-A-Wish Foundation's Web site.

"I have three Web sites," he explained, "but I am basically selling it through word of mouth."

Thus far, LaRosa has already raised close to $800 through his music-writing efforts and recently presented a $750 check to Karen Traten, a representative from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia and Susquehanna Valley.

This chapter serves children in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, and has granted over 1,860 wishes since its founding in 1986. For more information about the foundation, interested readers can call 877-ONE-WISH or visit the Web site at www.philadelphia.wish.org


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