Here, music and art represents a cathartic process where hopefully, you will partake of an experience that “washes you clean” on some level, giving you a refreshed smile and renewed sense of hope.
To uplift and entertain you with a tune, a cool performing arts project, or a work of fine art is our hope and mission.
Lenny's fertile imagination is root for the fruit.
Lenny Rountree is a professional musician, author, and educator, who founded Washentertainment as a means to distribute and market original works of music and art. His parents, Lawrence Rountree and Joyce Howard encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He was born in Washington, D. C, and raised in Prince George’s County Maryland. He graduated from Northwestern Senior High School and accepted a talent scholarship to attend Bucknell University to study music theory and composition. He earned his Bachelor of Music Composition degree from Howard University in Washington, D. C. He has spent considerable time teaching music and performing in various musical roles as an instrumentalist and singer-songwriter. He is principally a composer, arranger, pianist, and guitarist. He sings and plays a number of other instruments as well. Being an experienced educator, Lenny offers ideas, perspectives, and resources to all teachers, administrators, parents, and students who have a keen interest in arts integration. To enjoy these articles about music education, click or tap below, "Music Artistree School of Thought."
Washentertainment is a way to share and promote positive creative endeavors of others as well, through shared links and by other means. Music and art can be cathartic when done well, and we hope to continually present a collection of works; that lift your spirits, promote a healthier existence, and contribute to positive thinking. As for Lenny's music, it's expansive, strikingly unique, and interesting.
Lenny has authored, illustrated, and published a children's storybook called The Notable Characters, as well as a musical, Swirl, based partially on that book. The book teaches kids musical terms and practices. Kids who are participating in music at the elementary/middle school level would enjoy The Notable Characters. The illustrations present personalities of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The lessons for readers are not only music theory-related, but also, how important it is to recognize ways to live in peace and harmony despite the challenges that diverse communities and traditions can pose. The notion of empathy looms large in this tale. You can read more about the book by scrolling down. The audiobook version includes recordings of the songs mentioned in the story as well as voice characterizations by Lenny Rountree and Rachael Byrd. The audiobook version is sold exclusively here. Click or tap “Enter” below.
To purchase the physical book from Amazon, click or tap the button below.
Swirl is a musical based in part on The Notable Characters. The show was first performed in May of 2016 at the Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences in Barnesville, Maryland. You can view a slide show of those first productions by tapping on Sights & Sounds of Swirl in the top heading. You can listen to a song from the show in the SoundCloud window. Check out Arma's theme called Bully Bully. Click or tap below The Musical, Swirl.
Swirl was first staged in Montgomery County Maryland at Barnesville School in May of 2016. Lenny Rountree's songs are superbly crafted and arranged. They echo long after the curtain call. The show also has interesting set change maneuvers from scene to scene. If you are looking for a play for your school, there are plenty of fun characters for students to try out for. Teachers and parents can audition for the five adult characters. There are 15 main characters (8 guys and 7 girls). Additionally, the characters, Chef Grease and Engine were created for this musical version of "The Notable Characters." Students who wish to participate to a lesser degree on stage might consider playing one of the mongoose who only speak with their actions, or be a member of the audience in the performance scenes.
If you work with a professional theater company, Swirl's humor, songs, and themes resonate with adults just as well as middle and high school students. Highlights of the show include Blane Bling's rap performance of "Don't Blane Me," Mrs. Sparkle’s performance of "Jealousy and Envy," and Diamond Duds leading the Notables and Rests in a limbo-dancin’ hip hop-flavored, rousing, calypso number called "What's Your Dream?"
If you are really interested in this show, buy the download of the perusal materials which include libretto excerpts from five different scenes. Please fill out the form provided as you make the transaction. If you decide to stage Swirl, email your request for the license [info@washentree.com]. We will send you the production contract and performance license. Once the application is completed and returned with payment, we will send the show kit which will include: (30) librettos with blocking instructions, (2) Director books, (2) guide vocal CDs, (2) production accompaniment CDs, production cue sheet, choreography directions, costume & make-up instructions, and a prop list.
Lenny's storybook, "The Notable Characters" introduces basic music terms and theory while telling his funny story of two groups of kids who have formed bands. The bands are; the Notables who represent five basic note symbols in a metaphorical way, and then there are the Rest siblings, who represent the rest symbols. Notes are symbols in music notation that indicate a sound is to be made for a certain amount of time. Rest symbols indicate silence. Both groups, The Notables and the Rests, approach music-making from two completely different world views and as a result they comically compete for popularity in the island metropolis called Metronoma. The book features Lenny's colorful illustrations of the characters navigating this wonderful Caribbean (fictional) island called Realla (pronounced "Ree All Ya"). you will discover a diversity of musical tastes, cultural and ethnic backgrounds in this charming tale. You may enjoy the audiobook, exclusively sold here in our online store. The audiobook features songs mentioned in the story as band performances. The recordings were produced, arranged and performed by Lenny, and they are the Notables songs, Noise Will Be Noise and We Had Our Nap We Had Our Meal And Now We Feel Okay. There is the song attributed to the Rests in the story called Doin' the Rest Stop.
The Notables are challenged by the Rest siblings: four sisters, and a little brother named Un. They also play music, but they often stop in the middle of their songs, to rest, and as such, they are not as beloved. There is friction between the two groups, sparked by jealousy, envy and resentment. The Rest siblings are led by Wholelotta who sings and plays the keyboard, Arma who wears a helmet over her pig tails and plays the upright bass, the lackadaisical Halfheart on guitar, the dainty Footsy on drum set, and tantrum-prone first grader Un, who plays the harp.
The Notables and the Rests learn the importance of education, imagining a dream to pursue, seeing commonalities between people, acknowledging and valuing diversity.
