Parachutes Fly High in Small World : Music: This singing trio is starting to get noticed and the members hope the group will become “the Beatles of children’s music” in five years.

Move over Raffi, Fred Penner and Sharon, Lois and Bram’s “Elephant Show.” In five years, Parachute Express hopes to be “the Beatles of children’s music.”

Parachute who?

Parachute Express is a trio of thirtysomething adults--Donny Becker, Janice Hubbard and Stephen Michael Schwartz--who are starting to get noticed for their sophisticated vocal harmonies and participatory, movement-oriented lyrics.

Not yet the kind of notice reserved for the aforementioned Canadian stars who have dominated the children’s music market. But with credits that include one cable-TV concert for the Disney Channel’s Kaleidoscope series, two videos, five albums, 14 shows at Knott’s Berry Farm’s Camp Snoopy last September, sellout crowds and a national touring schedule, this emerging talent is understandably optimistic.

After hopscotch East and West Coast tour stops, including a stop Saturday in Glendale, its next Orange County appearance will be at Anaheim’s Celebrity Theatre on June 30.

During an interview at Schwartz’s Glendale home, the chemistry that binds the trio together was evident--they’re unrelated, but like close siblings often finish each other’s sentences and speak in chorus.

The “Beatles” comparison was a laughing, unison response to being asked about their hopes for the future. “Raffi can be Elvis,” Hubbard conceded.

Becker got serious. “Raffi does important work; he really has paved the way. We don’t talk about our vision that much, but we believe in our music, and the chemistry between us feels so real, I think we’ll continue to grow.”

Parachute Express has already outgrown the traditional, mostly public-domain folk sound of its 1985 first album, “Shakin’ It.” The group has found its niche in a slick mix of original songs in musical styles geared to young audiences, from ‘50s doo-wop and ‘60s rock, to R&B; and pop.

“Our music sort of touches a baby-boomer nerve,” Schwartz said.

It’s feel-good music, dedicated to helping “a small child feel bigger in his world,” Hubbard said. Songs range from goofy--”Doo-Wacka-Doo” and “Goo-Goo-Giggly-I-Oh!,” to practical--”Tie a Bow,” to lyrical--”Pioneer Baby” and “Indian Lullaby.”

Kevin Odegard, director of creative services for the music publishing company Filmtrax Copyright Holdings, while not professionally involved with the group, offers high praise.

“I discovered them as a parent going to elementary-school fairs,” he said, “and became a fan because my kids walked around humming their melodies. The songs are well-written and well-crafted in the way great pop songs are.

“In live performances,” he said, “they have that same performance vibe as Raffi--non-threatening, accessible and friendly.”

Parachute Express began as a non-performing, four-member group recording music for Gymboree, a movement/play program for parents and preschoolers.

Becker, a singer and former elementary school teacher, was, with wife Adrien, an early Gymboree franchise owner who decided to enhance the program with music.

He enlisted his brother-in-law, Rick Cunha, and neighbor Schwartz. Both men are professional singers and songwriters; Schwartz is also an actor and a former preschool teacher; Cunha is an engineer.

Schwartz brought in singer-songwriter Hubbard, a friend from the ‘70s when they both were members of Story Theatre, the groundbreaking fairy-tale theater founded by Paul Sills.

“We were just putting music together for Donny’s program,” Schwartz explained. “We weren’t aware of what this was going to become.”

Public performances began when parents wanted to know where they could see the group.

The quartet became a trio when Cunha, who has other professional interests, opted out of performing. He’s still involved as both a musician and engineer. Schwartz’s wife, Althea, co-manages the trio with producer/musician Peter Dergee.

They’re eager to stress that they’re proud of the Gymboree affiliation, but it’s time to move on.

“We don’t want to be known as the ambassadors of Gymboree,” said Becker. “Even when we began, we tried to make music that existed on its own.”

Besides the vocals, Becker and Schwartz play guitar; Hubbard plays the banjo and the flute. Performances are lively, with “choreography, space work and mime,” using live and taped music. “We’re 5 years old on stage,” Becker enthused.

Becker, 41, a dad with two young children, is jocularly referred to by the others as “grandpa.” Hubbard, single, is 37; Schwartz, 36, has an 8-year-old son.

After a Parachute Express concert, “I’d like kids to come away with a feel for music and a sense of wonder at what the songs were about,” Hubbard said.

“Children are incredible critics,” Schwartz said. “If we even try to fake it, we’ll be busted, because kids know the truth. The minute we forget who we’re doing it for, it’s time to check out.”

Hubbard added, “We stay connected, so it’s fresh every single time.”

“We always go for something a little different,” Stephen said.

“And it comes across as real,” Becker added.

Parachute Express will be at Glendale High Auditorium today at 2:30 p.m.; tickets: sold out; information: (818) 548-9246 ; at the San Diego Children’s Festival at Mariner’s Point in Mission Bay for 10 performances, April 25-29, Tickets: $2-$3 (festival admission), Information: (619) 234-5002; and at the Celebrity Theatre, 201 E. Broadway Ave., Anaheim, on June 30 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets: $8.75 (plus $2 Ticketmaster charge). Information: (714) 832-1587