Orphan Project began in November of '01 when Shane Lankford approached John Wenger with an idea to write a concept album on physical and spiritual adoption. John said yes and the process began to create a soundscape that could handle the lyrical depth of what Shane wanted and needed to get out. Based on major influences Kansas, Yes, Peter Gabriel, Dream Theater, and U2...Orphan Found was written.

Shane asked good friends, guitarist Chris Maggitti, drummer Nathan Grant, violinist Cindy King, and bassist Jason Chaillou to play in the studio on the CD and John gathered bassist Colin McGough and cellist Ben Hardesty. Together with the incredible leadership of John Grant and Tony Correlli they recorded Orphan Found during April-June '03.

In addition, Shane's vision was to also perform "live", so the search began for members to join the band.

After searching for people who would have the time to commit to Orphan Project and some auditions, the final members of Orphan Project were found: Shane Lankford (lead vocals), John Wenger (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Colin McGough (bass & vocals), Tony Correlli (keyboards), Scott Spivey (lead guitars & vocals) and Tim Kehring (drums & vocals). ..