Noise! 2004 Application Deadline: May 16
"One time, at band camp...."
With these five words American Pie etched the ultimate band-weenie stereotype into the super-self-consciousness of high-school students across the country. Misplaced as it may have been, the corny image of teenagers wasting valuable summer vacation days to blow their horns and do who-can-imagine-what-else with their instruments raised band camp to an even more shameful level of uncool. But thanks to the efforts of the Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation, band camp will never be the same.
In 1998, executives at Muzak were debating where to spend the company's charitable dollars. The idea of starting a new foundation closer to the company's heart was presented with great enthusiasm. The Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation was born with a mission to "give the gift of music" to schools and students in need.
In the first few years, grants were awarded to music-education programs at more than 70 schools nationwide. Instruments were purchased, scholarships were funded, teachers were hired, but something was missing.
"We wanted to do more than put an instrument in a child's hands," says Heart & Soul director Deana Hicks. "We wanted students to turn their passion for music into real-world opportunity. A lot of kids never pursue their love for music because they may not have natural talent or because the odds of becoming a starving artist are so much greater than [the odds of] becoming a rock star. The truth is, for every talented rock star, there are hundreds of people behind the scenes making it happen. We wanted to redefine the narrow concept of music education as strictly a performance-based art to show a broader world of amazing opportunity."
The Foundation decided to put a new twist on band camp where teens could learn how to make music a part of their lives and careers. Campers would have the opportunity to visit recording studios, record labels, agencies, arenas, and music clubs and hear firsthand from the professionals who work within the music industry. Artists would stop by to share their experiences. And campers would learn practical career-building and business-management skills to help them make their dreams a reality.
For the past two years, teens from around the country were given scholarships to attend the first "Noise!" camps held in New York City and Atlanta, which were huge successes. "We knew we were really onto something special," says Hicks. "With music as the common ground, everyone had a blast. They learned a lot and came away with greater confidence and desire to make music a part of their lives."
"Noise! is legit," said one camper. "If you want to know what's happening in the music industry and learn how to get into it yourself, this is the place to be."
Since the inception of Noise!, momentum has continued to grow, with educators and music associations such as Hard Rock Academy and the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences now involved.
To meet the growing demand from students and supporters, the program has been expanded for 2004--camps will be held in both Atlanta and Seattle. Both cities have diverse music scenes that add to city culture and provide unique opportunities for the campers.
"We're thrilled to have Noise! come to Seattle," says Muzak regional general manager Bruce McKagan. The music community has been very supportive and is eager to take part in the camp." (Bruce also happens to be the brother of Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan, who will be sitting down with the students for an informal conversation about music.)
The Foundation has plans to reach more students and expand its programs to even more cities in the future. "We'd like for students of all ages to have a chance to make some Noise! We're developing ideas for shorter programs to be held throughout the year. We want to encourage all students to develop their passion for music in their own special way," says Hicks.
Noise! Seattle: July 11-23 and Noise! Atlanta: July 18-30
Thirty-two students aged 15-17 will be selected for both cities, with all students receiving full scholarships. To apply as a student or counselor visit www.noise2004.com. (Application deadline is May 16.) To make a donation, sponsor the program, or nominate a local student, call Deana Hicks at 800-331-3340 ext 3092.
