Rock Stars for a Day
The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus Foundation hosted students from San Marcos High School and Gonzales High School. Students from both schools were treated like Rock Stars and were able to participate in the NAMM Conference at the Austin Convention Center this summer. NAMM is an association whose mission is to unify, lead and strengthen the international music products industry and increase active participation in music making.
The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is a non-profit, mobile recording studio outfitted with traditional musical instruments as well as current technological advances. Since 1998, the Bus has provided free hands-on programs to hundreds of high schools, colleges, Boys and Girls Clubs, music festivals, concerts, conventions and community organizations. Working together with some of the biggest names in music, the Lennon Bus encourages students to play music, write songs, engineer recording sessions and prod
uce music video projects using the latest audio, video, and live sound equipment.
The interior is divided into two separate recording environments. The front studio offers the chance to participate in the creation of multi-media projects. Audio and video components are demonstrated, with visitors assisting in the recording and editing of original material. The back studio is a more traditional set-up for bands and the remote recording of concerts and special events. It features a full range of instruments including guitars, basses, keyboards, and drums. Also on-board is a P.A. system enabling performances on the side of the Bus.
The bus has played host to many famous musicians including Fergie from The Black-Eyed Peas. While on the bus students were able to ask questions about music production, play instruments, become familiar with professional recording equipment and learn about the music business.
The students also visited the exhibit hall where they had the opportunity to try the latest equipment the music industry has to offer. Kelsey Stonecipher said, “I though that there was such a variety of things to see. It made me realize that there is much more out there that I do not know about. There might be jobs out there that I am well suited for, but have not found yet.” Augustine Martinez said, “ I have learned that it is a business with many career opportunities.” As a result of this experience Augustine went back to school and immediately asked for a schedule change. He wanted to take classes with a music career and technology focus.
San Marcos CISD’s Coordinator of Instructional Technology Ronda Stonecipher accompanied the students to the conference. Mrs. Stonecipher said, “This was a rare experience afforded to these students because the conference was not open to the public. It was through the generosity of the John Lennon Educational Bus Foundation that the students were able to attend.” Other students commented that they were no sure what to expect when they were invited to attend, but once they got there they were simply amazed by the experience. The experience turned a boring summer day into an exciting learning opportunity.
On a previous visit to the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus students from San Marcos High School were invited to the Texas Education Agency to produce a music video. Their video is featured on Apple’s Web Site at the following link:
http://edcommunity.apple.com/gallery/student/item.php?itemID=13161
l microscopes. The Dance Mats are connected to a computer and the software scrolls questions accross the screen for the students. Students then dance on the mat to answer the questions. Playaways are digital recordings of books on a device that resembles an MP3 player. Lastly, GarageBand enables students to create their own songs digitally.
