At Synergy School Serafin and I taught D.A.W., or digital audio workstation, basics. Jimi Hendrix graced he screen as our inspirational video. I always love the opportunity to quote him and my favorite lyric, “I stood right next to a mountain, and chopped it down with edge of my hand.”

The Synergy students are already producing some solid material and we really are looking forward to a great quarter.

At Devereux Cleo Wallace this week we sampled all the student’s voices, so it was the first opportunity for them to hear themselves recorded. We like get the students used to hearing their own voices, so that when it comes time to do any further recording, they are not surprised by the experience. The album covers are coming along nicely and can be seen on the “Student Music” page.

Also, Thea, Program Director of Playing for Change, graced us in our classroom on Wednesday. It was an exciting class, we were shooting video in order to demonstrate to the students the similarities between audio and video production. It was a lot of fun, and really generated some interest around campus!! The lesson this week was “Music Fundamentals” and we talked over such concepts as form, melody, harmony, and then also covered the basics of song structure. Although these are concepts that they will not fully understand until later, it is imperative that we are using the terms consistently, so that they may accurately reference their work.

Sadie from DCW drew us this beautiful picture. Thanks so much!!

Homer, Alaska

Cody Davidson, also know as Red 5, one of our greatest heroes, will be opening Youth On Record,Alaska! Through dedication to the Youth On Record vision and through his own fiercely independent nature, Cody has put all the pieces in place for the first Youth On Record program outside of Colorado. Cody taught classes in 2010 in Colorado with Nathan, Aaron and his brother Robby Switzer, for almost a year with the idea a returning to his beloved family and friends in Homer, to run a Youth On Record program. With the generous support from the Haven House, Alaska,  and his beautiful, soon-to-be wife, Brittany, and his own belief in his duty to the at-risk population, Cody will begin programming next week.

Homer, Alaska

This represents the fulfillment of a vision that we at Youth On Record have always held, that by using technology and music we can help those who may be struggling to recognize those things within us that make life meaningful. We have always believed in the expansion of our model, because we experience such profound levels success with our students.

Congratulations Cody, you truly are Youth On Record!