Long Branch students are learning how to create their own songs with the help of a state-of-the-art mobile recording studio.
It’s not every day that fourth- and fifth grade students have the opportunity to create their own music using a state-of-the- art recording studio. Yet that’s exactly the experience students at four area schools had when the Beat Bus visited. This special school bus is equipped with recording gear, including 10 workstations geared for individual exploration and a sound booth, where students can create music together.
For many students, it’s the first time they’ve played a keyboard, guitar or the drums. “It’s like a field trip for the students,” says Lonell Klina, Supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts at Long Branch Public Schools.
Success in the Digital Age
The Beat Bus is a collaboration between Lakehouse Music Academy, a progressive music school in Asbury Park, and the Asbury Park Music Foundation, whose mission is to bring music education to underserved youth. Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) supports the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival and its programs.
“We understand that the arts are life-enhancing, enriching and altering,” says Eric Carney, MMC’s Chief Executive Officer. “Since Monmouth Medical Center is an intricate part of the fabric of the local community, we strongly support the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival and its music programs, with the mission to bring music education to underserved youth across New Jersey.”
Launched in April 2018, the Beat Bus has already provided music education to more than 1,500 children in Long Branch, Asbury Park and Neptune. Ryan Gaumond, program director, teaches the children how to use GarageBand on an iPad to produce beats and rhythms. It’s also available as an iPhone app. “I try to convey that the students have the power of a professional recording studio in their pockets,” says Gaumond.
The students look forward to the sessions. “This is such a great experience for all of our students,” says Klina. “The kids always want to know when the Beat Bus is coming back.” Long Branch High School students also have benefited from the program. As part of New Jersey’s Future Ready Schools Initiative, which aims to prepare students for success in the digital age, two students filmed the elementary school children on the bus and helped to create a promotional video. “It’s gratifying to serve as a resource to Long Branch schools in providing this high-technology experience to students,” says Carney.
To learn more about the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival, visit www.apmff.org.