The libraries in Salamander Bay and Raymond Terrace were transformed into a state-of-the-art music studios during the July school holiday to give young and budding DJs a chance to learn the trade.
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Tomaree Youth Community Action and Port Stephens Council joined forces to deliver the Amplified music production and media arts program, which included a series of DJ workshops and live performances.
“TYCA’s DJ workshops are using beat making as a portal to open the world of app developing, computers and emerging technology,” Simone Winchester, project coordinator from TYCA, said.
“This program has huge potential especially for local youth to be engaged and interested in doing this for fun at home, use these tech skills at school for events or even has the potential to earn income and also contribute to the local community by assisting to run local events and festivals.
“TYCA isn’t just exposing students to the world of music, it is also interweaving innovative science, technology, engineering and even some maths into the equation of beat making and DJing.
“It is also a really great way for young artists to express their feelings – music is very personal and it’s a way of sharing and communicating in a fun, meaningful way.”
Youths from Nelson Bay, Raymond Terrace, Bobs Farm and Lemon Tree Passage smiled and laugh as they listened to hip hop music and other samples before creating their own beats with drum-pad machines, portable turntables, iPads, computers and launch pads.
The hands-on approach encouraged the youths to experiment with industry-quality beats using various music software, which the culminated into doing an outdoor gigs at Snak n Rap events in Nelson Bay and Raymond Terrace.
The workshops and Amplified program was an eye-opening experience said Ben Robertson, 11, from Lemon Tree Passage.
“When I first heard music I thought it was something to listen to when you were down or bored, but when I came into the TYCA group I learned how music was actually made,” he said.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
