Musically inclined students entering grades 11 and 12 this fall are invited to apply to University of Hawaii West Oahu’s Summer Music Works songwriting program.<\/p>\n
“We’re looking for students who love music, who can sing, rap or play an instrument, and who want to learn more,” said UH-West Oahu assistant professor of music Jon Magnussen.<\/p>\n
Open to Waipahu, Nanakuli, Waianae, Anuenue and Farrington high school students, the program will run from June 3 to July 3. Participants also will earn three college credits, as well as high school credit.<\/p>\n
“The program strives to provide an awareness of skills helpful for success in college and in life, to support the growth of new musical talent at the pre-college level, and to provide an awareness of potential career paths in music,” Magnussen explained.<\/p>\n
He was inspired to launch the program after observing outreach services his colleagues were providing to the community and sought to provide a different method of inspiring area youths to complete and continue their education. The program is now in its third year.<\/p>\n
“When I learned that more than a third of all Leeward coast students were leaving school without a diploma, I felt that our institution of higher education – the main provider of a four-year college degree in our region – could contribute to the solution by finding an alternative (musical) way to engage this region’s youths and challenge them to finish high school and go to college,” he said.<\/p>\n
Sessions are scheduled on various days throughout the five-week course. In addition to being able to tour UH’s music facilities, students will have the opportunity to record their original songs and prepare for a finale performance at 7 p.m. July 3 on the UH-West Oahu campus.<\/p>\n
Participants also can meet and work with industry professionals such as Willie K, Henry Kapono, Kalehua Krug and Dean Taba.<\/p>\n
Offered through a U.S. Department of Education Title III grant, Summer Music Works also is receiving additional support from a UH Diversity of Equity Initiative Award, the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii’s Waianae Clubhouse and the UH West Oahu Music Fund.<\/p>\n
It is free to those who are accepted, and it can accommodate up to 25 participants.<\/p>\n
Interested students must contact their school’s college counselor to enroll in Summer Music Works through the Running Start program.<\/p>\n
Application materials are due May 13 and must include a letter of recommendation from a teacher, as well as a statement of intent from the student.<\/p>\n