In 2009 I helped launch VOI and www.voivhhs.com. VOI is "The Voice Of Verdugo Hills High School", a student-run website, blog, pod-casting, DJ, and media class all in one. This one-of-a-kind program has been gathering steam since its inception and this year we have the largest group of kids enrolled to date. Like so many high schools in LA, Verdugo Hills High School has suffered staggering budget cuts; their arts and music funding is all but non-existent, so three years ago National Board Certified Teacher Allison Conant and I came up with a plan.
We developed a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on technology as a way to communicate whether it be design (using photoshop, etc.), basic digital music production (using Garageband, etc.), DJing software (Scratch Live), basic sound technology, basic web design or the maintaining and the running of a website and blog. We also aim to help the kids in the class to become truly internet savvy.
I am in the classroom regularly giving instruction and guidance in all aspects of the class and have been instrumental in fundraising for equipment. I also help with the class's special events including its final assignment - "Light The Fuse". This student-produced event brings together talent from the students of VHHS and from LA at large in an evening of Hip Hop performances covering the 5 elements of Hip Hop - DJing, MCing, Breakdancing, Graffiti Art, and, most importantly, Social Consciousness. This event celebrates the positive aspects of Hip Hop and urban culture and is an opportunity for the students to create relationships with professionals in the industry.
VOI creates a "real world" situation for the students in which they are encouraged to explore their own creativity while at the same time working together towards unified goals, larger than what they could produce individually. Our DJ's provide music for lunch rallies, football games, dances, and other school events. Since its launch, VOI has become a relevant and important voice for the students. The website tries to celebrate the best of Verdugo Hills High School and podcast about the issues that matter most to the students.
As a DJ, writer, and artist for the past 25 years I jumped at the chance to share my experience and passion for music, art, and media with the next generation - just as enticing was the opportunity and challenge of starting a program from scratch. It's a remarkable privilege to be able to help these kids find their own passion.
Check out the VOI website here
VOI featured in "Re:discover", a Buick sponsored web series for MSN.com
In the episode The Lady Tigra, an LA based music performer from the 80's Hip Hop group L'Trimm talks about her favorite things in LA and one of them is our VOI program at VHHS!
Video showing off the Fall 2011 Semester of VOI.
VOI DJs and Podcasters on Vibes And Stuff Radio
Some of the DJs, MCs and podcasters plus the teacher of the class Allison Conant and myself had the opportunity to be on Vibes And Stuff Radio on 12,11,11 and below is the entire segment. You can jump to interviews by dragging the slider to the light blue lines on the video progression meter.
