As one of My Voice Music’s first speakers on the My Voice Music 2011 Student Compilation, Today is a New Day, Dennise has cemented her place in MVM history!   She and KZME have gone above and beyond in their support of MVM over the past year: sponsoring our events and compilation album, and even playing our entire Student Compilation CD, beginning to end, on air.

Recently our youth were given the opportunity to visit the KZME studios, play their music and share the story of their songs over the airwaves.  They also recorded this great “station ID” – take a listen.   Thank you Dennise, for playing such a significant role in supporting My Voice Music and helping to spread the news!

1.) What do you do when you’re not helping promote MVM?

I’m the Director of Organizational Advancement at KZME Radio

2.) How’d you hear about MVM and how are you involved?

My employer, KZME radio, has served as a media sponsor for one of their fundraising events and we were a broadcast partner and contributor for the compilation CD they put out last year.

3.) Why did you decide to support My Voice Music?

We heard about MVM through another associate and we were just blown away by the work Ian and others are doing with kids, using music as a vehicle to express themselves and build confidence. Since KZME is all about broadcasting local music, we thought it was a no brainer to help bring more awareness to what MVM is doing.

4.) What was your first concert and favorite song there or by that artist?

My first concert was – don’t laugh; okay, go ahead and laugh! – The Osmonds! I was ten years old and wore a red, white and blue halter dress to the show.

5.) Do you play music yourself? If so, what instrument/s? If not, what would you most like to play?

I don’t play. Yet. Just last week I had an idea to create a trio called The Hankettes to do Hank Williams cover songs. All I need is a fiddle player and someone to sing lead vocals. If anyone is interested, drop me a line!

6.) Do you have an inspirational song that helps you get through a hard day?

I have about a hundred of them (smile). Depending on what is happening in my life, I connect with a song I might hear on KZME that somehow captures my mood as it relates to that circumstance. Last fall, I was totally captured by Sink or Swim by John Craig & The Weekend because the lyrics of the song felt like they were written just for me. I was in a new relationship that was full of such potential but eventually failed. Every time I now hear that song, I have bittersweet memories of lost love.

7.) If you could only take one album to an island, what would it be?

The self-titled CD by the Ravishers. I love every single song on that CD and I also have a huge crush on the band (smile).

8.) Shout out (website, facebook, Twitter):

Facebook: kzmeradio.pdx

Twitter: @kzme

Website: www.1071fm.org

9.) Why do you think people should get involved with MVM?

I’ve seen some of the kids play music that they learned through the program and they were just beaming. Ian is an incredible, compassionate artist who exudes so much passion for his work at MVM – just imagine if we all possessed a tenth of that dedication – what a world we would live in, eh?

10.) Anything else you’d like to add?

As a proud sponsor, we just had MVM at KZME today to help promote the Benefit Concert that’s coming up on Saturday night.  We had four kids in the studio with Ian, talking about MVM and the songs that they wrote. We also had Josh & Mer, one of the four great local bands lined up to play. We hope to see you all there!

New subscribers to the My Voice Music Newsletter between Friday, May 11 and Friday, May 18, are automatically entered into a drawing for free admission to the event. 

What You Need To Do:

1) Subscribe to the My Voice Music Newsletter by entering your email address here. 

2) Rub your lucky rabbit’s foot, put on your left shoe first, or whatever luck-generating ritual you have.

THAT’S IT.

What We Will Do:

On Friday, May 18 at 12pm (PDT) we will randomly select four winners who will be notified via the email address provided for subscription. Those winners, and their guest, will be added to the Guest List at the door on the night of the event.

Event Details:

CONTEST RULES:

Contest closes at 12pm (PDT) on Friday, May 18. No purchase necessary. Must subscribe to the My Voice Music newsletter to enter.   Tickets will be issued in the form of winner’s name (+1 guest) on Guest List at the door. Winners must reply to email notification of winning with a verifiable name (i.e. State-issued ID). My Voice Music will not share your information with anyone.

Meet Pippa Arend!  - by Ian Mouser

“Shortly after My Voice Music was formed, I was introduced to Pippa,  p:ear co-founder.  After an initial meeting with Pippa, I understood that being close to her and the p:ear community would teach me volumes about the journey of founding and leading a non-profit youth organization.   P:ear became the first organization to partner with My Voice Music.  I have gleaned invaluable wisdom and advice while watching and interacting with Pippa and the p:ear community.

Pippa and p:ear have been crucial to MVM’s development.  They lent support as I created MVM’s first budgets, prepared grants, and hosted our first fundraising events.  They still provide guidance and a sense that, “yes this is work is difficult, but it can be done – and done well.”   The dedication of Pippa, and everyone leading p:ear, to their mission and this community is humbling and inspiring.   Their work reaches far beyond the walls of p:ear in Old Town.

I am very honored to introduce Pippa Arend as a My Voice Music Supporter – and can’t wait to attend p:ear’s 10th anniversary on May 12th.  Thanks Pippa…and p:ear!” – Ian, Founder/Director of MVM

3)    Why did you decide to support My Voice Music?

MVM provides a targeted form of personal expression for the youth it serves.  I’ve seen and experienced first-hand the effect music has on people – music is the breath of life – and Ian has a passion that is uncompromising in his field.  He brings out the best in people.

 

4)     What was your first concert and favorite song there or by that artist?

My first concert was Sinead O’Connor at the Roseland Theater, then called the Starry Night. I love her entire first album.

 

5)     Do you play music yourself?  If so, what instrument/s?  If not, what would you most like to play?

I’m trying to learn to play the lyre.

 

6)    Do you have an inspirational song that helps you get through a hard day?

Brendan Perry’s “Utopia” from his new album, “Ark”: “I feel… greater than the sum of all my parts…”.  I also listen to Korn and Rihanna. Don’t tell anyone.

 

7)    If you could only take one album to an island, what would it be?

Cat Power, The Greatest or Sufjan Stephens, Illinoise – it’s a tie.

 

8)    Shout out (website, facebook, Twitter):

Facebook: pearmentor

Twitter: pearmentor

Website: www.pearmentor.org

 

9) Why do you think people should get involved with MVM?

MVM is a uniquely skilled, attentive and passionate organization that is bringing music to young people.  Musicality allows voice.  Voice allows a sense of self-hood defined by the values and aesthetic sensibility of the individual.  This, in turn, allows the individual to find his/her place in the larger culture.

 

10) Anything else you’d like to add?

We have been proud to call MVM an ally and resource.  Thanks for this opportunity to talk about them!  I’d also love to encourage anyone who’s interested to attend our 10 year Anniversary Fundraising Dinner – P:ear Blossoms on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 5:30pm at the Left Bank Annex.  We’ll be featuring performances by Y La Bamba and the NW Dance Project.

July 30 – Aug 3    |    Aug 13 – Aug 17    |    Aug 27 – Aug 31

MVM Program Registration Form_Summer Camps 2012

About My Voice Music’s Rock Camps:

A fast-paced introduction to music and performance available to individuals with or without musical experience that explores what it takes to be in a band and create music!

• Students may learn to play the drum-set, electric guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, keyboards and to sing!
• Participants work with experienced volunteers and staff in order to write their own song as a group!
• Students are encouraged to use music and poetry to express themselves while jamming, singing and writing lyrics.  They work together as a band to choose musical styles, instrumentation, lyrical content and while rehearsing and performing.  We ask all youth to bring a positive attitude and a willingness to try new things.
• My Voice Music provides all instruments for youth to use during our programs.  If a student already has an instrument, they may bring it to class.

Available Summer Camps:  (all camps are Monday – friday, 9am – 3pm)

• Rock Camp 1:  July 30 – Aug 3  (ages 12 & 13)

• Rock Camp 2:  Aug 13 – Aug 17  (ages 14 & 15)

• Rock Camp 3:  Aug 27 – Aug 31  (ages 14 & 15)

 Fee:  $0 – $200 (Pay what you can afford!)

 Location:  Sound Roots Modern School of Music 3954 North Williams Ave Portland, OR 97227 (Map It)

Each Rock Camp ends with a Student Performance on Friday at 3pm!

*all youth to get picked up from Mississippi Pizza on Friday at 4pm!

• Where:Mississippi Pizza – 3552 North Mississippi Ave  Portland, OR 97227 Map It
• When: Friday at 3pm
• Who: Friends and Family welcome.

VOLUNTEER NEEDS:

We need 3 adult volunteers and 6 Student Volunteers who will commit to being present at our camps, Monday -Friday from 8am – 3:30pm each day.  Sign up for one camp, or all three!

Adult Volunteers – become a “Band Manager”!  Manage a “band” (consisting of five youth).  Responsible for working with a Student Volunteer, (“Co-Manager”) to;

1. teach youth to play various instruments including keys, guitars and drums
2. guide the band through the song writing process
3. prepare the band for their performance
4. creating a safe and friendly environment for all youth to thrive at camp
5. communicating with MVM Staff to address any concerns that may arise during groups.

Time Commitment:  

• Monday – Friday
• 8am – 3:30pm

Student Volunteers – become a “Co-Manager”:   Co-manage a “band” (consisting of five youth).  Responsible for working with an adult volunteer, (“Band Manager”) to;

1. teach youth to play various instruments including keys, guitars and drums
2. guide the band through the song writing process
3. prepare the band for their performance
4. creating a safe and friendly environment for all youth to thrive at camp
5. communicating with MVM Staff to address any concerns that may arise during groups.

Time Commitment:  

• Monday – Friday
• 8am – 3:30pm

Become a Roadie!  We need help preparing lunches, setting up and moving tables and chairs, cleaning up after lunches and hanging out with youth during the lunch break.

Time Commitment:  

• Monday – Friday
• 10:45 – 1:15

Other  Ways to Get Involved   – DONATE!

1. Sponsor a Rock Band!  - $1,000

2. Sponsor One Rocker for a Whole Camp! – $200

3. Sponsor One Rocker for a Day at Camp – $40

4. Instruments:  We could use some additional guitars, microphones and guitar stands for this camp.  If you have some old gear lying around not being used please consider donating it!
5. Lunches:  My Voice Music will be providing lunch for each camper, volunteer and staff person.  That is nearly 40 lunches every day!  If we buy these lunches it will cost nearly $1,000 per camp for food alone.

Can you help us to prepare 35 – 40 meals per day?  Do you know someone who can provide lunches at a significant discount or who would like to sponsor this portion of our camps?

Thank you to Sound Roots, Modern School of Music, for partnering with My Voice Music to provide space for these camps!!!

Youth, who varied in ages from 12 to 17 and populated a full spectrum of skill level, took to the stage and shared with friends, family, and the greater North Portland community the fruits of their creative labor.  From free-style rapping over composed beats to heart-felt wailing with guitars, the students poured themselves out to the audience and brought everything they had; and it was beautiful.

“It was an inspiring performance,” according to My Voice Music Founder/Director, Ian Mouser, who stated, “I was struck during this performance by the passion and conviction each student had regarding their music and their message.”

Local photographer and music fan, Paul Schmitke, reflected on the performance, saying: “…It was an afternoon to see how music is affecting my community in a positive way… Coming from situations that would make the average teen just whine and complain, many of the students from MVM have channeled experiences or feelings into their music and lyrics that will bring tears to your eyes…they are the voices of their communities!”

The performance that was on March 25 was the first end-of-quarter performance that My Voice Music has done. But with the way that the students got over their nerves and fears, stepped up to a room full of people and shared their voice in such a powerful way, it most certainly will not be the last.

A special thank you to the students, their families, supporters, everyone who attended the performance, and, of course, Mississippi Pizza for being such gracious hosts – until next time!

Christian recording during MVM's program at David Douglas HS in partnership with the SUN school program.

“My song ‘When I’m Gone’ represents many things. It represents how much violence has affected our city. This past year I have seen teen deaths.  I have lost two close friends to this violence and I’m not asking for revenge, I’m not asking to have someone hold my hand and tell me its gonna be okay.  I just want it to stop before I lose more people and so that no one else has to lose their own son or daughter… It shows how we should enjoy every second we are alive on this earth and take every chance we get to make ourselves a better person. This song has not only made my music known it has also helped me express my pain and emotion through my music.  When I made that song I never ever cared what anyone else thought about it.  I made it because it felt right. Every single rhyme that I rapped just felt good and I’m glad I could make it. All I want is for the violence to stop – that’s all I want out of it.” – Christian, MVM Electronic Music Program Student.

World, meet Christian.   If I had just one word to describe him it would be, passionate.  I met him after walking into the last day of our program at David Douglas High School’s fall quarter.  As I entered the room I saw a young man wearing headphones step up to a microphone and start to rap.  He could hear the beat through his headphones, but neither myself, or the other 10 or so people in the room, could hear anything but his voice.  What he had to say was powerful.  I had chills by the end of his take and the room was dead silent.  His passion and message was inspiring.  I asked him to perform at our student showcase at Mississippi Studios which was only days away.  Without missing a beat, he said, “yes!”

Christian has taken every opportunity My Voice Music has provided and turned it into something great.  He is a gifted musician who works hard and supports the people around him.   He truly embodies My Voice Music’s motto; “Believe in yourself in order to create something that means enough to give back” – Believe. Create. Give.

– Ian Mouser, MVM Founder and Executive Director

What type of music do you create? Do you play an instrument?  If so what do you play?

I am a hip hop artist. I’ve made rap music since 5^th grade. I play some rock music but I’m a rapper.

I play 5 instruments. I play guitar, bass, bass guitar, drums, and piano.

Why is music important to you?

Music is important to me because it is the way I can express my feelings and my emotions unlike all the kids my age who are involved with drugs alcohol violence; it’s the way I can just show people who I really am.

What did it feel like the first time you heard a recording of your music on play back?

It was like a dream come true.  It was like nothing I’ve ever expected before or experienced before in my life.

What do you like most about being a part of My Voice Music? 

I like that they’re a positive group of people. They help with recording and give honest opinions. They enouarge you to try and make it sound good and they are there to help you realize what kind of artist you are.

Christian performing, "When I'm Gone" at MVM's Student Showcase at Mississippi Studios

How has being a part of My Voice Music helped you outside of music – in school, at home, etc.?

It has helped me become a better person and be more honest with people and tell them how I really feel and just help me have a positive attitude during negative outcomes in life and help me keep my head up when there are struggles.

What does music bring you and how do you feel when you play? Why do you play?

It brings me a really great warmth inside. It honestly helps me through my life and it helps me do what I love to do and also allows me to do shows and stuff and let others see what I can do and then they can appreciate that.

What do you hope people take away from your music when they hear it?

I hope that they hear the message and bring it back. I don’t like violence and I don’t like that I lost 2 friends and 2 of them died and that it leaves my life story behind.

Christian and friends after MVM Student Showcase at Mississippi Studio

DDHS Student's, Alyssa and Christian, performing at the MVM Winter Student Showcase!

Every Wednesday afternoon from 3-4:30pm, during the school year, My Voice Music has been participating in a SUN School Program being hosted at David Douglas High School.  Regardless of skill level, the program is an excellent way for students with the passion and interest in creating music to flex their creative muscles and develop their talents, all under the guidance and assistance of local musicians and My Voice Music volunteers.

My Voice Music founder, Ian Mouser, explained that when the program first started in October 2011, they had planned the program would be a very top-down, curriculum-based class, teaching youth to make electronic music over the course of 8 weeks.  However, the nature of the program, and its drop-in style, meant that the curriculum-based format was not as effective for the students, who often were arriving with their own beats and lyrics ready to record.  With this change of culture, the program evolved to better meet the needs of the students in the form of bringing My Voice Music instruments and recording equipment so that students could learn to create their beats, and record their lyrics about their experiences, challenges, and elements of life.

Now, the classes play host to students making their own electronic music on My Voice Music-provided laptops, opportunities for students to practice writing lyrics and composing songs, as well as working with each other and volunteers to write acoustic music. All of which is a great experience for any students with the passion to create and have their voice heard.

“This has become a great program because it is really directed by the motivation and passion of the students involved,” Ian Mouser continued.  “The students who have been attending this class have also become integral participants in our public student performances.  Their motivation and passion is pretty awesome!”

Whether the students are preparing for a performance, or just looking for an outlet for their creative energy, this program is a great opportunity for students to embody the My Voice Music motto of: Believe, Create, Give – Believe in yourself in order to create something that means enough to give back. And it is also what the SUN School Programs are all about: Collaborating with community partners to provide youth with amazing opportunities!

And that is music to everyone’s ears.

• Date: April 9 – May 14th

• Days & Times:  Mondays 4:30 – 6:30pm
  

• Cost:  Pay What You Can Afford! ($0 –  $125)

• Location:  Sound Roots, 3954 North Williams Avenue  Portland, OR 97227

A fast-paced introduction to music and performance available to individuals with or without musical experience that explores what it takes to be in a band!

• Students may learn to play the drum-set, guitar, keyboards and to sing while developing musical concepts of time, tone, pitch and rhythm.
• Participants work with experienced volunteers and staff in order to write their own song
• Youth learn about the recording process while they record their own music with help from teachers and volunteers.
• Students are encouraged to use music and poetry to express themselves while jamming, singing and writing lyrics.
• They work together as a band to choose musical styles, instrumentation, lyrical content and while rehearsing and performing.  We ask all youth to bring a positive attitude and a willingness to try new things.
• My Voice Music provides all instruments for youth to use during our programs.  If a student already has an instrument, they may bring it to class, though we ask that they show up early to tune and set-up.  If youth do not have access to their own instruments to practice with at home, My Voice Music may be able to provide them with an instrument through our loan program, subject to availability.

Okay, I want to sign up, do I need to register in advance?  Yes!  All students must register and a release form must be filled out before arriving.  Student’s who do not have not turned their registration forms in will be asked to return at a later time.

1. DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FROM
2. Call or email us to confirm we have openings and secure a spot.
1. Phone:  971.533.8953
2. Email:  info (at) myvoicemusic.org

How much does it cost?  Sliding Scale:  $0 – $125 per six week session.  All of our programs our provided on a sliding scale based on what you can afford.

How old do I, or my child, need to be?  We are accepting students ages 12 – 17.

Where do lessons take place?  Mt. Scott Learning Center,  6148 SE Holgate Blvd. Portland, OR 97206 (map it)

Do I need to register in advance?  Yes!  All students must register and a release form must be filled out before arriving.  Student’s who do not have not turned their registration forms in will be asked to return at a later time.

1. DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FROM
2. Call or email us to confirm we have openings and secure a spot.
1. Phone:  971.533.8953
2. Email:  info (at) myvoicemusic.org

What if I want to learn to play the xylophone or an instrument you didn’t mention?  Great question!  There are no guaruntees, but we will see if there is a volunteer out there for you.  Just ask!

How does this work exactly?  In order to offer lessons and jam opportunities to everyone regardless of financial means, My Voice Music partners students with volunteer teachers for a six week period of time.   Based on student interests, MVM will do our best to find an instructor.

During each session, students will participate in a 50 minute individualized lesson in a group setting, take a break, and then participate in a jam session with students, volunteers and staff.

We would like to thank Mt. Scott Learning Center for offering their space to us free of charge!