On Jan. 31, more than 350 high school music students from Crim High School, Douglass High School, Grady High School, Mays High School, North Atlanta High School, South Atlanta High School, Southside High School, Therrell High School and Washington High School enjoyed GRAMMY Career Day with a multitude of music industry professionals at Clark Atlanta University. As the students entered the sanctuary of the Park Street Music & Art Complex, the infamous Clark Atlanta University jazz ensemble entertained the eager students. Dr. Sharon Willis, chair of the department of music for Clark Atlanta University, welcomed the students and spoke of the importance of arts education in the schools.
A panel that let the students know that music is a business and there are other opportunities beyond being an artist followed. All panelists gave inspirational advice and motivation to the students. The panel ended with a question-and-answer session, and students were escorted to one of four breakout workshops. Panelists included: Lyfe Jennings, GRAMMY Award-winners Earl Klugh and Ludacris, Chapter Trustee Dee Dee Murray (GM of Purple Ribbon Records), songwriter Tab Nkhereanye and GRAMMY Award-winning engineer Phil Tan.
Workshops included "The Art Of Music," an interactive session on design that took the students on a journey into a world sometimes overlooked by the music industry. Panelists included GRAMMY Award-winning art director and Chapter Governor Susan Archie, Mil Cannon (owner of Imagmil Studios) and photographer Frank Mullen.
"The Art Of Songwriting" focused on the songwriting process, how songwriters are inspired and how they compose lyrics to their award winning songs. Panelists included Lyfe Jennings, Ludacris, Tab Nkhereanye, singer/songwriter Cheryl Rogers, recording artist Shareefa and was moderated by Chapter Governor Eddie Horst.
"Producing, Engineering & Music Technology" was an instructional class that focused on all aspects of producing and engineering, as well as insights into new technology. Panelists included producer Khao, Chapter Governor Huston Singletary and engineer Phil Tan.
The "Vocal Workshop" was conducted by Jan Smith and Dionne Osborne (owner and instructor, respectively, of Jan Smith Studios) and addressed a variety of vocal techniques.
After a brief break for lunch, the students returned to the auditorium for the closing performance by Disturbing Tha Peace recording artist Shareefa, who was joined on stage by surprise guest Ludacris.
GRAMMY Career Day was presented by the GRAMMY Foundation and Gibson Baldwin Music Education.