On March 14, the Washington, D.C. Chapter, in partnership with the GRAMMY Foundation and XM Satellite Radio, presented GRAMMY Career Day for the first time at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). Students from 16 high schools in the District of Columbia and Virginia gained first-hand knowledge of the music business through panels and workshops featuring top industry professionals.
On hand to officially welcome the students were Dr. Janice Borlandoe, acting vice president of student affairs, UDC; Chase Patterson, vice president, corporate affairs, XM Satellite Radio; and Harry Thomas Jr., Ward 5 Councilmember.
Hip-hop artist Bomani "D'mite" Armah provided an opening performance. The morning then continued with a super panel entitled “Let’s Make A Deal” featuring GRAMMY-nominated singer Raheem DeVaughn, image consultant Julie Edwards, 95.5 WPGC's DJ Flexx, artist manager Tom Goldfogle, hip-hop/R&B artist Lil' Mo, and hip-hop producer Chucky Thompson.
Two pre-selected students each performed a song a capella and the panel offered professional advice to the students. Through the student performances and panel feedback, the entire audience members received pointers on maximizing their talents and opportunities in the music industry.
Following the panel and lunch, students were treated to a live performance by up-and-coming student band YNI, made up of high school musicians from various local area public schools. Students then attended previously selected career workshops. A wide range of panelists shared their experiences and challenges in the business including Malachi Johns, Vaughan Mason and Dackeyia Sterling in "Business Of Music 101"; Kyle “DOC” Murdock and Billy Zero in "DYI Turntabalism"; Richard Burgess, Greg Lukens and James McKinney in "Home Studio"; Brooks Boliek in "Music Journalism: From The Pen To The Lens Room"; and Christon "Christylez" Bacon in "Songwriting."
The day concluded with performances by students from UDC music department.