On March 27 Chicago-area high school students gained firsthand knowledge of the music industry during GRAMMY Career Day at Columbia College Chicago.
The day began with an introduction by Chapter President Peter Strand and a motivating presentation by Columbia College Chicago Director for Diversity Recruitment Gemini Wadley. Chicago native spoken word artist Malik Yusef then took the stage and treated the students to a rousing performance, which was followed by an informative Up Close & Personal session led by Strand. Yusef touched on his history and the people he works with in the industry. He stressed the importance of creating a healthy career and immersing yourself in your work and making as many contacts as possible. "Greatness runs in circles," Yusef said to the students. "Be careful who you surround yourself with."
After the initial session, students were treated to lunch and given the opportunity to learn a bit more about the college. Following lunch, students were separated into one of seven specialized workshop sessions. Sessions included "Be The Next...Entertainment Reporter," which featured Cheap Trick founding guitarist Rick Nielsen and Blackbox frontman and CBS 2 Chicago's six-time Emmy-winning Damon Ranger. Students were taken through an interactive process on how to put a basic television entertainment story together. "Be The Next...Stage Performer" featured concert violinist Rachel Barton Pine, who provided insider's advice about stage deportment and audience communication. "Be The Next...Songwriter" featured Anne Harris, singer/songwriter and fiddle player, and Chris Siebold, guitarist. Harris and Siebold addressed topics such as song ideas, how to combine music and lyrics, and inspiration and story-telling.
Other workshops included "Be The Next...Lead Singer," "Be The Next...Big Thing In Music For Advertising," "Be The Next...Talent Buyer," and "Be The Next...Producer/Engineer." After the hour-long workshop sessions, all attendees returned to the general session room where they were treated to an impromptu performance by Nielsen and Ranger.
The event was covered by the local CBS affiliate and highlighted on their 5:30 p.m. news telecast. It was also featured in the Chicago Tribune and on the homepage of the Chicago Music Guide Web site.
Special thanks to Gemini Wadley, Neil Jiminez, Courtney Compeau, Steve Cole and all the staff at Columbia College Chicago, and to all our GRAMMY Career Day event participants.