T h e V i s i o n

A Professional Recording Studio

& Audio Learning Laboratory

• What: A state-of-the-art production environment,

musical instruments, a digital music library.

• Users: Youth and adult YMCA members, and hourly-

rental customers.

• Output: Music, sound effects, narration, and poetry,

• Gear: Microphones, vocal booth, computers, piano

keyboards, synthesizers, software, electronic drums, an

electric guitar, a saxophone, a violin, African drums.

• Field trips: Concerts, recording studios, exhibits.

A Professional Recording Studio &

Audio Learning Laboratory

YMCA Mission

• YMCA International: enhance understanding of

the world.

• YMCA USA:

– respond to critical social needs.

– deepen youth's positive values and motivation

to learn.

• San Francisco YMCA: provide resources that

each neighborhood needs.

Global Understanding

• Digital Music Library will house music and

audio arts from around the world.

• African Diaspora

–African music

–Gospel

–Blues

–Jazz

–More than Hip-Hop and Rap

Values

• Collaboration

• No cussing, no violent lyrics

• Personal Growth through expression

– transformative, therapeutic

– lyrics about their lives, families, friends,

future, fears

• Ownership, Respect for equipment

Educational Benefits

• Intellectual Development– "The very best engineers and technical designers in

the Silicon Valley industry are, nearly without

exception, practicing musicians." -The Center for the

Arts in the Basic Curriculum

• Hands-on, Project-Based Learning– "There is ample evidence that Project-Based Learning

is an effective method for teaching students complex

processes and procedures such as planning,

communicating, problem solving, and decision

making." -The Autodesk Foundation

Career Development

• Professional Preparation– Sound Engineering

– Music Performance

– Electrical Engineering

– Sound Design for film, theater, television, dance

– Radio Broadcasting

– Computer Programming

• Work Ethic– Students will be paid to engineer recordings for customers.

• Real-World Opportunities– professional contacts

– field trips

– internships

Community Benefits

• Affordable Professional Studio

• Bridging the Digital Divide

Revenue

• Hourly rentals will contribute to

operating costs.

Existing Limitations

• Untreated Room: Not soundproofed or

acoustically treated.

• Only One Workstation: Can't accommodate

multiple students.

• No Maintenance Budget: No budget to repair

or upgrade, no budget for field trips.

• Unprofessional: Lacks standard professional

gear and software.

Objectives

• Industry-Standard Technology

• Multiple Workstations

• Electronic Drums:– quiet, multiple students

– better for the youngest kids

• Soundproofing & Acoustic Treatment

Advisors & Guests

People who have donated their time to our youths:

• Songwriter for Celine Dion, Gina Schock

• Owner, Hyde Street Studios, Michael Ward

• President, Sound Arts, Brian Schmierer

• Editor, Lucas Films/ Skywalker Sound, Jules Beasley

• RCA Records Vice President, Marvin Robinson

• Composer & French Horn Player, Scott Chowning

• Violinist

• Beatboxer

• Dance Troupe

• Drummer for Prince, Mike Jingles

Cost

• Approximately $45,000

• Construction $30,000

• Gear & Software $15,000