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| Detroit Opera House presented 2 week MDYUC Day-Camp in July |
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Course included “How to make your own CD” Primer.
The Detroit Opera House, long known for it’s rich cultural impact on Metro Detroit, included a new program the “2004 Learning at the Opera House Programs”catalog this year: Mello-D’s “Youth Under Construction” (MDYUC) Pop & Hip-Hop Music Camp with a Positive Twist. Based on the Award-Winning Music CD.
Beginners as well as those advanced in the performing arts benefited from the fast-paced program that featured an overview of the entertainment industry and explored how a CD is created, distributed and marketed. MORE...
Twenty-four young people seeking direction on how to create their own musical production developed a better understanding of the process while utilizing established MDYUC material as the foundation for the final performance, a play called “BLACKOUT,” presented on July 17th.
Some of the performing arts disiplines as well as fields related to the CD creation process included:
Emcee
Acting
Singing
Dancing
Breakdancing
Set Design
Songwriting
Scriptwriting
Storytelling
Graphics
Photography
Videography
Students were provided with a workbook, plus additional MDYUC materials, including:
CD
Lyric Poster
T-Shirt
Video
Play Script
Complete Song Lyrics Book
To help young people reach their goals, the workbook included valuable information about project planning, team building, time managment and other topics to assist in helping them stay “on track”.
Project producer David “Mello-D” Sawicki led the course, drawing from real-life experience as a musician-songwriter-director-producer-graphic artist-marketing specialist-internet consultant and more! Special guest trainers in vocal, dance and acting further enhanced the student’s learning. This was an opportunity to become a part of a real production while learning critical points about the business of music.
A letter from workshop attendee Chris Walker says it all:
First, I would to thank the MOT and Youth Under Construction for the opportunity to have a M.D.Y.U.C. camp. Second, a special thanks to David, Lisa, Mr. and Mrs. DiChiera, Betty Lane, D’ea, Stephanie, Jessie, Lauren, and Paul for making this experience of “Learning @ The Opera House” that much more enjoyable (any body else I have forgotten, thank you as well). Third, a really special thanks to the newest M.D.Y.U.C. members (and some previous members) that put together a spectacular show(-case of talent, both in front and behind the camera). It could not have been done with us, y’all, believe that! Thanks, from the bottom of my heart!
As for the workshop, this is where the real knowledge came into play! With the insight into the music business by David “Mell-D” Sawicki, I believe the group gained a wealth of knowledge that could carry them to the next level. Along with the lecture-style teaching of the music business, the putting-together of the actual performance was an educational tool in itself. There’s no way better to learn than hands-on.
The second part of “BLACKOUT!” was a masterpiece (plain and simple)! The crash scene and rescue was put together beautifully, and the song “Hero” was beautifully done (by my little sister, I might add!). The extra addition of the actual heroes and survivor capped off a day that many people will never forget! And yes, if time allows, I will return next year!
Sincerely,
Chris Walker A.K.A. C-Gutta
Hundreds of Metro area youth and their families have been involved with MDYUC productions since 1992. Maryland-based Parents' Choice Foundation- the foundation that searches out and recommends products that benefit young people and rates their level of excellence, recently awarded their highest level of distinction, the Gold Award, to Mello-D's “Youth Under Construction” (MDYUC) v1.0. The foundation’s Web site, www.parents-choice.org lauds the CD as a “terrific R&B, hip-hop and rap collection... an authentic, driving beat, these well-crafted, heartfelt songs, sung by talented young people, respect listeners as they emphatically convey uplifting messages that speak directly to serious adolescent challenges. Songs like “You Stand Out,” “Good Thingz,” “Figure It Out” and “Much Betta” underscore the title track's theme: “Tired of messed-up, shady rhymes, we've got fresh and fertile minds. Well aware that we deserve a better rap. Youth under construction, youth in development. Building a better way.”
One of MDYUC's primary missions is to involve youth in the creative process of producing positive music that actually means something and inspires them. The messages of the songs and interactivity of the music and lessons helps our youth feel connected and important. MDYUC strives to make a difference in the lives of young people and their families and the power of youth inspiring youth.
Click here to view the page from the Detroit Opera House Summer Programs Catalog
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