We provide a positive environment of learning, instructed by professional, world renowned Artists and outstanding Regional Music Educators. The “How BIG Is Your Dream?! offers programming designed to encourage individuals that aspire to have a career in the field of entertainment with instructions in the areas of music, arts, diversity and education.
Our Soundtrack In American Music: MASTER SESSIONS February 15 -19, 2023
The Music Masters programming expands the offering of HBIYD?! master level training by providing a historical foundation of the music and art that the students learn and perform. Scholars note that studying history helps us better develop an understanding of the world and grapple with complex questions and dilemmas by examining how the past has shaped (and continues to shape) societies, cultures, ideologies, relationships, and people. For children, immersion into history through reenactments of historical experiences makes the experience come alive and becomes more impactful and impressionable. The purpose of providing a history component is to further solidify the student’s relationship and commitment to the art they perform. Connecting them with artist from the past – and some from the present – builds cultural pride, appreciation, and inspires. An admiration is generated, which perhaps challenges the student to strive to reach the artist’s level. The student will be able to identify with artists of historical significance as well as set new levels of achievement for themselves as they perfect their craft. Music Masters will include the foundation’s M.A.D.E. programming (instruction from professionals) which will also include a platform in which the students will fully engage in the artistic expression and performance of selected works in the genre through musical arrangement, musical performance, dance choreography, dance performance, stage presence, stage production, musical technology, lighting, and staging.
Lastly, a 30 minute performance video completely created, produced, staged, and performed by the students in the program using a historical outline, genre selection, and performance criteria will be produced. As M.A.D.E. program participants, students will be expected to exhibit significant skill gain from their baseline noted at the beginning of the program.
This year’s Our Soundtrack In American Music will focus on the musical style, the Blues. During a week long session, students will learn the historical context of the development of the Blues, identify the musical theory characteristics of the Blues, and perform notable selections from the genre. Daily master classes will be led by knowledgeable, industry professionals and award-winning artists of the Blues genre. The week will inspire the upcoming generation of musicians to continue the traditions of the Blues genre, as well as function as a boot-camp for beginning to intermediate instrumentalist and vocalist.
Week-at-a-glance
Wednesday: Get To Know You & The Blues – Student-artists will participate in several icebreaker activities. They will also learn the foundations of the Blues form through learning a basic Blues piece, composing, and performing. (4pm - 7pm)
Thursday: History of the Blues – Student-artists will explore the historical context of the Blues genre, from American Enslavement to the Vietnam War and present music and findings. (4pm - 7pm)
Friday: Power of the Dominant 7 – Student-artists will analyze the standard chordal structure of Blues songs, understand and apply its uniqueness. (11am - 5pm)
Saturday: The Pentatonic Scale – Student-artists will understand the use of the pentatonic scale for melodic composition and improvisation in the Blues genre. Student-artists will explore the use of the pentatonic scale through “jam style” improvisation. (11am - 5pm)
Sunday: Finale Performance – Student-artists will perform notable pieces from the Blues genre and demonstrate their knowledge of foundational Blues characteristics through historical presentations and improvisation. (Call time TBA) (Showtime - 7pm)
Goal: We will incorporate a history lesson via a set curriculum and lesson plan in music history pertaining to Black artist from Georgia and noted artist otherwise who have contributed to specific genres historically.
We are excited to have you join us at
OUR SOUNDTRACK IN AMERICAN MUSIC - MASTER SESSIONS
Space is limited. Register below to get started.
The How Big Is Your Dream Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization that equips youth with the skills and character traits needed to fulfill their dreams. Proceeds from donations and grant funding help provide student-artists with mentorship, music and performing arts instruction, performance opportunities through the How Big Is Your Dream Foundation. Proceeds also support the Foundation’s community engagement events throughout the year including seminars and workshops conducted by seasoned professionals and educators that represent all facets of the music industry.