“I have been reminded, musically speaking, that it’s more important to move someone than to amaze them, because then you’ve got a shot at changing their world. That’s what these kids are giving to me.” Deanna Bogart, AMP Coach, Award Winning Blues Singer, Saxophone Player and Pianist
By Lisa Morgan
Can music truly change the world? I think most of us would really like to believe it can. Thanks to the Academy of Musical Performance (AMP), some our valley’s young aspiring musicians will be better equipped to find out. One thing is certain; the experience they’ve received will change the world for these students, just as the experience of mentoring the students has affected the many coaches, staff and volunteers who showed up with them every Monday through Friday for the past three weeks. I know that simply watching all of them behind the scenes for one day, has richly inspired mine.
In an age where budget cuts can limit opportunities for aspiring school age musicians, Coachella Valley Community Trust joined forces with Goldenvoice to create this opportunity for our valley’s musically motivated youth. For the second year in a row, a collection of the valley’s best and brightest teachers and professional musicians were joined with talented students from schools across the low desert. Young musicians were guided through a challenging, professional, hands on experience that will ultimately help them to smartly navigate their future music endeavors. Last year the program was a four week experience and this year it was three weeks. In 2017, AMP is looking to open its doors year round.
The mission of AMP is to “enrich the lives of young musicians living in the Coachella Valley by fostering productivity, and social responsibility through creativity, communication and collaboration in the development and enhancement of musical performance and concert production skills.” Based on what I have seen, I would say with confidence that they are succeeding in an extraordinary way.
I had the pleasure of watching last year’s AMP kids legitimately rock the world of the almost 400 people attending their end of camp performance in 2015. There wasn’t a soul in the audience that was not thrilled by what these kids were able to do with only a few weeks to prepare. Even Andy Cahan, a lifetime musician who has played with the likes of The Turtles, Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard and Harry Nilsson was impressed. “They were so professional and so good, my jaw dropped to the ground,” said Cahan. “They are all going to be very happy musicians when they grow up.” I can only imagine what it was like for the parents, friends and family as they witnessed the transformation of these young artists in such a short time.”
This year, with one week left of camp to go, I was able to come and observe the Academy behind the scenes. I showed up at noon, just after the kids had their “Master Class,” the class where they studied the instrument or skill set they came into camp with. I left just before five, following an outstanding performance. I honestly didn’t have a single moment where I wasn’t surprised, inspired or simply in awe. This year’s theme, as is written on the back of the AMP t-shirts, is “Create – Collaborate – Communicate.”
The first thing I experienced was their “Open Mic”. An open mic is one of the first places musicians will go to get connected with a music community and try out new songs, so it was fantastic seeing these kids become acquainted with the tradition. Brayden was in charge, clip board in hand. Her stage presence was natural, and her energy came from a place of pure joy. She had a presence that commanded your attention, even when she was simply announcing and managing. I would later hear a voice come out of her small frame that did the very same, even more powerfully.
The first student to perform was Yevalea, one of a handful of students who travel from as far as the Salton Sea to be at the camp every day. She sat down with her guitar (she also plays piano and drums). She expressed some nervousness, sharing that she had never played the song she was about to perform for anyone but her family. It was a song that she had written. What came out of this young girl’s heart, guitar and mouth was quite possibly one of the most powerfully honest and moving songs I have ever heard performed by a young songwriter. I was spellbound. Following Yevalea, was singer Sabrina joined by Kayla on guitar. They sang beautifully together with lilting harmonies that took my breath away. Kayla, a natural performer, also performed original songs as she accompanied herself on guitar. It was truly something special.
These beautifully voiced young ladies were followed by a graceful guitar player/singer/AMP student, Nadia, who was accompanied by none other than the renowned, award winning multi- instrumentalist/singer/AMP coach, Deanna Bogart. Bogart was a perfect recruit for these kids. Her own youthful energy and charisma and sense of humor combined with her tenured skill set engaged the entire room. I watched as she turned her entire performance with Nadia into one teaching moment after another, and Nadia kept right up with her. An experienced singer/performer myself, I was learning important fundamentals right along with the rest of the students. She showed these kids (and me) what performing fearlessly looks like; how to go after the audience’s attention and heart without inhibition, how to ease new players into a new song, how to trust your gut and your ear and improvise vocally and instrumentally, and how to make it all a whole lot of fun. We learned oh so much in a mere ten minutes.
I shadowed AMP Music Director, Bob Hamilton and Committee Member, Cherise Sonderman for the next couple of hours, going from band room to band room. Each room contained a different band that the kids had been assigned to at the beginning of the week. They were all preparing to perform four songs that they had only 8-10 hours of class time to practice before playing them on stage for the entire school and staff. Each band had to go into their rehearsal room, set up and hook up all the instruments. They had to tune all the guitars (which their instructors had made certain were out of tune), and they had to reset all the levels on the PA that had all been set to zero. From what I’m told, most of the bands were able to do this in less than 15 minutes. That in itself is astounding. “We want the kids to be prepared for anything,” explained Hamilton. “I want them to know what to do in a ‘worst-case-scenario,’ like if they show up to a stage with nothing set up and have to perform in 15 minutes.”
One of the first rooms we walked in on was overseen by Music Specialist, Curtis Hendricks. They were in the middle of playing Van Halen’s “Jump” when we walked in. While there were a few stumbles in the transitions, it was surprisingly good. Another room was working out the stops and dynamics of a Kings of Leon song. When we came back around, less than 30 minutes later, my jaw about became a door stop – the kids had their tunes solidly dialed in. It was if I’d turned the corner and walked into a whole new band. I’ve only seen seasoned musicians accomplish that kind of speedy improvement.
As Bob Hamilton led us on our tour, he rarely left a room without leaving a bit of experience and wisdom behind. In one instance, he was made aware that a student’s E string had broken (apparently this was something that was happening regularly). Hamilton did not offer an immediate solution when he was told about it. He acknowledged the problem and asked, “Did it break in the same place?” The answer was yes. “So it keeps breaking in the same place…that’s a good problem.” Then he waited silently, hands in his pockets, apparently waiting for the student to speak but the student was hesitant. “Was there something you wanted me to do about it, Hamilton asked?” Now trust me, he wasn’t being arrogant or antagonistic. He was clearly driving home a lesson – teaching something that I, to this day, struggle with because nobody ever taught me that it was ok or even expected, not to mention a requirement for success. He wanted them to “communicate” the need and ask for help, as well as to think through the solution. When someone finally did speak up and said, “We need to either borrow another guitar or get a new string for it.” Bob responded with, “I have both solutions. Which one do you want?” It was settled that he would be bringing them new strings, and Bob added, “You may want to go up to a 12 gauge string. Also, look at where it’s breaking; you may need to sand down a microscopic ridge that is continually wearing on the string.” With that final wisdom packed exchange, we were off to the next room, picking up a pack of new E strings on our way.
We walked back in on the band that was covering the Kings of Leon tune. Once again, the improvement was remarkable. They had a minor break down in the last few measures, and their charismatic coach, Abie Perkins, walked them through the trouble spot. Bob interjected as well, stating, “We have coaches, cheerleaders and conductors in this room. These are your coaches,” he said as he turned toward Perkins. “I want the vocalists to be the conductors and the cheerleaders.” Then he went on giving the female vocalists tips on how to cue the band and lead them through the changes. I’ve been a female vocalist for a long time, and I’ve never seen myself as a conductor or cheerleader. I do now.
At the end of the day, I sat with Committee Members Cherise Sonderman and Greg Vincent in the beautiful Shadow Hills High School Performing Arts Center theatre as each band played their four songs. It was, once again, mind blowing what these kids were all able to achieve in such a short time. Even more inspiring was seeing the light in each of them as they were very obviously engaged in something that they loved. Fully focused and all working together, creating, collaborating and communicating, the AMP students made great music together. They each took their bows, then gathered together to get some constructive tips to help them along in the learning process.
Following solid affirmation for what they had accomplished, the instructors gave them instruction: “There will be no music stands next week.” “Remember to thank the sound man and anyone responsible for giving you the opportunity to play on their stage.” “When a guitar strap breaks, see if you can fix it quickly or grab a chair.” “Ask your stage manager for what you need.” “Watch your sound man.” “Communicate with your sound man.” Then they were given their assignments. After coming together for such a solid performance, all musicians were reassigned to form an entirely new band. Not only that, but they were given the challenge to write up to four new original songs to perform at their final show. “All the bands you see playing the music festivals like Coachella are all doing original songs,” Will Sturgeon, Assistant Music Director, said as he encouraged the kids.
I spoke with some of the faculty afterward to get their insight on the AMP experience:
“I jumped at the chance to be part of this. We as teachers are helping the young people play their instruments and learn to play with other musicians. The idea is how to work with people and appreciate each other in our lives.” Bob Furgo (Furgo is a multi-instrumentalist who can be found playing at Pappy and Harriet’s in the Sunday Band, in the Shadow Mountain Band, and others. He is a highly sought after studio musician and featured on countless albums.)
“I would have never thought I could ask someone at their age to work in a seven person band, create a three part song using two different chord progressions, have a solid beginning and ending, and have it be done in an hour! It amazes me to see what they come up with and how well they perform it. They also get a chance to learn their favorite songs, new and old, and perform them live. I would love to see this program flourish into a year-long program and be there to watch and help these young musicians grow to become something even greater.” Curtis Hendricks, Music Specialist
“I am so grateful for this amazing program for my musicians. I volunteer because I love that AMP is available for all of these incredible youth. I am the lucky one who watches my boys as they grow as musicians and people. Kate, Bob and Will have created this incredible experience. I want to help it thrive and grow for our Valley. It’s amazing to see what can happen when we give these kids the opportunity to create and collaborate like real musicians and all that comes with it.” Cherise Sonderman, Committee Member (Sonderman is also the mother of two AMP students, one of which has returned for his second year)
“I would say this year has been a success beyond what I imagined it would be. We are giving the musicians tasks like writing a song in 90 mins as a band, and because they don’t know how crazy that is to do, they do it! We’ve been so impressed with how hard everyone’s been working and the new emphasis on writing and creating is really taking things to the next level. We’re hearing a lot of really great songs. I think being in a band teaches a lot of lessons, outside of just music lessons; it seems like everyone is stimulated and interacting really healthily. I’m excited to be playing shows with some of these musicians around the desert in the next five years!” Will Sturgeon, AMP Assistant Music Director (Sturgeon is a singer/songwriter/musician in local award winning band, Brightener, featured at the 2016 Coachella Music and Arts Festival)
“Kate Spates asked me to be a part of the committee last year before they started doing auditions. She and a couple of representatives from the CVCT, primarily Roman Whittaker, got together to try and make AMP happen. Kate and Roman brought Bob and Will on this year as staff to take it to the next level, and without a doubt they were great hires! (Will was a volunteer last year and this year is the Assistant Music Director) I thought last year was good but this year is awesome to say the least. This whole thing started as kind of a School of Rock vibe; it is now undoubtedly a legitimate training ground for young musicians. I can’t wait to see what Bob and Will do with a whole year to plan for 2017!” Greg Vincent, Committee Member (Vincent is a singer/songwriter/recording artist and founder of award winning band R Buckle Road)
“AMP has potential to create a music scene of young professional musicians that represent our community at festivals and events across the Coachella Valley. Our core values include creativity, communication, and collaboration. Aside from the musicianship, accountability, and professionalism needed to thrive in our program, we build strong leaders and listeners in tune with the people and environment that surrounds them.” Bob Hamilton, Music Director (Hamilton is a local school teacher and an extremely talented multi-instrumentalist)
“Having seed funding from Goldenvoice was instrumental in creating this program and by opening up sponsorship opportunities this year, we are planning for future sustainability and expansion of this great program. This year, our second year, the community has shown incredible support. We have every lunch sponsored by local restaurants for all 14 days. This is a huge savings and allows us to allocate those funds toward our year-long program to keep these kids engaged and playing at venues throughout the desert.” Kate Spates, Program Director
AMP recently formed a partnership with DIGICOM, which is a teacher-training program designed to instruct teachers how to incorporate digital storytelling into their curriculum. DIGICOM’s summer intern program has 5 high school students in the Palm Springs School District filming and producing a documentary on the AMP program.
The AMP Summer Camp Showcase Performance will be held Saturday, July 16th at Shadow Hills High School Performing Arts Center, from 4 to 6 p.m. Tickets are expected to sell out.
For more information about Academy of Musical Performance visit www.ampcv.com.
For more information about Coachella Valley Community Trust visit www.cvcommunitytrust.org.
For more information about DIGICOM, visit www.digicomfilmfestival.com.
Photos by Julie Moses (juliemoses.com)
