Programs · High School Programs
Middle School Programs | High School Programs | Evening Programs
Music
Music Program
First of its kind, the Music Program is a union of youth initiated and led programs where its participants are fully involved in the development of curriculum, planning, meetings, events, performances and collaborations. Participants learn various skills via workshops, trainings and day to day work in programs. Cross program collaborations are a daily routine as a community and family mentality was fostered since the early stages of the programs.
Music Program Photo Gallery
DJ Class
Our DJ Class is taught by Jesse Narin (DJ Phaa) and Nathan Rothstein (DJ Nate). Class is every Monday from 3:30 to 5:00p.m. in T6.
It started a while back, in 2004 I believe. I think it was taught by MK and if my memory serves me right, Jesse was one of his program participants. I remember Jesse did a bit of spinning during a school event in 2005 along side of MK. I don't think the program was around in 2005, but MK provided music for that event. The class came back in late 2006, around the same time the idea of Open Mic Friday formed and, Guitar Class and the Band started. Jesse Narin a.k.a. DJ Phaa and Nathan Rothstein a.k.a. DJ Nate (DJ Class instructors) have come a long way since those days. They have matured, acquired many new skills, built their confidence and have improved their relationship as instructors and friends. They have performed on several occasions at G.W.H.S., Presidio M.S. and RDNC.
DJ Class Photo Gallery | DJ Class Videos
CONTACT: Ricardo Bonilla
Guitar Class
Guitar Class is taught by Kevin Chan. It is every Tuesday after school, from 3:30p.m. to 5:00p.m. in T6. It started with Kevin Portillo being interested in teaching how to play guitar. He developed curriculum and presented it to Tonilyn A. Sideco back in late 2006. Toni approached Ricardo and he met with Kevin Portillo. The class started with Kevin Portillo as the instructor. Then, Kevin Chan joined as 2nd/supportive instructor. Kevin Portillo shifted his focus on starting the Band project (which lasted for about 2-3 months) and Kevin Chan became the main instructor. Kevin Portillo and band members made a guest appearance during Open Mic Friday in early 2007 during are going away party for Philippe Kohanovski. Kevin Chan built his own materials to teach the class and has been instructor since then. Kevin Chan is a very skilled guitarist and singer. He has performed more than five times in front of the school along side of the Wash Boys and DJ Phaa.
Photo Gallery | Kevin Chan's Performances Videos
CONTACT: Ricardo Bonilla
Open Mic Friday
Open Mic Friday started with DJ Phaa and DJ Nate spinning records in the Teen Center after school every Friday. From there, the Mic was introduced and students began to MC, freestyle and battle each other while the DJ's spun. Open Mic Friday was an idea introduced by Philippe Kohanovski back in early Spring 2006.
CONTACT: Ricardo Bonilla
JustBEATS
JustBEATS, was developed naturally by student interest in and passion for music. It is fully student-lead (under the direction of Ricardo Bonilla) and serves as a place for students to record (rap and sing) and produce songs. Poets, rappers, singers and DJs compose this purely youth created and lead program. Students use Fruityloops (FL Studio), Protools, Soundtrack Pro, Garageband and Reason on Apple Intel Core 2 Duo iMacs. Students in this program are very talented, have previous training and/or receive training during program. Don't miss their performances on and off school grounds. Almost the entire group is also part of Spoken Word and DJ Class. Drop by to any of these programs to meet them and be part of their efforts.
The group meets in T6 every Wednesday (3:30p.m. - 6p.m.), Thursday (2p.m. - 6p.m.) and Friday (4:30p.m. - 6p.m.).
Photo Gallery | Our Live Performances Videos
CONTACT: Ricardo Bonilla
M4TROU (Music For The Rest Of Us)
Born from dissatisfaction with the current state of Hip Hop and its dominance, M4TROU burst from youth's desire to bring equality to and representation of other musical styles. Headed by Paul Celis and Silvio Caldera, two very musically open-minded and intelligent youth, the program has achieved very important things like the trust, support and gratitude of the principal, vice-principal, lead P.E. department staff, Mr. Brinton and other G.W.H.S. staff. It helped open the doors for performances by JustBEATS participants and Kevin Chan. The program has a very important role as it also promotes Beacon programs, events and workshops. You can catch us in the esplanade during lunch every Monday and Wednesday playing metal, alternative rock, rock en espanol, electronica, reggae, latin, old school hip hop and other musical styles. In addition to playing music and participating in events, participants learn to use Soundtrack Pro and Reason to compose and edit music.
Photo Gallery
CONTACT: Ricardo Bonilla
