John Marshall School of Information Technology was recently awarded a J Dilla Music Tech Grant worth $55,000 from the Save The Music Foundation.
J Dilla was an influential hip hop producer who combined straight and swung elements in his productions by integrating technology into his music. He died in 2006 at the age of 32 from a combination of a rare blood disease and lupus, but not before becoming one of the most influential producers in hip hop and popular music. Now, his namesake grant will be used to purchase electronic recording equipment and electronic instruments for John Marshall’s music program.
According to John Marshall music instructor, Aeneas Alldredge, the grant will allow Marshall’s music program to integrate technology into the existing music curriculum as well as allow the school to create a stand-alone class for students interested in digital music. Students will be able to explore the opportunities for employment in the music technology field, record school bands, and create digital recordings for college applications as well as audition recordings. The grant will also establish the school as a future magnet for the District as an electronic/IT enhanced music program.
The Save The Music Foundation is a philanthropic foundation that believes that music should be a part of every young student’s well-rounded education. The New York-based foundation supports music programs in more than 2,000 public school districts across the United States.