Free Contemporary Music For High Schools
Now allowing recent graduates to return! *
The PLAY-off program provides high school students the creative space to form bands and prepare performances for their friends, teachers and families; at least one mid-year PLAY-off showcase and one culminating end-of-year PLAY- off showdown (Battle of the Bands). Student efforts throughout this experiential after-school programming are facilitated by professional musicians, though no college credits are earned. Through this engaging and fun music-making experience, students build self-esteem, explore self-expression and practice valuable lifeskills such as creative collaboration, situational awareness and professionalism.
What Does The Music Path Provide?
The Music Path provides a state-of-the-art P.A.system, drums, guitars, keyboards and synths, but encourages students to bring any instrument of their own – we do not endorse any particular genre. We also provide professional musicians to facilitate student rehearsal sessions that encourage collaboration and provide coaching, but offer minimal formal instruction.
What Do We Expect From Students?
Students are expected to already have some level of proficiency at playing an instrument or singing, even if self-taught. Although it’s all about having fun, we require the same professionalism and respect for bandmates that the “real world” demands. This means coming to sessions prepared and on time.
What Are The Band Requirements?
You can join with your friends, if you already have a band, or come alone and make friends joining one! Because we emphasize collaboration, we do require duets or larger. Loop based music is fine (we provide N.I. Maschine), but we encourage “real” instruments to be played in the band as well.
What Are The Song Requirements?
Bands are required to collectively choose and prepare at least three songs to perform: A “sound-a-like” (sound as close as possible to the original recording), a “cover” (create your own version of your favorite song), and a completely original song. . . Ahh, and sorry, but absolutely no cursing!
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Returning Graduates
- Priority goes to most recent and those who’ve already been in the program
- Participation at our discretion and adherence to strict behavioral contract
- Bands with graduates will perform in concerts, but not compete for prizes
