On Tuesday March 22nd the Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS), the Arts Commission, Music Commission, and the Office of Film + Music brought Executive Director of The Vera Project (and Seattle Music Commissioner) Tim Lennon, and ARTS’ Digital Media Specialist (and Stranger writer and KEXP DJ/musician ) Larry Mizell Jr to Nathan Hale High School to speak to students for the City of Music Career Day Roadshow. Mizell and Lennon spoke with two classes of young people that were engaged and curious, and answered questions about getting experience, making connections, and finding opportunities to work in the music industry. (A request to freestyle was sadly denied.)
A few students knew about the organizations that Mizell and Lennon represented, a couple had heard Larry’s radio show, and one was already volunteering at Vera, but it was news to most in attendance. After talking with Lennon and Mizell, some students expressed excitement, and made plans with each other before they left the room, to volunteer at one or more of the organizations in the future. All in all, the roadshow was a great opportunity to spread the word about the annual City Of Music Career Day, what making a living in the arts and music can mean, and about how to crack the too-often-inscrutable puzzle of “how to get started”.
City of Music Career Day Roadshows: A new partnership in 2016 with Seattle Public Schools, produced in partnership with Seattle Music Commission, Office of Film + Music, Seattle Arts Commission and Office of Arts & Culture, the City of Music Career Day Roadshows are concentrated outreach and engagement programs that pair two music industry professionals (musicians, producers, radio personalities, record labels, etc.) and brings them into the classroom to share their artistic, creative, and professional experiences with students. It provides a direct connection for students to learn about the diverse opportunities and career pathways available in the music industry. Additionally, it raises awareness and interest in the annual City of Music Career Day event.
