Hope Academy singer/ songwriter students have been working on a recording project with Ya Momz House Studio. The Hip Hop on Lock Project is an eight-week mentored educational program with the goal of
teaching students:

Leadership skills
Organizational skills
Cooperative economics
Knowledge of the music business

To develop leadership skills, each student was given an executive position
for a mock record label. As a team, they are creating a music CD project
from start to finish, actively engaging in every step of their project. They will decide on the name of their record label and group, learn how to produce music, record vocals, utilize state-ofthe- art recording equipment, design CD covers, write the music and lyrics, recruit musicians and singers, and finally record three full songs for their CD. They will learn about cooperative economics and develop social skills by meeting with community business owners to promote their CD. In addition, a tour at a local radio station (WAMO FM or KISS FM) is planned for April 21, when they will meet the program director for a Q&A session to give them a real-world view of the music business so that they can discover how what they have been learning applies to it.

On Sat., April 26, at 7 pm there will be a public performance and raduation
ceremony where the students can present their work to family, friends
and the entire community. This is a free event and everyone is invited.