Not every youth development program can boast that kids are learning how to make beats on ProTools when classes are over for the day, but not every program is like Son of a Saint. The nonprofit for fatherless boys in the New Orleans area has partnered with the Upbeat Academy (UAF), an after-school music education program for New Orleans middle- and high school students with a focus on hip hop and dance music production and performance.
Late afternoon sunlight streams in the windows as Charles Corpening, Upbeat’s artist instructor, sets up FL Digital Workstation on a large screen.
“If you want to become a great musician you got to start with a little foundation and that’s my goal for the time I spend with all of you,” he says to the socially distanced students who are masked up and ready to go. He begins his lecture by dissecting a beat by Louisiana’s own NBA YoungBoy and showing the students how to be what he calls “active listeners” of music. Corpening doesn’t forget to remind the students of the importance of keeping a music studio clean and wiping equipment properly – covid-19 or no. He also explains to the kids that while the sounds of music may seem intimidating and overpowering, it’s really a combination of simple sounds mixed together, likening the process to cooking a recipe.
Upbeat’s learning objectives for the students include the scientific study of sound (acoustics), increasing computer literacy for students via software-based music production, and more. Student-artists learn how to set up microphones and instruments in a live studio setting, the mechanics of certain hardware, and the fundamentals of mixing and mastering. Creative expression is encouraged.
“This looks really complicated when you look at it but when I point it out to you, there are only [usually 9] things going on in a song,” says Corpening. Throughout the program, the Son of a Saint boys will have the opportunity to work hands-on with state-of-the-art, professional grade music equipment. The Upbeat instructor explained that the audio interface tools are not limited to the hip hop or dance music genre and can be applied to music styles across the board.
Focusing on improving the lives of young, potentially at-risk males who have either lost or never known their fathers due to incarceration or death, the Son of a Saint nonprofit provides its participants with positive father figures as well group activities, mental health services, tutoring and recreational access to sports, arts and music programs. The nonprofit’s vision is spearheaded by founder Bivian “Sonny” Lee III, whose father, a former New Orleans Saints’ cornerback, passed away when Bivian was a child. Its mission is to see its participants graduate high school, become accepted into college and carry on the spirit of mentoring throughout their lives. Son of a Saint is intentional about being a 24/7, preventative, long-term and holistic program and service organization that directly supports the vulnerable of our community.
William Jones, Community Outreach Coordinator for Son of a Saint, says, “As we continue to grow, we will continue to seek dedicated, passionate and reliable mentors and volunteers that support our mission. With a program like Son of a Saint you can never have enough help and we are grateful for anyone that is willing to donate their time to invest in our boys.”
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