PRINT ADS

The word “hip-hop” is usually regarded as a style of music that only teens and young adults listen to. Because it often contains vulgar language and risque material, it’s no wonder that it is usually considered inappropriate for younger children.

But realizing its appeal to all age groups, West Salem Elementary School teachers are trying to teach their students that hip-hop can be good, and fun as well.

Last November, some of the teachers presented the idea to the school board that the kids should help make an environmentally themed hip-hop CD and then sell copies as a fundraiser for the district’s Outdoor Education Center.

The board approved the idea, so the teachers started looking for professionals to help them produce the actual CD. “A-Scratch,” a DJ and music producer, was hired as sound mixer and producer.

“He is mixing the students’ music and sounds (along with others he has in his own files), producing and recording tracks, coordinating the volunteer MCs, designing the CD cover and case, and doing anything else that is necessary,” said teacher Cyndy Nichols, who is one of the staff overseeing the project.

Fellow professional musicians and producers Phil Fonzen and Sujan Math, who will do the final mixing and mastering, were persuaded by A-Scratch to assist with the project and to donate half of their costs in mixing the CD.

So where do the kids fit in? At the start of the project, they conducted research on the environment, using their facts to write lyrics for the songs, which are all about the environment. The students then record astinatos, or chants, for different songs. Once they complete recording the lyrics and background sound effects, the soundtrack goes to the DJs and mixers to put the finishing touches on the music.

The project has involved about 750 students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

“They seem to most enjoy the process of being recorded and are very excited to hear themselves on a soundtrack,” said Nichols.

The goal is to have the CD completely finished by next December in time for Christmas sales.

“Making this CD has been a great learning experience for the kids, teaching them how music is recorded for CDs, how to write lyrics, and much more,” Nichols aid. “But most importantly, they’re learning about a whole new genre of music. They’re learning that hip-hop can be good, and fun to listen to, especially when you’re the singers.”