Dave Matthews used to practice in this Charlottesville studio. A painted poster from one of his fans that portrays the song "Proudest Monkey" still hangs there, but the band has moved on. Next door, the former nightclub Trax has closed as well.
But the area has found new life. In the 11 1/2 Street studio, the Music Resource Center planted its roots and now offers a place where 500 area teens hang out and learn about music. The non-profit organization that serves students in 7th through 12th grades gives teens an outlet to explore R & B, hip-hop and African dance. They also learn to record, rehearse in addition to receiving tutoring.
"Our mission is to provide a safe and productive environment for area youth in the after-school hours using music as the vehicle to teach very important life lessons," says Ivan Orr, the MRC program director.
A group of teens signs in on the table next to Orr after ascending a staircase. On the wall, vivid artwork embodies the aura of the center. The teens head back to a small room where one of the males with a bandana tied around his head starts freestyle-playing his guitar. His friends mix a beat in the background.
Staff members at MRC stress that they know each and every student who walks into the center. Students feel welcome and are greeted by name.
Orr emphasizes that MRC is expanding on the idea of a drop-in center where any teen in the community can feel comfortable coming in to learn something new about music. MRC offers practice space for bands, a dance floor and rooms for recording.
In a stark side room, a teen band begins a practice session. None of its members seems to mind an audience. One member bangs on the drums while his friends jam on the guitar and bass. The soloist belts out in song and the band proceeds to perform and perfect its style.
Downstairs, a single student takes to the dance floor and breaks out a move that looks like something out of "Save the Last Dance." It's 4:30 p.m. He's a sophomore in high school and he's found a place to explore his talent.
Jay Bourgeois, who is on the board of directors for the MRC and a Darden School professor, has been one of the most vocal proponents of the program within the Charlottesville community. But he attributes most of the program's early successes to Jonathan Hornsby, who founded the MRC in 1995 and is the brother of pianist Bruce Hornsby.
"He had concern about children at risk and knew that one cool outlet is performing music," Bourgeois said. "This was a place for them to do it where it was safe and still cool."
The phone rings. "Music studios," answers Orr in a voice that appeals to the eccentric environment of the center. His old-fashioned brown desk appears out of place against the periwinkle and lime-green walls of the reception area.
"We're looking to forge some partnerships, especially with students who are musically inclined and interested in the music business," Orr says.
The assistant program directors at the center are musicians and MRC wants musically interested University students to come and volunteer. Along with musical mentors, the center needs volunteers for administrative tasks.
Volunteering in the MRC environment promises to be rewarding and laid-back. Volunteers help teens express themselves in a positive manner and share musical talent.
"Part of our goal at the Music Resource Center is not only to provide the tools but the education necessary in order to use those tools for growth," says 23-year-old Alex Schein, an assistant program director who started the job in the fall. "It's not enough just to give these kids a lot of instruments and machines because those things are empty without a knowledge of how they relate to the world around them."
Schein reflects on one of the main ideologies of the studio with his black T-shirt with a message written in white letters, "Racial Stereotypes Dehumanize."
Along with allowing teens to experiment and learn the latest in musical trends, MRC also offers a program called Project Nommo to black middle-school students.
"It's an after-school literacy program and uses the arts to teach literacy," says Tracee Branch, who teaches the program and is a University alumna.
Teens in this class explore stereotypes in the media and discuss racism and prejudice.
School finally is over for the day. But some local teens still have another class to attend. By their own volition, they all gather in the dance studio downstairs. Every member of the group shares the common bond of being black.
Branch writes "White" on the blackboard. Each teen then takes turns getting up and writing a stereotype that describes "White." Next, she writes the word "Gay." The same process occurs. The students soon discover the stereotypes ingrained in them throughout their lives. They also realize the media plays a huge role in this backward thinking.
Branch passes out a bunch of current magazines. The focus now is stereotypes that degrade women. A copious amount of negative advertisements are found.
"I think it's a really cool program because people in the community really care about our outlook on things," says Angeli Smith, a 14-year-old who attends Beaufort Middle School.
From mellow music to rap, from feeling the vibrations of the young dancers hit the floor to learning that "racial stereotypes dehumanize," the MRC holds a belief in the teens of the future and expression through the arts and music.
Dave Matthews may no longer practice on 11 1/2 Street and Trax may be gone, but the MRC marked its territory. The walls of the old practice studio have heard it all.
Read More
Fourth-year Bodo’s orders — creative or catastrophic?
By Lizzy Goldstein | 3 days agoWhile this selection of bagels had winners and losers, it is safe to say that the Class of 2024 has taken full advantage of the Bodo’s menu over the years.
The naked party uncovered
By Mia Tan | 4 days agoThe naked party, founded by fourth-year Architecture student Wells Woolcott, is the first of its kind at the University in recent memory.
A second chance to dress for graduation
By Julianne Saunders | 5 days agoI have learned to see my college graduation not as a way to make up for the past but as an event worth celebrating on its own.
