By Tate Papworth
A crew of Brimbank students has struck a chord through a school holiday program with a difference.
St Albans Secondary College hosted On Track, a two-week intensive course giving students insights into the music industry.
Students from St Albans Secondary College, Catholic Regional College St Albans and Melton and surrounding schools were
invited to take part in the program, which is aimed at helping at-risk or disengaged young people.
During the mornings students took part in specialist DJ classes, learning how to spin with some of Australia’s best DJs.
Specialist speakers were on hand to give students advice about breaking into the music industry in Australia.
Hip-hop classes – in which students learnt to write, rap and perform their own music – were a highlight.
Hip-hop artist Mantra, one of the program’s mentors, said it had been an amazing experience.
“Essentially, we want to give young people, who might not have access to much, mentoring opportunities like this,” he said. “Want to give them a real taste of what it’s like to be part of the music industry and be an artist.
“It’s been a huge inspiration for people like me to be involved in stuff like this.
“I know I can speak for fellow artists involved, that it’s so cool to be able to do what you’re most passionate about with a bunch of young people who are hungry and passionate about it as well.”
