Sacramento, Calif. – Today, the Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation named Department of Sound Sacramento as the grant recipient for its 9th annual Inspire Giving program. Co-founded by John Hamilton, a native Sacramentan and New York based music producer/DJ, and Tyler Garnett, a USC Business graduate and artist/sound engineer, Department of Sound will receive a $10,000 grant, as well as in-kind services from Metro Chamber Foundation partners and affiliates, to activate a unique music production workshop for middle- and high-school students. Aligned with the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce (Metro Chamber) 4-Point Business Promise, the 2019 Inspire Giving grant focuses on arts engagement to create a more vibrant community.
“Inspire Giving not only creates an opportunity for a non-profit to make a profound change, it develops a network of people passionate about the success and well-being of the region,” said 2019 Inspire Giving Board Chair Karlee Cemo-McIntosh. “Supporting Department of Sound with our 2019 grant is an investment in the vibrancy, people and spirit of our region through the arts.”
Every year, Inspire Giving provides a $10,000 grant to help fund a specific project for a local nonprofit. Through the Inspire Giving leadership team, donors, and partners, grant recipient receives in-kind services, donations, and support for an entire calendar year in order to fulfill project needs. In nine years, Inspire Giving has supported nine nonprofits through $95,000 in grants and over $1,000,000 in in-kind support and services.
With the 2019 Inspire Giving grant, Department of Sound Sacramento, in partnership with Mack Road Valley Hi Community Center and La Familia Counseling Center, will launch “Intro to Music Production” workshops throughout the year. Students will learn the fundamentals of music production and begin creating original music in their first session by utilizing open-source, browser-based, free software.
“Learning how to make beats inspires students to flex their creative muscle and can spark interest in the growing fields of sound engineering and production,” said Hamilton. “Students can learn the fundamentals with a basic laptop and internet connection. This accessibility allows kids from all backgrounds to discover and develop their talents.”
Through the coursework, students will explore music production and audio engineering, with an additional focus on future career opportunities in music and live entertainment. As students progress through the workshops, they can create a music portfolio and work on their music beyond the classroom, from home or at their school or library computer lab.
“With more music and arts venues, and sports and convention facilities, Sacramento has a growing demand for music and sound professionals. It’s exciting to open kids’ eyes to what’s possible whether they end up working in the field or continue making music for their own enjoyment,” added Department of Sound founding board member Verna Sulpizio.
Established in 2009, Inspire Giving is an endowment fund administered by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation. Constructed upon its motto – “Truly, a little is enough, if enough people do it.” – individuals are encouraged to contribute to the fund to collectively give a larger donation than they could give on their own. Donors for each grant year, along with Founding and Legacy members, help select the recipient through a closed voting process. For the 2020 grant, early donors will also help select the priority giving area. 2020 Inspire Giving contributions can be accepted online or by contacting the Metro Chamber Foundation.
To download workshop photos and a video overview of Department of Sound, visit http://bit.ly/InspireGiving2019DeptOfSound.
For more information about Department of Sounds Sacramento, visit DeptOfSound.org or follow @deptofsound_org on Instagram.
For more information about Inspire Giving, visit MetroChamber.org/Foundation.
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