Today marks the first installment of a new series on ITYC we're calling "ITYC Approved." Once a month, ITYC will spotlight a person, organization or group doing good and effecting positive social change through work in their local community.
This month, ITYC is highlighting the work of Jamin Gilbert and his organization Project Rhythm. Founded in 2008, Project Rhythm "assists community-based organizations in the New York City area by implementing music education programs that can help young people in underserved communities improve their cognitive skills and build self-confidence." In a addition to traditional music education, the organization also teaches kids the practical and technical skills of music recording and production. The program's instructors include musicians, producers, and engineers, as well as guest speakers who are DJs, artists, and music business professionals.
Some of Project Rhythm's 2011 highlights included:
Second BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) mobile studio program;
Camp Amerikids mobile studio program for the 3rd year in a row and transitioned them to host program autonomy;
First program with students from The Brooklyn organization "Dance Theater etc";
First Youth Mentor Round Table with our partner "Atlantic Sound Studio";
Raised funding for 2012 from foundations such as the Dorothea L. Leonhardt Foundation, a number of individual donors and of course our IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign!Currently, Project Rhythm is in the midst of a campaign to raise funds to continue building their mobile music studio. Over 50 people have helped them raise over $5,000 toward their goal of $7,468. Folks who are interested in donating can go to their IndieGoGo page to contribute. You can also follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Soundcloud.
