A great local resource is getting ready for another summer. The Live it OutLoud program, which offers aspiring 12 to 18-year-old non-professional rock musicians a true feel for the rock and entertainment industry, will start its 2014 season in early June.
"I've been involved in the music business almost my whole life ... and my love of music coupled with the fact that kids don't have a place to play anymore is my motivation," said Live it OutLoud director Joe Wilson. "It's amazing what the kids do. I will never stop doing this."
Live it OutLoud's music summer school program began in 2011 and since then it has helped hundreds of area kids learn about rock music and real-life rock band experiences, including stage performances, studio management and video creation.
The cost is $325 per student, but there are a limited amount of need-based scholarships available. Registration can be completed online at any time but the last chance to sign-up for the upcoming Live it OutLoud season is June 5. The sign up, as well as an introductory meeting for parents, will occur at 6 p.m. at Ted Brown Music, 6228 Tacoma Mall Blvd., that day.
Evaluations for all participants will be held June 6-9 at two area locations so that professional musicians can assemble the best possible bands for the kids in order to foster the most growth.
Professional musicians and special guests pair up and mentor the newly formed bands throughout the eight-week program. For example, Pamela Moore, from Queensryche's critically acclaimed platinum album ‘Operation Mindcrime' has already signed on for the 2014 session. She will share her experiences of 30 years teaching, singing and recording rock music internationally.
There will also be clinics held on a variety of helpful topics, from songwriting and vocals to more targeted instrument clinics and even one on how to best brand your band.
The final concert is scheduled for Aug. 9at the Rialto Theatre, 310 S 9th St. The three best bands, as determined by an all-star panel of rock experts during the final concert, will be invited to play at Roger Fisher's Moonfest festival in late August. Fisher, who was a 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, was the original guitar player in the popular band Heart and was creator of the iconic beginning to their hit song ‘Barracuda.'
LiveitoutLoud-Tacoma is produced by the city's own Ted Brown Music Outreach, a nonprofit organization that funds educational and musical programs for young adults. The group believes that music enhances quality of life by improving learning abilities, relieves stress and provides a chance to change lives.
For more information and to view the most updated activity calendar, visit www.liveitoutloud-tacoma.com or www.facebook.com/LiveItOutLoudTacoma.