June 22-25 (Camp Sessions: 10AM-2PM) June 26 (Music Camp Showcase: 12PM-2PM)
Educators: Emmanuel Deanda, Ryan Matthew Tedder
Attention all aspiring hip-hop artists and DJs! Join us this summer at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center for an exciting music camp in partnership with Propel School. We are excited to have Ryan Matthews Tedder, Emmanuel DeAnda, and the Squonk as our educators for this fun camp.
During this immersive experience, participants will have the opportunity to learn from experienced industry professionals, hone their skills in music production and performance, and collaborate with other talented young artists. The 4-day workshop will consist of: songwriting, beat-making, proper recording technique, audio engineering-mixing and mastering, and students will have access to an array of instruments, DJ equipment, and microphones.
Campers will also have the chance to showcase their talents with a final performance at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center that will take place on Friday June 26th. This is a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, gain valuable experience, and take your music career to the next level. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to unleash your creativity and passion for hip-hop music. Register today for the hip-hop music and DJ camp at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center! Camp tuition is $100.
Sponsored by Howmet Aerospace Foundation. Additional Support: Duquesne Light Company
Ryan Matthew Tedder
Co-Founder, Serenity Projects
Ryan Matthew Tedder is a Pittsburgh-based music producer, songwriter, and artist development executive with over 15 years of experience in the music industry. A graduate of Berklee College of Music and a former student of Pittsburgh’s Afro-American Music Institute (AAMI), Ryan’s creative journey bridges local roots with national success. He’s worked with platinum-selling artists including Ariana Grande, Meghan Trainor, H.E.R., and Wiz Khalifa, and formerly held a label partnership with Interscope Records under his imprint, Upscale Music Group. Today, Ryan leads Serenity Projects, a creative development platform focused on nurturing emerging artists through storytelling, mentorship, and music production. His mission is to empower artists with not only great music, but also clear vision, authentic brand identity, and sustainable career strategies. In Pittsburgh and beyond, Ryan continues to build opportunities for rising talent to thrive — both on stage and off.
Emmanuel Deanda
Emmanuel “Manny” DeAnda is a singer / songwriter / producer / performer / educator. Born in the city of Pittsburgh, PA. and a graduate of Westinghouse High School, his music journey began locally in 1999 with the founding of the boy band “Crave”. The local success story consisted of himself and two of his former classmates. Crave had huge local success in Pittsburgh with the support from local radio station WAMO, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and city-wide support. This support pushed Crave to become the #1 selling R&B group of all time, in Pittsburgh. In 2007, Crave received the Key to The City presented by former mayor Luke Ravenstahl, as well as a proclamation annually recognizing July 21st as “Crave Day” in Pittsburgh. Emmanuel received national attention by joining popular boy band Pretty Ricky in 2008. Touring the country and abroad, Emmanuel has made 7 appearances on BET’s 106 n Park, The Monique Show in its inaugural season, as well as several music collaborations with major artists such as Snoop Dogg, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Keke Wyatt, H-Town and Jodeci to name a few. Emmanuel has worked for local community-based organizations The YMCA Lighthouse Project, 1Hood and is currently serving as a Creative Arts Educator for Hip Hop on L.O.C.K. and Propel Schools. At Propel, Emmanuel serves as an instructor, teaching the scholars about the history of Hip Hop, songwriting, music production and video production. Since Emmanuel’s arrival, Hip Hop on L.O.C.K. has been the most requested creative arts program within the Propel School system. Recently, Emmanuel has pivoted into entrepreneurship with the creation of 808 Musicc Productions, LLC. Emmanuel’s skills as a music producer, song writer, vocal producer, and studio engineer will be the driving force for this independent business venture. Emmanuel will continue his legacy by impacting the youth through music and education.
Squonk
Squonk creates joyful, boisterous outdoor spectacles by fusing fantastical visual design, playful staging, and high-energy original music. Squonk’s productions have taken the group to Off-Broadway, Broadway, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Europe, Asia and all over the United States. Their hometown programming, “Squonk in the Neighborhood,” aims to build deeper and intimate local connections. The “Jamming to Conclusions” workshop will engage students in imaginative collaboration through improvisation to create pieces of music as a group. Students will separate into small groups or “bands” where each group will be given collaborative challenges focused on improvisational problem solving and games.