Students aspiring to a career in the music industry with an interest in computers may have an opportunity to take a “Hits Song Recording” class next year.

Mr. Pat Robell, the new Director of Music Ministry, says that, “It will address the how-to’s of recording via the computer.” Currently in the “embryonic stages of development” it could be available as an elective either next year or the year after, if approved by administration.

Considered more of a “speciality” class, it would require no prerequisites and would teach students the how to’s of recording, focusing primarily on an overview of digital mixing, which is the equalization and volume of music. The class is specialized for students who want to be producers and/or performers in the industry, have basic knowledge of computers and have, “a desire for self-expression,” says Mr. Robell. Those who have no prior knowledge of music are also welcome.

The class would not consist of an entirely digital perspective, but would also provide the students a, “vehicle to vent,” says Mr. Robell. Students will be able to “write and compose” their own work.

Stemming from his own passion for music, Mr. Robell was inspired to spearhead this class so as to “give kids a taste of what they’re capable of (and create) possibilities”. Self-expression is a prevalent theme and goal of the class since students would be compiling a portfolio of their work.

According to Mr. Robell, after two years of taking this class “taught under an efficient design, the student will be beyond any college sophomore.” Students would be given the tools to work in a studio, their portfolios also providing them a leg up on their resumes. Exposing students to everything from keyboard playing to orchestrating, students will, “get a real-world approach and advantage of how the music industry is changing,” says Mr. Robell. With the “rapidly evolving music industry,” this class would allow for students to get a head start on their music careers.

Incorporating the arts and technology is not a new concept, in CCHS or San Diego. Mr. Robell drew inspiration from a similar course that is available at USD, and Ms. Wilson, the drama teacher, says “It’s a very popular course at the collegiate level.” According to Ms. Wilson, more technology-based classes are even available at Canyon Crest Academy, the high school right around the corner. This year Ms. Wilson plans to incorporate more computer designing into the Drama Tech class, and in regards to the recording class, she says “I hope it happens.”

With the plethora of musicians on campus, the class is sure to have an effect if approved. Senior guitarist Colin Haggerty says “I think a recording class would greatly benefit our school. By adding it as a class, students could learn a fun and useful skill that uses both creativity and left-brained understanding of technology. It would also put more emphasis on the music program as a whole (headed by Mr. Foley and Mr. Robell.), which is generally understated in our athletically-dominated school.”

Mr. Robell comments that, “When I was in high school, what is capable now was not even a possibility.” Yet, this class will only be possible with the release of several apps designed for recording that are likely to come out within the next year, and roughly fifteen laptops which “Cathedral would be supplying.”

So, students looking to learn more about recording and music in general should keep their ears open for a new “Hits Song Recording” course that, according to Mr. Robell, would embrace performing arts through expression and explore the, “power and possibilities of technology.”