Power of Music program will teach teens skills to manage challenging emotions in healthy, collaborative ways

The Mission Viejo Diversity + Inclusion Task Force is partnering with Baly Ha Na to offer a unique music program this fall that supports middle and high school students dubbed Power of Music.    

The Power of Music program was developed in response to the Columbine High School shooting and includes many lifetime skills necessary to manage difficult emotions in a healthy, collaborative way.   

Classes take place on Thursdays from 6:30-8 pm and Saturdays from 2-4 pm September 9 to October 21 at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24832 Veterans Way.  

This unique music series is designed to tap the creative spark in students and use the power of music to unite and heal. Students don’t have to be musically inclined but rather interested in sharing thoughts on a theme – individually and as a group – that will result in a song with lyrics and music. The song will be recorded in a professional studio and include a music release party as well as community performances.    

The course and recording studio experience will assist students with:     

• Gaining confidence in expressing their true self.   
• Learning how to transform thoughts to lyrics, collaborate on a group song, and finish with a professionally recorded song to market.    
• Developing active listening skills and courage to voice their creative expression without fears of judgment or approval from others.    
• Learning new ways to listen to and appreciate music.   
• Working with professionals to co-produce a song and go through a recording studio experience.   
• Creating their own release party, reception and show to debut their finished project.   

Cost per participant is $250, which covers equipment for students as well as the recording studio. Partial and full scholarships are available as needed through support of Rotary International, Mission Viejo Community Foundation, DTS Consulting and others.    

For more information and to register, contact Barbara at balyhanamusic@gmail.com or 928-202-1447.