"The Hip-Hop Club takes off from what I have seen with student groups elsewhere that are just about dancing and socializing," said James Kallergis, lead math instructor and faculty advisor to the club. "This is an opportunity for the students to develop an interest that's near and dear to them while learning how to work together."

Focus Learning Academy East is a new school with a new approach that was founded in 2006 alongside two sister schools. All classes are conducted on computers on site at the school, and the instructors assist the students in the classroom instruction. According to Kallergis, the school's curriculum and computer-based teaching methods offer an alternative to traditional GED programs and provides students the flexibility needed to get their diploma while working. But such flexibility makes it a challenge for students to develop connections with classmates and faculty inside and outside of the classroom. While students are able to take a course in music appreciation as well as music technology, the driving force behind the club is to help develop a sense of community.

Connecting these students with each other to discover they can make their own music is magic. It gives them an experience that they did not expect to get and that they take to heart.

James Kallergis

"We have to try hard to develop extracurricular activities that can help fill this vacuum, and the opportunity to make music is a powerful draw that also helps bond our students together in a shared love of urban music," Kallergis said.

For Kallergis, starting the Hip-Hop Club was really about sharing a personal interest and ability he has developed from his own high school days working with turntables and a mixer. In the several years since discovering ACID software, the self-taught hobbyist has been able to develop a high degree of mastery working with local rap artists.

"ACID software was a revelation for me, and it is a joy sharing that. It is an amazing tool that unlocks musical creativity. The most incredible part is how easy it is to get started, develop basic composition skills with it, then build on those however far your desire and talent takes you," Kallergis said.

Bringing this in as an after school extra came easily. Computers are an abundant resource on the campus, and musically-inclined students are typically inseparable from a good set of headphones to plug-in with. The after school program launched in January with about 10 students getting a hands-on experience with ACID Music Studio, ACID Pro and Sound Forge software. Teaching the basics has been greatly simplified by using the ACID Pro Seminar Series DVD-based training program.

"The DVD does much of the heavy lifting for me, and the students take to it well because of their other computer-based learning. Here, they get connected immediately to the incredible power of working with ACID and so are off and running developing musical concepts fast," said Kallergis.

Early indications are that the Hip-Hop Club is gathering momentum as the students gain skills and focus in on their own musical interests and projects. Kallergis has teamed up with another colleague who works with some students on their singing while he helps with the composition and production. His aim is to help create a full-length album of material created by students.

"This is more than about developing skills. Connecting these students with each other to discover they can make their own music is magic. It gives them an experience that they did not expect to get and that they take to heart," said Kallergis.