Howell High School (Farmingdale NJ)
- Instructor: Joe Cantaffa
- Class Title(s): Entertainment Technology II, Entertainment IV
- Grades Levels Included: 10th and 12th
- School Profile: Public H.S., enrollment 2400
- Structure of NTM Class(es): I teach two periods per day to sophomores (Level II) to the Entertainment Technology majors in a performing arts magnet school. Areas of content include music theory, recording, composition/songwriting, editing, music as a language, production, live event support, the music industry, related industries, and current events. I teach three periods per day to the seniors (Level IV) of the same program. Content areas include the same, with a significantly higher level of intensity and performance, including a focus on career development and marketablilty. Our program is also home to NEXT 2 RECORDS, a student-operated record label and production company.
- Software Used: ProTools, Reason, Logic, GarageBand, AutoTune
- Hardware Used: DIGI 003, Masterlink 2000, DIGIMAX FS, DIGIMAX LT, Triton LEs, Mbox2, outboard gear, Dell computers (unfortunately)
- Class NTM Activities: See above
- History: After having founded 5Star Records in a neighboring school district, Howell High School 'brought' me to this program to implement the same idea at a higher level, offering more support and opportunities. Schools from across the USA have used this program as a model to create student-operated record labels in their schools.
- Success Stories from NTM Activities: Featured on cover of MET Magazine. Featured on NJN Classroom Close-up. Several students earn money as a part-time job creating mixes sold to music industry, or work as sound technicians, or other production jobs. Widespread community support. Much collaboration with many areas of school community, adding credibility for the program. Former member's song included on soundtrack of major motion picture.
- Advice to Others Starting NTM Project: Take your time. Be patient. Spend much of your time promoting. Be willing to learn from the students.
- Additional Comments: Thanks for all the support!
- Date Submitted: October 2009