I would have thought that the Summer would be a time when I got fewer questions about what CMAS is and such. On the other hand, all interest is good interest as far as I am concerned. So for anyone curious about this crazy music program that I am truly blessed to run, here...ya'...go:
The CMAS (Contemporary Music and Sound) program is a 4 year high school program that allows students to work with music industry professional grade equipment while learning how to take their music from the stage to the studio and beyond. Largely funded through Federal grants, in CMAS there are no musical restrictions of any kind, nor is any prior experience or training required. CMAS I is rooted in music fundamentals, emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of instrumental technique and music theory. CMAS I students declare and musical emphasis of guitar, bass, drum kit, piano/keyboards, or lead vocals, and begin the process of learning the fundamentals the recording studio utilizing Pro Tools - industry standard software. CMAS II takes those fundamentals and expands them into the harnessing and refining of musical instincts with the creation of original musical ideas, as well as more advanced aspects of the recording studio process as well as live music technology. CMAS III introduces detailed studio production techniques as well the further refining writing and performance skills. CMAS IV culminates the program with advanced studio production, writing and performance skills, as well as internships and other specialized musical experiences.
Along with frequent guest artists and clinicians, approximately every six weeks of school the CMAS program produces a full 90 minute concert of original student music. These “Songwriter Nights” are fully CMAS student produced, utilizing a massive 20,000 watt PA and full 16 channel ProTools recording rig, all of which is designed, set-up and run by the students. CMAS also offers numerous other performance opportunities, all fully CMAS student produced, at various locations and events both on and off campus throughout the year. All performances are mixed and recorded by CMAS students and many are available as downloads off the program’s website.
Beginning in the 2010-2011 school year CMAS will further change the paradigm of music education by producing CMAS student artist original music performances at all home Varsity football games with productions inspired by recent Superbowl halftime performances. Additionally, students will be eligible to receive as much as 12 credit hours of college credit for their work in the program.
CMAS has been proven to reach many students who would otherwise never be involved in music; and in many cases provides the motivation to not only keep students in school but provides a path for them to achieve at much higher levels academically than might otherwise be expected. With literally hundreds of students involved in the CMAS program, and graduates moving on to work professionally in numerous capacities within the music industry, as well as partnerships with, among others, Arizona State University, Scottsdale Community College, and the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Science, CMAS continues to evolve and break the mold of standard music education.
The CMAS program was designed and is facilitated by Richard Maxwell.
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