Music in Motion

Destinations: Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, New York City

Courses: Music and Society IDC4U; Exploring the Arts AEA40; Business Leadership: Management Fundamentals BOH4M with a focus on the Entertainment Industry; Travel and Tourism CGG30.

Trip and Course Preparation in Toronto (Day 1-5)

Detroit (Day 6-8)

All Aboard—Hop on the Motown Express!!  In a small corner of Detroit rests a rather ordinary and unimposing home, it’s only defining feature being a large front window and the name “Hitsville, USA” scrawled on the sign above. This unassuming building was the first home to Berry Gordy’s Motown Records, established in 1959, a recording label that started a revolution in the music industry and influenced global popular culture in ways that are still apparent today. The Motown Historical Museum displays memorabilia from artists such as The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and The Jackson Five. Of particular interest is the Echo Chamber where music enthusiasts can create their own reverberations on the first reverb device. Also open is the control room where technicians pioneered many of the techniques that became part of Motown’s marvelous signature sound.
                        

Chicago (Day 8-11)

Chicago is well known for its soul music and it has also been home to a thriving folk music scene, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. Over the 1980s and 1990s, the Chicago rock music scene became very popular, especially the heavy rock and punk rock scene, as it still is today. The Hip Hop scene in Chicago is also very influential and popular with major artists such as Kanye West. The city’s Uptown neighbourhood is reported to be the birthplace of Slam Poetry, a style of spoken word poetry that incorporates elements of hip hop culture, drama, jazz and lyricism. From Hip Hop to the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago’s venues remain vital, artistically innovative, and business-savvy enough that club owners and patrons around the country could learn a lesson from their willingness to adapt to the times without selling their souls. When the day’s work is done, enjoy a few laughs at the famous comedy venue, Second City.

                                       

Cleveland (Day 11-13)

Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin’—it’s off to the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. When Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed coined the phrase “rock and roll”, he was laying the foundation for a cultural phenomenon. With an impressive multimedia permanent collection and continually changing temporary exhibitions, students can enjoy listening to songs, watching films, and looking at rock memorabilia.  It has the power to bring nationalities and generations together, to elect world leaders, and to move people. Songwriters to Soundmen: the People Behind the Hits gives Rock Hall audiences an inside look at aspects of the music business. For those who wonder how songs become recordings, how recordings become hits, or how the show gets on the road, this series offers both answers and anecdotes beyond imagination. Cleveland is the permanent home for the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

                              

New York (13-19)

 

In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made,

Oh, there’s nothing you can’t do now you’re in New York

 these streets will make you feel brand new,

Big lights will inspire you, let’s hear it for New York. 

                                                                             (Jay-Z)

 America’s most popular entertainers have thrilled audiences at Radio City Music Hall since its door opened in 1932. Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr. and Tony Bennett to mention only a few of the celebrities and luminaries to grace the Great Stage.

 

If you’re into Hip Hop, or want to see another side of NYC, take a tour with one of the hip-hop’s Grandmasters! This one-of-a-kind experience takes you on an interactive cultural tour of Manhattan, Harlem and the Bronx, and reveals the true meaning of hip-hop. Your expert Grandmaster guide will trace the history and influences of hip-hop in New York City, from its earliest years with pioneers DJ Red Alert, Grandmaster Caz, Rahiem of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, and many other. You’ll get the lowdown on famous groups like Public Enemy, Treacherous Three and Sugarhill Gang. On this tour, visit a living collage of graffiti art, see the Silver Cup Studios, former homes of the legends and chart toppers, including performers such as Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Ja Rule, 50 Cent and Russell Simmons. Listen to hip-hop tracks and participate in Hip Hop Karoake as you check out the Manhattan Skyline.

New York City’s Lower East Side introduced new music, fashion and a way of life to the world. Now you can find out exactly what went down in the East Village during the years of rock, punk and glam. Check out sites like Joey Ramone’s NYC pad, the St. Marks Hotel, Iggy Pop’s former residence, Andy Warhol’s Electric Circus, Madonna’s first NYC apartment and much more.

The world famous Apollo Theatre is so much more than an historic landmark—it is a source of pride and a symbol of the brilliance of American artistic accomplishment. With its rich history and continued significance, the Apollo Theatre, considered the bastion of African-American culture and achievement, is one of the most fascinating chronicles in American history. The legendary venue has launched the careers of icons such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, James Brown and Lauryn Hill and continue to maintain its position as the nation’s most popular arena for emerging and established African-American and Latino performers.

Universal attractions is a prominent leading force in the talent booking business working with many of today’s biggest names in all genres of urban music from Contemporary R&B to Gospel to Classic Soul, Funk, Jazz and Comedy. Students interested in business leadership in the entertainment field will have an opportunity to explore foundations of management, leading, management challenges and planning and controlling in this real world environment of the stars.

                           

Toronto: Summative Evaluations (Day 23-25)

These are only some of the sights that students will experience. Our learning model allows students to customize aspects of their itinerary to fit their course.

Some assessments may include: produce a composition or arrangement in the Echo Chamber at the Historical Motown Museum; prepare an analysis of the relationship between music and its cultural context; create a short documentary showing the influence of key individuals and groups in shaping American arts and culture; prepare a summary detailing the role of the mass media in influencing individual and group behaviour from the perspective of the music industry; evaluate a selected work of art or a production, following standard procedures in critical analysis; design a business plan to promote a contemporary artist’s work. These are only a few of the many opportunities you will have to demonstrate your knowledge, understanding and skill as you complete the requirements for the course of your choice.

Tuition: $1849 (+$110 tax and fees) + Optional double room supplement (+ $450)

Tuition Includes:  Transportation by luxury Highway Motorcoach (W/C, DVD, A/C); $300 allowance for admission to   course-specific sights as well as group activities; Course materials; Ontario Ministry-approved credit upon fulfilling course requirements; Accommodations (quad accomodation); Breakfast and Dinner daily; Overnight Security; All applicable taxes.

Tuition Does Not Include:  Lunches, Medical and Trip Interruption Insurance; Gratuities; Discretionary spending money; Admission to attractions and activities exceeding $300 allowance