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The Asbury Park School District has received a $10K OceanFirst 2018 Model Classroom Grant, school officials announced this week.

The Model Classroom Grant program is aimed at supporting bold and innovative schools with the vision, creativity and desire to develop model classrooms for learning, officials said.

“Building a Brighter Future is our district’s motto,” Superintendent Sancha Gray said in a written statement. “We strive to provide each student with a comprehensive academic foundation.”

The district’s Bringing Music Technology to Life at APHS proposal, with an emphasis on music production and technology, was one of 12 schools chosen from 144 grant applications.

The grant will allow the district to rebuild its in-school music program, marking a first step in Gray’s goal of establishing a Performance Art Academy at the high school.

The grant will be used to convert two large, underutilized closets into a practice area where students can use technology to record and create music using their own instruments, school officials said. Through the use of computers, beat-pads, iPads, electronic pianos, and recording devices, students will be able to produce their own music and apply their understanding of musical concepts to their own compositions.

“This classroom centered around music production and technology will give students unique experiences that will prepare them for careers in music and give them the necessary skill set to pursue their passions,” Gray said.

The program will be led by APHS Music Teacher Casey Hounsell who will utilize the grant to fund the needed equipment.

Hounsell and Communications Officer Chanta Jackson crafted the grant proposal in conjunction with Eric Novod of Lakehouse Music Academy Lakehouse Music Academy and Matt Honold of the Asbury Park Music Foundation.

“This will help our students grow on their instruments through more productive practice experiences and provide genuine exposure to music production,” Hounsell said. “With production as an entry point for new students who are skeptical about playing musical instruments, we can teach composition and theory in the context of their interests.”

Ocean First has funded over $36 million in community projects, including more than $1.9 million in grants to local schools for everything from high performing library and media centers to green initiatives and the creation of model classrooms.

[Photo courtesy of the APSD: pictured (from left) is OceanFirst Foundation representative with APHS teacher Casey Hounsell and Principal Kathy Baumgardner]

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