The Beat Goes On
Park City Presents’ Music Tech
Educational Program
Two dozen kids burst into Park City Music Hall for their latest Music Tech class… big smiles, high energy. While these spirited students are learning how to operate lighting and sound equipment, they are also building a future they didn’t know existed.
Bridgeport students at Park City Music Hall with teams from Park City Presents and Wakeman Boys & Girls Club. | Photo Cred: Daniel Recinos
John Torres, the mastermind behind this unique program, is striving to create new career paths for Bridgeport students who typically don’t have access to this specialized type of education. A native of Bridgeport, John is well-attuned to the city’s needs and potential. “We’re not sending a lot of students to college and into the workplace. When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” Traditional trade professions such as mechanics, electricians, and plumbers are not for everyone. John and his colleagues want to introduce kids to tech careers that embrace the creative arts. Fortunately, John and his family own Park City Music Hall, the perfect venue to launch this endeavor.
Sabrina Smeltz, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club CEO and John Torres, General Manager and Marketing Director for Park City Music Hall. | Photo Cred: Daniel Recinos.
One year ago, John established a non-profit—Park City Presents— to focus on experiential learning for Bridgeport students. This 501 (c) (3) organization serves as a sister group to Park City Music Hall, fueled by a board of local professionals and industry experts. PCP formed a partnership with the Wakeman Smilow Burroughs Boys and Girls Club and in the spring began running free afterschool classes, teaching their members how to use lighting and sound equipment and the basics of stage and event production.
Sabrina Smeltz, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club CEO, could not be more excited about this unique program.
“Our Club kids at the Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse love going to Park City Music Hall, touching the dials, and being completely hands-on with the lighting and sound. This partnership provides the opportunity to learn about careers in the industry, and a safe space to try something new that not only allows them to express themselves, but is also a gateway to the world of STEM. As we work to guide and inspire our young people, we are grateful for Park City Presents and their innovative program that sparks creativity and will help to build great futures. We’re already looking forward to the spring session!”
Each class begins with a fun icebreaker in the form of a musical performance, and then the students break into smaller groups, diving into workshops on the use of a sound board or operating lighting equipment.
“I love watching a student set up a mike for the first time or learn to rip gaffer’s tape—even these little things are so inspiring.”
The students come together for a snack and Q&A with the pros and end the day with an activity on the stage—karaoke is always popular.
PCP’s Music Tech educational program wouldn’t be possible without a devoted board of directors helping behind the scenes. Debbi O’Keefe, board member and founder of ConnectFairfield, has been “instrumental” in connecting PCP with sponsors and raising awareness for the group’s events such as this fall’s Masquerade Ball and PorchFest.
“This is a special community collaboration—harnessing the knowledge and creativity of so many dedicated adults while educating students in a fun and practical way”
Treasurer, Rocky Progano, helped raise initial funds in Spring 2023 through a fundraiser called Space Camp.
“I believe experiential learning is the best way to learn. These kids are gaining real world skills in an authentic music venue. What could be better?”
To donate to Park City Presents’ Music Tech Program: https://donorbox.org/parkcitypresents
Photo Credits: Daniel Recinos
