Tales from the Road

SoundTree
May 13
3 min read

Ken Greene Education Technology Specialist, KORG SoundTree

Georgia Tales:

Conversations with Music Supervisors, and The 2nd School of Beats Music Tech Competition

My road journey continued last week with a trip to Atlanta, GA, a city buzzing with activity in preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. As downtown Atlanta prepared for June’s massive influx of soccer fans, excitement was peaking across city school music programs for an equally epic showdown: The 2nd Annual School of Beats Music Technology Competition.

Now in its second year, the School of Beats Music Technology Competition showcases the tremendous talent and creativity of middle and high school music tech students throughout the metro Atlanta area. Organized by Atlanta's Music Education Group (MEG), and supported by music educators and supervisors from multiple district's, the School of Beats event succeeds on multiple fronts, from planning to execution, community buy-in to industry partnerships. But what's most impressive is the opportunity it provides for "the other 80%" of students - those not involved in the traditional music programs of band, choir, and orchestra - to participate in something meaningful and relevant.

Against a backdrop of massive beats and "Atlanta’s largest LED video wall," I observed groups of students huddled together during the performances and presentations, supporting each other and celebrating accomplishments. I watched teachers encourage and congratulate their students, and parents beam with pride as their children took the stage to share something special that they created, something that was uniquely theirs. I often speak with reverence of the "Atlanta model" when talking to educators nationwide, citing its success in connecting students with the local arts industry and prioritizing workforce development. As expected, this event highlighted the seismic impact that Atlanta school music programs and MEG are having on young people, and in time, on local business and economy.

I am grateful to the wonderful music supervisors and teachers who took time out of their hectic schedules to share their success stories with me and explore ideas for expanding access to, and increasing support for, music tech programs in K-12 classrooms. Additionally, KORG SoundTree is honored to support the School of Beats Music Technology Competition and the Music Education Group, and look forward to next year's event! Thank you James Caldwell (MEG Executive Director) and Ric Ross (MEG Founder and Board Chairman) for including us. Below are a few images from my Atlanta road trip.

Buc-ee's, because I needed gas... and BBQ

I was somewhere between Atlanta and Memphis, needed to fill the tank, and wanted a snack. If you're not familiar with Buc-ee's, give it time: they're opening 14 new locations around the country this year (according to "Alexa"). It's quite an impressive scene, and worth a visit! After all, they do have the "world's cleanest restrooms."

Conversations with Atlanta Music Supervisors

Monica Fogg and Dr. Sara Womack

I had the privilege of meeting with two outstanding music supervisors from the Atlanta area: Monica Fogg, K-12 Music Coordinator for DeKalb County School District, and Dr. Sara Womack, Supervisor of General & Choral Music/Dance & Theatre at Cobb County School District. These two dynamic leaders oversee some of the most successful music programs in the country, with special consideration given to the development of their music tech classes and related industry career pathways. Through their visionary initiatives, these two supervisors are not only elevating music education for their districts, teachers, and students, but also bridging the gap between the classroom and the professional world, ensuring their students graduate with industry-standard certifications and the practical experience and industry networks necessary to thrive in the modern arts and entertainment sector.

School of Beats Music Technology Competition

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Coming soon: more Tales from the Road

Ken Greene brings decades of successful experiences to the SoundTree team as a music educator, national edtech clinician, and professional musician.