The Music Education Group presents School of Beats Music Technology Competition Grand Finale
- SoundTree
- May 13
- 2 min read
Updated: May 15
by Ken Greene Education Technology Specialist, SoundTree
If you haven't already read our two featured articles on The Music Education Group (MEG), stop now and go check them out! The Atlanta-based STEAM 501(c3) "whose mission is to teach students life skills and career development through music, film and digital media" is doing marvelous work to empower and inspire youth while providing a successful blueprint for other community leaders to follow.
I was honored to represent SoundTree as a corporate sponsor and judge at the inaugural School of Beats Music Technology Competition Grand Finale in Atlanta, GA, on May 8, 2025. The event was held at the Believe Music Hall, a 15,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose venue in the heart of the city that boasts "the largest high resolution LED wall in Atlanta" and one fabulous sound system. Originally built as a church in the 1900's, the space provided an absolutely spectacular setting for the students to showcase their music tech compositions.
MEG announced the competition at the beginning of the year, inviting students in school districts throughout the greater Atlanta area to participate.
MEG executive director James Caldwell explained that putting students in positions of leadership is integral to his organization's mission. Tonight was no exception. Students affiliated with The Music Education Group served as MC, producers, DJs, and performers. As each student composer was introduced, their image and "credentials" were projected on the gigantic LED wall. Some were shy and soft-spoken as they shared their musical inspiration with the audience, while others appeared completely comfortable behind the mic. As a music teacher for 21+ years in Memphis, TN, I found myself in awe of the diverse, complex, and thoughtful compositions from students as young as 12 years old through 12th grade. The quality ranged from sublime and cinematic to propulsive and hypnotic. To hear a cherubic 6th grade girl tell us that she wrote her song for her mother, followed by the massive bass drop from her instrumental entry, one that would rattle Madison Square Garden, is something special to behold.
MEG founder Ric Ross and executive director James Caldwell have created a fantastic opportunity for creative middle and high school students to participate in a meaningful, and certainly memorable, musical experience, allowing them, their families, and their music teachers to celebrate their talents and accomplishments. While students in traditional music programs - band, choir, and orchestra - have participated for decades in their respective annual events (All-State, Honors ensembles, etc.), the other 75-80% of secondary school students now have a comparable "adjudicated" program in which they can participate. I found myself in great company that night among the many families and teachers in attendance. Additionally, I had the opportunity to hang with fine folks such as Jim Frankel and Jody Underwood from MusicFirst, Rap Plug Live Co-CEO Craig King, music teacher and GMEA music tech chair Heath Jones, Cobb County Schools performing arts supervisor Sara Womack, MEG founder Ric Ross, and MEG executive director James Caldwell. What a night!
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