SAN BENITO — Music and science are coming together through a class being taught for the San Benito After School Program.
DJ-ing is helping students learn the importance of math, science and engineering.
The program targeted to middle school and high school students teaches them how to blend music and understand composition.
Sandra Leal from the San Benito After School Program said the class was introduced to coordinators last summer.
Leal said once coordinators learned about the STEAM-based program they were immediately interested in providing the class for their students in the After School Program.
“It was something we thought would be new and exciting,” Leal said.
Although the class is new, it has been gaining momentum among middle school students.
Benny Saenz, known as DJ Blue who was one of the first instructors for the class, said he began to push the program at the beginning of the year when he saw the impact it made on his students.
“There at VMA I have two students who already have a first quinceanera booked that they’ll be playing at,” Saenz said.
Students in the class are taught music theory and the connection between music and engineering with the software and equipment provided.
Aside from practical knowledge, Leal said the program provides added benefits to its students.
“They gain self-esteem through music performances,” Leal said.
Outside of the class, students are able to put their skills to use by performing at school dances and campus events.
“They really, really enjoy it,” Saenz said.
Students in the program are encouraged to choose a DJ name and become creative with their stage presence.
Saenz received training to teach the program through the Global DJ Academy and helped relay the information to the other campus instructors.
Saenz said his students are learning the history behind the art and have learned how to break down their music by beats and cut it together to create a set that could be used during dances or gym free time at school.
“We have kids that are really into it,” Saenz said. “Even when we go to the gym, we have them alternate putting the music while playing.”
At the end of the year, students in the class will participate in the annual After School Program Showcase to present everything they have learned.
What students learn
• Stage presence
• How to blend beats
• How to count music beats
• Use of technical equipment
• Music composition