The rehabilitative power of music is at the heart of a program at California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco. The Give a Beat program offers hands-on experience for participants to learn about music production and the art of deejaying.
CRC’s Give a Beat program promotes camaraderie and develops positive social bonds with staff and other incarcerated people.
The program covers branding and business development, the diverse history of electronic music, and breathing/mindfulness exercises.
For the program’s final, each incarcerated participant performs a 15-minute deejay set from a music selection of their choice. They also have an option to share an original music production.
Give a Beat teaches more than music
Participants are tasked with engaging in artist reflections. This method encourages a different perspective while contemplating on their class experiences, personal aspirations, and the ways in which music positively influences their lives.
The program serves to deepen emotional self-awareness, stimulate critical thinking, enhance communication skills, and promote self-expression as essential components of healing and personal growth.
“Give a Beat is so grateful for the positive experiences and strong relationships created at CRC. With outstanding support from CRC’s staff, the program has been executed with great success,” said Billy Bannon, Give a Beat manager and teaching artist. “The participants are consistently enthusiastic, eager to learn, grow and discover their abilities. The healing powers of music are regularly on display: bringing people together, tearing down boundaries and building community.”
Story submitted by Harrison Glin, Community Resources Manager
California Rehabilitation Center
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