B.E.A.T.
Build and Enrich Adjudicated Teens
Introduction Statement
KKYES was first introduced to the adjudicated juvenile population in 2008 while doing a workshop in the Department of Juvenile Service in Baltimore MD (Currently serving Maya Angelou Academy Laurel, MD). Utilizing a portable recording studio we were able to encourage the youth in this facility to discuss their issues with each other and write about it in song format. Those that were not so eager to express their self publicly, gravitated more towards the technical aspects of the program. This included learning the uses of recording software and music production hardware. This emotional outlet provided the youth with a platform to discuss and express profound insights about the systems that impact their lives. Emotions are personal and sometimes difficult to discuss. Although listening to a song with emotional lyrics and then discussing those lyrics removes the personal discomfort of discussing emotions, if rapport is built, this musical activity naturally leads into expressing and discussing personal emotions and feelings.
These scholars face unique challenges in that they are still developing cognitively, physically, emotionally, and intellectually. They are exploring their own identities, and how they relate to their peers. We believe that by fostering their musical abilities and skills we can assist youths in their ability to make positive life decisions. We would like to dispel ideas that the juvenile justice system is only punitive. We have a unique opportunity to bring services to these facilities that are therapeutic as well as educational.
Researchers have investigated the processes and outcomes of artistic self-expression for people who are incarcerated. Its reported that inmates demonstrated improved listening skills, eye contact, and a desire to avoid misbehavior in order to participate in the music enrichment disciplines. We know the data supports that the more alternative and educational programming offered, the more likely youth won't return to detention. By the end of this program scholars will start to see themselves and their relationship with the world differently because music and art are one of the only processes we know that allow individuals to express themselves positively in a non-confrontational way. Music provides them with a deeply personal form of expression. Students see this form of therapeutic rehabilitation to be an organic and effortless approach to help reduce recidivism rates and assist them in dealing with their issues in a more effective way.
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Learn relaxation and coping skills
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Improve physical conditioning
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Develop effective leisure skills
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Increase self-awareness
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Explore feelings and make positive changes in mood states
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Improve reality testing and problem-solving skills
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Improve respect for others, including peers and authority figures
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Develop healthy verbal and non-verbal communication skills
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Decrease impulsivity through practical techniques
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Accept responsibility for thoughts and feelings
We are currently servicing the youth at The Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), the District of Columbia's cabinet-level juvenile justice agency, along with the Maya Angelou Academy, the school at New Beginnings Youth Development Center. This facility was featured on NBC's primetime news magazine show, Rock Center with Brian Williams. NBC's special correspondent, Chelsea Clinton, reported on the reforms that have taken place within the District's juvenile justice agency and the school at New Beginnings. Please watch the following video
MAYA ANGELOU ACADEMY ON
BUILD & ENRICH ADJUDICATED TEENS (B.E.A.T.) COURSE OUTLINE
Course Description:
B.E.A.T. is a multi-enriched workshop incorporating creative counseling and audio engineering training. The lesson plans are directed to encourage incarcerated and adjudicated youth to develop cognitively, emotionally and intellectually. In the process youth will use music production and positive song writing to aid the transition from at-risk behaviors. Students gain critical planning and decision making skills necessary for a positive reentry into society by infusing success strategies in the form of lyrical content and creative decision making.
This program will introduce students to the uses, concepts, techniques, and terminology of music production, recording engineering, and song writing. Students will gain experience in lyric analyzation and text comprehension with hardware and software for music programming. This course is also designed as an intermediate introduction to obtainable technical based careers in the entertainment industry. (i.e. Acoustics/Design Field, Mixing Engineer, Music Composition, and Studio Management)
Build & Enrich Adjudicate Teens
B . E . A . T .