Bethpage Musicians Go Digital

Students enrolled in Mr. Stehlik's "Computer Music" class at Bethpage High School are learning how musicians and recording artists use technology to compose. The district recently installed a new digital music lab at the high school, consisting of 10 computers with Korg professional synthesizers.

In Mr. Stehlik's class, students are using specialized software titles such as Finale, Band in a Box and Home Studio. These programs allow students to compose original music and use the software to create musical notations on the screen. Students can also play back their compositions with multiple tracks and integrate different types of instruments such as strings, brass and percussion.

According to Mr. Stehlik, what he likes most about the new lab is "that it gives students the opportunity to create and compose music using state-of-the-art tools."

Director of Technology and Telecommunications Terry Clark has observed several classes in the new lab and is impressed by the students' ability to compose their own music after just a few weeks in the lab. "It is fun to watch the creative process at work and to see the enthusiasm of these students at work. It is so natural to them and it is nice to know that Bethpage is leading the way in the use of this technology."

Philip Tjimos, a student in Mr. Stehlik's class, said, "It's great to be able to create and listen to your own music." Students also demonstrated what they have learned to date for members of the Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Harvey Hilburgh, and members of the district's central administration.