Each class has 4-6 students and 1 teacher and is comprised of drums, guitar, bass, and vocals. Some bands also have keyboards and horns. Teachers work with the bands on developing a set of songs to perform at the concert. The material performed by the bands is chosen by the students, with guidance from the teacher. Teachers help the students learn cover songs, as well as develop original songs if students are interested.
The Song-Writing and Digital Music Production workshop is offered during the fall and spring sessions and is open to all Plugged In students as well as any kids ages 11-18 who are not in Plugged In. At the end of each Plugged In session there is a benefit concert that raises money for a charity chosen by the students. This workshop provides students the opportunity to learn more about the charity, learn song-writing techniques from professional song-writers, write, perform and record an original song for a CD, and learn digital music production. Students perform the original songs at the concert.
On the first day of the workshop a representative from the charity talks with the students about the work of their organization. By acquiring a deeper understanding of the cause, the experience of performing in the concert often becomes more meaningful for the students. Later in the day, students break into groups, led by professional songwriters, and write songs based on their reactions to what they have learned and/or on any subject of their choice.
On the second day of the workshop we go to a professional recording studio, where a recording is made of the students performing their original songs for a CD to be sold to raise money for the charity. Also, on the second day, students are taught digital music editing in a computer lab at the studio.
