John Ellison, a McDowell County native who wrote the rock ‘n’ soul anthem “Some Kind of Wonderful,” will join singer/songwriter/teacher Rachel Bird, “Mountain Stage” associate producer Vasilia Scouras and WVMHoF director Michael Lipton in speaking to students about careers in the music industry.
The West Virginia Music Hall of Fame’s “Music Career Counseling Program” will visit Clay County Middle School on Wednesday, January 24. The visit is funded by a grant from The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation.
Ellison, whose hit song has been recorded by nearly 70 artists, including Grand Funk Railroad, was inducted into the WVMHoF in 2015.
The innovative education initiative is a “career day” for the music business. The program was created to make students aware of the many career opportunities – both performing and non-performing – that exist in the music and entertainment industry.
In addition to performing and songwriting, students are introduced to West Virginians who have established careers in artist management, tech and stage support, recording engineering, producing, event production and publicity.
Each of the four guests give a brief presentation about their career and an overview of their jobs. Then the class breaks into smaller groups, giving students the opportunity to have a more in-depth discussion with the professionals. The artists take questions and explain what skills are necessary and how to follow a career path through high school. The session will include performances by the artists.
Clay County Middle School
419 Church Street
Clay, WV 25043
Sessions begin at 8:30 and 9:30 a.m.
If you would like to attend the program, please call Sherry Hobbs, WVMHoF Education Coordinator, at 304-342-4412 or 304-587-2343.