Michael Oquendo

Oquendo’s innovative teaching idea, “Choose Your Sound,” is designed to have students approach music and collaboration through a real-life rock band experience. Not only will students take on the role of performer — playing electric guitar, bass, or drums — but they will also perform as a composer, sound engineer, web designer and critic. They will be asked to work creatively with peers to write and record songs, generate band websites, and produce music videos while integrating positive self-critique to overcome challenges. Overall, the goal of the program is to provide a powerful experience for students who may not otherwise be able to access or relate to music, ultimately allowing them to learn about themselves and discover new passions.