RAISE THE BAR:
GRD 3-5 / 6-8 / 9-12
HIP HOP SONGWRITING, RAPPING, SINGING, RECORDING, AND PERFORMANCE CLASS
In person and virtual.
A “BARS” EYE VIEW
Learn the ins and outs of collaborative songwriting and recording of a Hip Hop song. Choose to rap, sing, play a role in writing or performing.
Each Raise the Bar program ends with a grand finale live performance. Students receive a professionally mixed and mastered MP3 of the song, and Raise The Bar certifications. They are guided by an established Billboard Charts and Rolling Stone Magazine featured artist known to us as Mr. Marc.
Working together, a group of lucky students will build important life skills through music recording and group participation. Students record vocals on music industry standard equipment in the classroom. They can choose to rap, sing, write, “ghost write” (play a role in writing but not recording or appearing on the song), or go for it all!
The course ends with a grand finale “Hamilton” stye performance and full length music video reveal.
MUSIC AND VIDEOS
PROSPECT PARK
A HIP HOP MUSICAL
ONCE UPON A BRIDGE:
THE EMILY WARREN ROEBLING STORY
THE NUMBER 8
IN-CLASS SESSION
LIFE LESSONS LYRIC VIDEO
SURVIVE LYRIC VIDEO
TESTIMONIALS
“Marc gives a fabulous class and the song that they produced touched my heart. I overheard his teachings and he is so inspirational with the kids and fell right into the instructional Zoom format. He got the girls out of their shells and made sure each child’s voice was included on the final product. He even held a virtual showcase at the end of the class to include the parents on what was produced. Ode to Brooklyn is still stuck in my head...it’s that catchy!”
“Esme had a wonderful experience with your class! She really enjoyed the creative process of writing the lyrics with the group, and it was very cool to get to record her part and then hear how you put it all together with the other girls’ parts to create an amazing song. It was really satisfying to have such an awesome end product to take away when the course finished, and something she was really proud to have been a part of.”
“My daughter took the Raise the Bar class where the group wrote a song, recorded it and presented it. The song was rap and hip hop song about Brooklyn - and was truly beautiful. The class was taught in zoom and the kids really connected to each other and Marc. I listened as each kid entered the classroom and Marc had such enthusiasm and energy it was contagious. My daughter felt comfortable presenting ideas in this new genre and we rapped her favorite book of kids poems because of what she learned! So much fun!! I would recommend his classes anytime!”
ABOUT MARC HERSTEIN
Marc Herstein, Park Slope Brooklynite, educator and entertainer has a gift in fully engaging children and retaining their ongoing participation. Marc brings over 20 years of live performance, songwriting, beat production, video production, event production and audio engineering experience to a wide array of programming for pre-k through middle school aged children. Marc began producing hip hop music in the late 90’s and was featured on the world renowned Lyricist Lounge albums. He has released records that have hit the billboard charts and have been recognized and quoted in Rolling Stone Magazine.
Marc diversified his portfolio and began hosting highly successful children's dance parties as the resident MC and premier event host for the world renowned, family dance craze, Baby Loves Disco. To date, marc has toured over 50 cities hosting family dance parties for multigenerational audiencess
Marc now has built upon his accomplishments by developing unique, cutting edge educational programming that seamlessly support the identity of a school.
Outside of his entertainment and education experience, Marc has worked for three major nonprofit organizations in NYC and has led marketing, events and volunteer departments for the past 14 years. His own early education includes District 15's PS. 230 and MS 51, as well as Laguardia High School of the Performing Arts as a vocal major. Marc is known for his high energy and integrity, he is a champion of children and their learning in fun environments.