H2O MILWAUKEE MUSIC LLC

H2O Milwaukee is a grass roots business venture created by musicians Marquis Gilbert ("Sose") and Dwight Gilbert ("DJ Tyme") that began in 2007 as an online magazine highlighting Milwaukee artists and performers on the urban music scene. Wanting to reach out more to inner-city youth, the cousins decided to create a music workshop for kids interested in the process of beat making, djing, and songwriting.

Their program, THE PEACE PROPAGANDA PROJECT, created in 2008 is a 10 week “crash-course” music workshop designed for kids who have an interest in creating music, but due to lack of access, have never had the opportunity to learn how. The mission of THE PEACE PROPAGANDA PROJECT is to empower youth using music as a means to teach them how to use their creativity, talents, and experiences to make positive change in themselves and the community at large. No equipment, no problem! The instructors bring in everything need to conduct the class; keyboards, music sequencing software, and the kids’ favorite, official DJ turntable set. All they need is a classroom, two tables, and an electric outlet. Program participants will come away with not only a basic working knowledge of musical concepts; they will also have their experiences archived on a DVD, as the sessions are taped by the students themselves.

H2O Milwaukee has worked in alternative school settings such as St. Charles as well as MPS schools such as Kluge Elementary School, 27th Street School, and McNair Academy. The workshop is an ideal for community organizations that are seeking innovative ways to engage more hard to reach students. This music class will begin to help students make the connection between how a creative thought can become a tangible product they can share with their school, friends, and family.