Music x Tech Fest gives Murrow HS kids chance to shine

March 15, 2018 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Senior Monica Hershkovich was one of several talented students who performed at the Music x Tech Fest 2018. Photos by Frederick Tran

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“American Idol” is back but at Edward R. Murrow High School, the talk is all about another kind of celebration of musical talent.

The school’s Music Technology Program recently hosted its Second Annual Music x Tech Fest, a show in which students and alumni performed original songs and presented music videos that they had created.

The organizers of Music x Tech Fest 2018 also used the event as a fundraiser for charity, according to school officials. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the show were donated to RAINN, a nationwide group that raises awareness of sexual violence.

In addition to the students and alumni, the show also featured guest performers, including pop-soul singer-songwriter Amalia Watty, Canadian singer Elle Renee and radio star Shelley Rome of Z100.

Joseph Reilly, who teaches in the Music Technology Program, said this year’s show demonstrated how the students have grown in their artistry and attitude.

“All the students involved with this year’s Music x Tech Fest, from performers to crew, managed to take an already highly challenging production to the next level. I’m really impressed with how everyone handled the stress of it all to put on a successful show. It’s awesome to see that Murrow has a legitimate music festival as part of its event offerings,” Reilly said in a statement.

The Music Technology Program offers students the chance to become the next Beyonce or Katy Perry by studying songwriting, sound engineering and audio-visual production. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities that include a new studio and a recording booth.

Edward R. Murrow High School, which opened in 1974, is located at 1600 Avenue L in Midwood.

Principal Allen Barge said he’s impressed by the talents of the students in the Music Technology Program.

“This program has provided an incredible opportunity for our students. It has increased engagement for all students, including those with special needs. The work they have been able to produce has been phenomenal,” Barge said.

Music can play an important role in education, according to school officials, who said it can help students developing self-confidence and express themselves creatively.

Music superstar Alicia Keys helped the school establish the Music Technology Program in 2015.

Keys donated money to help get the innovative program off the ground and then solidified her support by showing up at the school to perform for students.

Keys, a Grammy Award-winning artist famous for such tunes as “Fallin,” “No One” and “Girl on Fire,” performed with the Murrow Gospel Choir.