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SOCIOLOGY OF AMERICAN POPULAR MUSIC(SOAP)
This Social Science (semester) elective course will focus on the sociological relationships between music, culture, and society in the United States during the twentieth century. American music (from blues, jazz, and rock, to country, folk, soul, and rap) will be analyzed as a reflection of culture and a tool for social change.
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STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Here's what students are saying about the course (comments taken from course surveys):"Great, in-depth class on American music history! The teaching style was professional, informative and very eye-opening. This was easily the best elective course at OPHS. Mr. Meyer's ability to fuse multi-media presentations, songs and music industry professionals creates an impactful class experience. I loved Mr. Meyer's particular love of jazz; his class allowed me to find a wide range of music I'd never even consider.""The class had a nice, chill atmosphere that I liked. I liked all the effort put into making the class fun and educational.""Mr. Meyer's enthusiasm about music will make you want to learn more about it.""The guest speakers were excellent and great fun.""This class is so killer! I always looked forward to coming to this class. A music class taught by a musician? You can't have anything better than that!""It was honestly my favorite class and I felt like I learned a lot from it. It introduced me to music that I would never have considered listening to and really broadened my music taste as well.""This has easily been one of the most intriguing classes I've ever taken. I really enjoyed learning so much about music and its culture.""When I first came into this school, I thought it was going to be a boring history class. I was wrong. It expanded my knowledge of music beyond where it was before and hopefully this class stays!""Thank you for teaching this class with such joy and vibrancy. Not only did you teach in a fun manner, but you also shared your love and passion for music in a very educational way. I wish that this class could go on for a year.""This class was easily the highlight of my day, every day. It helps a lot to have a teacher as driven and as dedicated to music as Mr. Meyer.""The sociological aspect was intriguing and truly unique, which made the course a lot more special. I learned a lot about genres and the origins of American music I wouldn't have found out otherwise.""This class is unlike any other on campus. Mr. Meyer really engages his students through learning the history of music in an interactive way.""Anybody who wants to have a particular sense of music or further knowledge of it should take this course. While all the other classes in high school are essential to have a career in the future, this class is absolutely necessary to be an active and social member of society."----------------------------SOAP 2019
2019 - Master percussionist and Grammy Award winner Luis Conte told remarkably inspiring stories about his life in the music industry, and even taught the students how to play the clave rhythm!QUICK TIME VIDEO: Luis Teaches Class the Clave RhythmSOAP 2018
2018 - Legendary bassist Leland Sklar has performed on over 2,600 albums (!) and has recorded and/or toured with some of pop and rock's greatest artists (James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Phil Collins, Toto, etc.). The class enjoyed hearing stories about his life in the music industry, and everyone appreciated his humor, enthusiasm, passion and sage advice.
2018 - Rapper/hip hop producer Sixx John (songwriter for the hit TV series "Empire", and soon to compose music for an upcoming TV tribute to Michael Jackson) told captivating stories of the life experiences that have inspired his musical creativity.
2018 - Ray Harkins, a mainstay of the Orange County hardcore/indie music scene,spoke about his background as a podcaster, hardcore vocalist, record label exec, tour manager, and music enthusiast. He gave lots of sound advice and encouraged the students to go all in to pursue their passions in life!
2018 - Rock band manager Mark Wakefield (currently managing System Of A Down, Smashing Pumpkins, Korn, Alice In Chains, AFI, Deftones and many others) gave an engaging talk about his life in the music industry and provided students with advice about their future endeavors.SOAP 2017
2017 - Ray Harkins, a mainstay of the Orange County hardcore/indie music scene,spoke about his background as a podcaster, hardcore vocalist, record label exec, tour manager, and music enthusiast. He gave lots of sound advice and encouraged the students to go all in to pursue their passions in life!
2017 - Afro-Cuban percussion legend Alex Acuña came to visit the class. He's performed with Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, Ella Fitzgerald, Paul McCartney, U2, Joni Mitchell, Chick Corea and many more. He was the drummer for the seminal fusion jazz band Weather Report during the height of their fame and success in the 1970s. Alex inspired the students with his stories of working with musicians from many genres, and his live percussion performance (and interactive jam with the class) was a semester highlight!Video link: Alex Acuña and SOAP class perform an impromptu percussion jam! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjvGXAQ3OYM&app=desktop
2017 - Grammy Award winner John "JR" Robinson holds the distinction of being the most recorded drummer in history! During his visit, he told inspirational stories about his life in the music business, imparted some wisdom from his experiences, and played drums for the class. The students thoroughly enjoyed his humor and musical talent.Video link: JR playing his drum track on Eric Clapton's hit "Change The World" https://vimeo.com/214351015Video link: JR playing along to Michael Jackson's "Rock With You" (that's him drumming on the original track) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYci4fEl3u4&app=desktop
2017 - Rock band manager Mark Wakefield (currently managing System Of A Down, Alice In Chains, AFI, Deftones and many others) gave an engaging talk about his life in the music industry and provided students with advice about their future endeavors.
2017 - Rapper/hip hop producer Sixx John (currently writing music with Ne-Yo for the hit TV series "Empire", and soon to compose the score for the upcoming feature film "Stomp the World") told captivating stories of the life experiences that have inspired his musical creativity.SOAP 20162016 - Grammy Award winner John "JR" Robinson, the most recorded drummer in history, spoke and played for our class. JR told the students many stories about his recording and touring experiences, and he blew everyone away with his incredible playing!
Video link: JR drum solo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhrwCrM41Ac&feature=youtu.beVideo link: JR drum solo #2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-x3NcnmPNw&feature=youtu.be
2016 - Rapper/hip hop producer Sixx John (currently writing music, along with Ne-Yo and Timbaland, for the hit TV series "Empire") captivated students with stories about the experiences that helped cultivate his career as a performer and artist..jpg "Zack")
2016 - Zack Greenwald (OPHS Class of 2005), singer/songwriter/musician from the "bliss rock" band Givers & Takers, told the class stories of his experiences and how music has played a major part in shaping his life.
2016 - Ray Harkins, a mainstay of the Orange County hardcore/indie music scene,spoke about his background as a podcaster, hardcore vocalist, record label exec, tour manager, and music enthusiast. He gave lots of sound advice and encouraged the students to go all in to pursue their passions in life!SOAP 2015Ray Harkins' classroom presentation video from 2015: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAzsHkx0YUA
2015 - Grammy Award winner/master percussionist Luis Conté inspired SOAP students with his stories aboutgrowing up in Cuba, coming to the United States, and getting his start in the music business!SOAP 2014
2014 - Spoken Word artist/mental health advocate Yashi Browngave an inspirational presentation in G-9!Guest Speaker Videos 2014:Luis Conte (Part 1): Luis Settles Dispute Beween Mr. Kinberg & Mr. MeyerLuis Conte (Part 2): Luis Plays The Bongos!Luis Conte (Part 3): Luis Demonstrates How To Play Percussion InstrumentsGuest Speaker Videos 2013:Mark Wakefield (Part 1):Mark Wakefield (Part 2):Bill Kanengiser (classical guitarist)
