Your Voice is Power
Explore how music, coding
and entrepreneurship can
effect positive change
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Your Voice is Power is a project-based curriculum and national remix competition that introduces the fundamentals of computer science to students through an exploration of music and social change. Across five learning modules, students engage in fun activities and thought-provoking discussions to learn how these topics intersect.
Built in collaboration with Pharrell Williams’ education nonprofit YELLOW, this one-week program challenges students to express their own voice, write code using Georgia Tech’s EarSketch platform, and create an original song remix that promotes equity.
The Your Voice is Power Remix Competition is open to elementary, middle and high school students. The Your Voice is Power project-based curriculum is designed to engage MS & HS students.
Check out their amazing Your Voice is Power winning remixes!
Remix Competition
Learn. Create. Compete for prizes.
Can coding + composing = promoting equity? Yes!
At the end of the learning experience, students who participate in Your Voice is Power have the option to submit their songs and equity-minded reflections into a national remix competition.
Songs with social change themes from top recording artists, including “Entrepreneur” – a celebration of Black entrepreneurship – by Pharrell Williams, “Underdog” by Alicia Keys, and “New Normal” by Khalid, provide students with inspiration and music stems for their compositions.
No experience is necessary to enter. Remixed song submissions will be judged based on music, code and message to promote equity by a panel of industry professionals.
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Beatrice Dixon, Co-Founder and CEO of The Honey Pot Company share her Top 6 Tips for entrepreneurs and the importance of entrepreneurship and equity.
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Music Technologist Chalece DeLaCoudray and Audio Engineer Mike Larson code sound layers in EarSketch. Mike Larson has worked with Pharrell as his Recording Engineer for over 10 years. Chalece was the first African American to receive a Masters in Music Technology from Georgia Tech.
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Dr. Joycelyn Wilson, Assistant Professor of Hip Hop Studies and Digital Media at Georgia Tech, schools us on messaging in music and how to decode it with her groundbreaking method, The O.U.T.K.A.S.T Imagination.
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Music Technologist Chalece DeLaCoudray and Audio Engineer Mike Larson code song structure in EarSketch using functions.
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Check out our ‘Your Voice is Power Remix Competition’ 2022 Winners
As Paul was learning computer science and coding his song for the Your Voice is Power competition, he realized; if he can make it this far, others like him could do the same.
“There are intelligent people here (in Guam) who I know for sure can succeed in this field, but they sell themselves short because they do not believe in themselves. One day, I plan to change that by spreading the message that computer science can truly lead to equity. I believe it can level the playing field so that anyone who has the opportunity to learn computer science can succeed.”Paul C. • Grade 11 • Simon A. Sanchez High School • Yigo, Guam -
Check out our ‘Your Voice is Power Remix Competition’ 2022 Winners
Mandy understood the power of her voice and wanted to use it and her song to embrace diverse thoughts and dreams; to help people let go of stereotypes.
“I see a lot of people being stereotyped and that keeps them from following their dreams. With community coming together, we can get rid of stereotypes and bring equality to everyone. I want my song to reach the ones in need of hope for achieving their dreams and help for letting go of daily struggles.”Mandy D. • Grade 10 • Lane Tech High School • Chicago, Illinois -
Check out our ‘Your Voice is Power Remix Competition’ 2022 Winners
David focused on how hopeful the song “Entrepreneur” sounds, despite the serious message, because it was written in C-major. He chose to code in an alternate key to create a song with a different emphasis.
“I chose to make a remix that would focus more on a Call-to-Action. I chose C-minor as my key, which though energetic, is far less negative than most minor keys. Moreover, through the falsetto vocal, which retains some C-major in my song, I kept some of the hope that makes Entrepreneur’s message so potent.”David D. • Grade 9 • University City High School • San Diego, CA -
Check out our ‘Your Voice is Power Remix Competition’ 2022 Winners
Music has always had a place in Christopher’s heart. When listening to music, he hears the beats and the message. That is why he wanted to use his song to convey a strong message to young people of color – Become UNSTOPPABLE.
“These words resonated with me the most during my life. With this song I’ve programmed, I want to spread the word of equity. As a Mexican-American, I fully support and condone equity for all human beings, for we are but one race; the human race.”Christopher G. • Grade 10 • Forshay Learning Center • Los Angeles, CA -
Check out our ‘Your Voice is Power Remix Competition’ 2022 Winners
Josie’s song is about the power of empathy and working together, especially when fighting discrimination, to open the door for personal growth, progress and change.
“Using EarSketch to gain access to musical and coding expertise, I was reminded of how many opportunities technology provides. This competition reminds me of what can occur when people work together. Everyone began with the same sound clips, but each made something completely different based on their own ideas and experiences.”Josie P. • Grade 12 • Agoura Hills High School • Agoura Hills, CA
FAQ
How and when will winners be chosen and notified? What are the prizes?
For Teachers/Schools: Two teachers/schools per month (November and December) will receive a $325 Amazon Gift Card for the highest eligible Your Voice is PowerMusic/Coding Remix Competition total student song submissions.
Teachers of the 10 Grand Prize Winners will also receive a $500 Amazon Gift Card.
If I'm a teacher, how does this fit into my classroom/curriculum?
Can my students submit more than one song?
Can students work in teams or must they submit individually?
If I'm a student, should I complete on my own or with my class?
Do I have to use the curriculum to participate?
What languages are available and what countries can participate?
Both US and Canadian students should submit their song utilizing the final submission link inside the EarSketch platform.
What materials (hardware/software) are required?
All curriculum materials can be used digitally or can be printed out. No other equipment is required.
My class is fully virtual due to COVID-19. How will this impact my ability to deliver the curriculum?
Who can I contact for questions about the competition or for help with EarSketch?
How do students submit their final songs?
I can't attend any of the trainings but I need support. What other training options exist?
Who created the Your Voice is Power Curriculum and Remix Competition?
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT & PRODUCTION:
Sabrina Grossman, Program Director, CEISMC, Georgia Tech
Chalece DeLaCoudray, Innovator in Residence, CEISMC, Georgia Tech, chaleced.com
Joycelyn Wilson, PhD, Assistant Professor of Hip Hop Studies and DM, HipHop2020 Innovation Archive, Georgia Tech
Roxanne Moore, PhD, Senior Research Engineer, Georgia Tech
Stephanie Walters, YELLOW Foundation
Justin Funiliar, YELLOW Foundation
Mike Galliard, YELLOW Foundation
Krystal Hardy Allen, CEO, K. Allen Consulting
Jaritza Alecon, Associate Consultant, K. Allen Consulting