MELE Program Releases Second CD Compilation

Students produce Keiki O Ka ‘Aina

Honolulu Community College
Contact:
Billie K T Lueder, (808) 845-9187
Communications & External Affairs, Chancellor's Office
Posted: Jul 22, 2014

Keiki O Ka Aina is the second CD produced by MELE.
Keiki O Ka Aina is the second CD produced by MELE.
MELE donors, Sue and Al Landon.
MELE donors, Sue and Al Landon.

(Honolulu) - Honolulu CC's Music & Entertainment Learning Experience (MELE) Program is proud to release its second compilation entitled Keiki O Ka ‘Aina. After the successful launch of its first CD, Island Music: Gifts of Aloha in 2013, the MELE Program is happy to receive continued support from Al & Sue Landon to help produce another installment of fine island music.  

“While I lived in Honolulu I had the opportunity to support the development of the MELE program at Honolulu Community College,” shares Al Landon, former CEO of Bank of Hawai‘i.  “As you enjoy this music, think of Hawai‘i’s children and the land of Aloha.”

"With creative input from Al himself, we focused on a theme: Keiki O Ka ‘Aina ("children of our land") and selected key songs that evoke the topics of growing up in Hawai‘i, youthfulness, and all around good vibes," states Music Business Instructor Eric Lagrimas, whose students in his MELE 203 Intellectual Properties class handled the initial research of record labels/music publishers and learned about proper licensing.  

Some of the featured artists on the album include: Keali‘i Reichel, Raiatea Helm, Ka‘au Crater Boys, and Makua Rothman.  "Student involvement is key with special projects like this CD," added John Vierra, MELE Program Coordinator and Audio Engineering Instructor.  "Our MELE 220 Audio Engineering 2 students learned about new concepts such as 'audio mastering' once the final song list is complete.  These students are an integral piece to a successful finished product."

The Honolulu CC MELE program is the only program in the state that offers students Associate of Science degrees in Music Business or Audio Engineering. The goal of the program is to invest in local talent to grow Hawai‘i's music industry and broaden its reach to the world.

MELE utilizes a comprehensive music business and production curriculum meeting the requirements for entry-level training of music industry and production professionals. The curriculum focuses on combining academic experience with real-world applications to prepare students to work in the rapidly evolving global music industry of the 21st century.

Graduates of the program are working in the industry creating and promoting music through various career paths that include an Assistant Engineer with Island Sound Studios having most recently worked with rap artist Kanye West; Assistant Engineer with Blue Planet Sound; Assistant Engineer with Soulsound Studio; Audio/Media Specialist at ‘Iolani Schools; Entertainment Coordinator with Hawai‘i Pacific Entertainment; and a Promotions Assistant with Clear Channel Communications.

“It is through the generous support from individuals such as Al and Sue Landon that give students the invaluable experience that will best prepare them for careers in the music and entertainment industry both within and outside Hawai‘i,” shares Honolulu Community College Chancellor Dr. Erika Lacro.

Keiki O Ka 'Aina is a non-commercial project and serves as an experiential learning opportunity and promotional calling card for the MELE Program and Honolulu CC.   Complimentary copies are available at the MELE Program office, Bldg. 2-412.

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