Blue Hawk Records 2013
The Music & Theatre Arts Department witnessed many changes throughout the spring semester of 2013. Under the direction of a new professor/music industry professional, Joe Rapolla, the students of the Applied Music Industry II class spontaneously and successfully created Monmouth University’s very first record label: Blue Hawk Records.
However at the end of the semester there was still much to be worked through. Therefore, professor Joe Rapolla and a handful of determined and unwavering students developed the Blue Hawk Records Advisory Board. Holding meetings weekly, they decided that the organization would be structured as a university sponsored club that oversees the management and continuing operations for the label. Acting as the direct connection between the university and the public, club officers would seek new opportunities for student involvement, as well as contact local businesses, fundraisers, and charities for community outreach.
Aside from establishing Blue Hawk Records as a club, the music department will offer two applied music courses as a practicum, whereby students will be instructed on sourcing, recording, and marketing music that will be supported by the Blue Hawk organization. In correlation with the club, the classes will focus on the operations of the organization, including A&R, promotions, marketing, live events, and recording. Students in the classes can also participate and join the club.
Unique to the structure of this organization is its partnership with an existing university sanctioned club, The Music Alliance. The Music Alliance is a key component to the operation of the Blue Hawk organization by assisting with artist development, street teaming and live event planning. The Music Alliance has already hosted three well-attended concerts at local venues.
For the upcoming 2013-2014 school year, Blue Hawk Records has established a President (Michael Burke), Vice President (Kristen DePaola), and Chief Marketing Officer (Jonathan Chang-Soon) who will lead the organization and oversee its progress. Other plans include collaborating with other on-campus organizations and reaching out to institutions and businesses throughout the community. Their primary goal is to create and support an interdisciplinary collaboration as well as develop a community through which they can provide students and artists alike with the skills and knowledge needed to develop into industry ready professionals. Ultimately, Blue Hawk Records is the building block where many students will set the foundation for their careers.
