The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus was found in 1988 as a non-profit organization. Executive Director Brian Rothschild and music manager David Sonenberg created the tour bus to provide young people with opportunities to learn about music, video and broadcasting creation, production and technology, as well as photography. John Lennon’s wife, Yoko Ono, showed enthusiasm for the project and said that “this is precisely the kind of project John Lennon would have loved.”
The bus is separated into three separate studio areas: the front is a cutting-edge audio and video production room. The rear studio offers pro-level recording and an acoustic booth recording area that is two rooms, which can easily be isolated by a sliding glass door. ISO Studio is used for music video production. The bus uses Apple computers and Sony high-definition products ran by three on-board engineers.
John Lennon Tour Bus offers many programs to help young adults achieve their musical dreams. “One Day Music Video Production”, the Lennon bus and staff, gives the opportunity for 6-8 students to create and produce original songs and video projects. Students write the music and lyrics to a song, record it, mix it, shoot the video, and produce a music video of their own.
John Lennon’s project went even further by reaching out to aspiring writers looking to be in the music industry with The John Lennon Songwriting Contest (JLSC). JLSC is an international songwriter’s contest that began in 1997. Amateur and professional songwriters are all welcome to submit entries in any of the 12 categories. www.jlsc.com says “The JLSC is open year-round and features two Sessions—with 72 Finalists, 24 Grand Prize Winners, 12 Lennon Award Winners and 1 “Song of the Year.” For more information on how to enter and who the judges are visit www.jlsc.com.
John Lennon’s project went even further with the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, which gave students who won High School Battle of the Bands an opportunity in the music industry. “High School Battle of the Bands” is a thrilling event that can happen right at your school! “Our Battles bring together students from all backgrounds and musical influences, all with ONE GOAL, to be the best musicians they can be and represent their school” from the www.lennonbus.org. The winning band receives a free entry to the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Professional Recording session on the tour bus and prizes from Avid, Gibson, Epiphone, Disc Makers, and Apogee.
Another unique program is the “Essay Contests” that promotes the value of multi media education and supports literacy initiatives. All essays must be a music based theme; the winning writer wins a feature prize package for his or her school.
Want to find the Lennon bus? It’s on the road 10-12 months out of the year www.lennonbus.org/schedule tells you were you can find it. During the summer they will be at the 2011 Warped Tour, check the website often dates add and change. Also The Lennon bus goes to various schools, communities, musical technology conferences, events and more!
Not able to make one of the tour dates, but want to know more about the bus, and all its features? Come Together a DVD featuring shot from the travels of The John Lennon Bus, an audio/visual showcase of the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus including interviews with celebrity performers and songwriters, videos of some of the best past students. Available at the selected retailers: Barnes & Noble, Borders, and amazon.com.