Timothy Treweek, music teacher at Liberty HS, recognizes the importance of music and has dedicated his career to instilling that into his students. Treweek teaches music production classes at the high school, an elective course where students learn about music and technology while also seeing the business side of things. “I teach them skills that they would need to get hired in the musical production industry,” explained Treweek. This course allows students to record instruments, mix songs from scratch, focus on sound engineering, and more. The class even has the opportunity to go to a recording studio where they record with a real band and make their own music. Treweek has even created a website, bethlehemsound.com, where the students’ music is featured.

The Bethlehem Area School District has put an emphasis on career- based coursework. This style of courses leads to various pathways students can follow to hopefully lead them closer to their future passions and jobs. The goal of these classes is to kickstart their career as early as possible.

In order for the music production class to reach its full potential, Treweek recognized the need for proper professional equipment. That’s when he heard about DonorsChoose.org. DonorsChoose is a website that allows teachers from public schools across America to put in requests for educational items their students might need. Individuals can use this site to place donations of products that will then be sent to the classroom they’re required for. Items range from school supplies to technology-based items to even instruments! Treweek has received items such as a brand new drumset, a Yamaha CP40 Digital Stage Piano, Cymbals, and more. Because of generous donors, Treweek has been able to make this program even greater than expected.

Treweek’s classes have been a great success and the students have changed the way they look at music. “The kids just are so into it,” Treweek explained. “Half the time the kids are so engaged, I can’t even get their attention,” he added.

Treweek’s class is currently looking for synthesizers on Donors- Choose. “In this project, students would be able to study and apply concepts of the physics of sound, including various wave forms, oscillators, filters, envelopes, frequency modulation and much, much more,” said Treweek. “A Nord Lead A1 synthesizer would be an extraordinarily relevant teaching tool for students,” he added.

Treweek and his students have sent thank you packages to donors and impact letters with photographs showcasing how the donated products are being used. The organization has made a huge impact on his classroom and has allowed his students to advance musically.

“It has made our program so amazing,” Treweek said.