001So, the students come from all around the county. We call it the Sound Station, the DJ class at Thomas Jefferson Community Center. [music] It's like a fun environment. Like we try to That's That's what the the the biggest thing is. Like we try [music] to make sure that the environment stays fun and stays kind of like not like your customary classroom. There is structure, but I also want to make sure that everybody enjoys what they're doing. You don't have to know anything about music to join. Like if you play an instrument, that's great. Uh but at the same time like we'll teach you how to DJ everything. And that's why I like the class so much cuz it's super diverse. Honestly, I look at myself. I don't do much at home. Just being here gives
002me something to do like or just something to look forward to after school. I think this just gives kids the space to like just learn at something that is unique and it's just a very good way to express how you how you yourself are feeling. If you can create that expression, it is perfect for out-branching people's emotions and just setting like a mood. >> [music] >> Not a lot of people know what song structure is, which is something that is very important. And like as a DJ, once I learned that, I was like, "Wow, I can now construct a whole song on my own." It's not just playing music, it's being able to read your audience [music] and being able to play what they want to hear without knowing what they want to hear and
003surprise them. In 2007, I would come here every Tuesday and Friday. For me, it was about a sense of belonging. I felt like I belonged nowhere. But when I came here, I walk in and they're like, "Hey, hey, what's going on? How you doing?" And now I'm teaching the class that I used to learn in. And [music] that familiarity and that like, you know, welcoming environment made me want to make sure that anybody who comes in here can feel that as well. I've been here since the fourth grade. [music] This cut me out of trouble for so long. Being able to talk to Aaron and Jeff about anything and everything. Coming from someone who grew up without a father, you know, I I look up to them and it's it's very like inspirational. And it's
004not just like I'm learning how to DJ, I'm learning like professionalism. And I actually got hired and now I'm working for Arlington County as a DJ. And um [music] I just love the class and I don't know what I would do without it. >> [music]