Eighth-graders Michelle Reyes, in white, and Anisa Abella watch the RBMS video at Monday night’s council meeting.
This time last year, the kids at the Red Bank Middle School were jamming on a video entry for a contest that might put $15,000 worth of new learning technology into the grades six-through-eight facility.
Teachers had heard about the contest only days before the deadline. But with an all-out effort by the students, the school put together a video titled “Use Ya Tech,” a parody of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself,” that served as its entry.
The school finished sixth among 66 schools nationwide — out of the money, but jazzed at the potential for doing better next time in the competition, sponsored by Interwrite Technology, a maker of classroom electronics.
Well, next time is here, the top prize is now $25,000 in gear, and RBMS is back with another high-energy, must-see piece of work.
And this time, even the superintendent gets down.
This year’s entry is entitled, appropriately, “This Year,” and it features an original song written for the occasion.
Chris Ippolito, a second-year photography, arts & culture instructor, and music teacher Holcombe Hurd guided the project. Last night, they brought the two-and-a-half-minute video, and about a dozen students, to the bimonthly meeting of the Red Bank Council for a well-received screening.
Says Ippolito, via email:
its lyrics speak to the fact that our outdated technology really hasn’t progressed much since last year and we really need to win the grand prize of $25,000 in gear, software and training to make our learning fun and engaging this year.
Among the highlights: Superintendent Laura Morana in refrigerator-sized sunglasses providing backing vocals, and a must-see cameo by longtime Red Bank Register editor Art Kamin.
From Ippolito:
It wasn’t hard to convince Mrs. Morana to perform at all. She has always been a big supporter of our arts-based initiatives and it was great to see her in front of the camera — I think it makes our video even more special. As far as Art Kamin’s involvement goes, he has been a fixture at Red Bank Middle School for many years, serving as a substitute teacher in all grade levels. He is very well-liked by the students and staff and can hardly walk anywhere now without kids saying, “Word, Mr. Kamin!”
The imagery and lyrics also make frequent reference to Tony Brewer. Who’s he?
When we all sat down to write the lyrics to the song, we looked to the prize package offered for inspiration. In addition to a Dell Latitude laptop, Thinkronize software, $1000 cash and much more, winners receive a day with Tony Brewer. We thought, “Who’s Tony Brewer, anyway?” And the theme to our song was born. Turns out that Tony Brewer is a consultant who works with schools in integrating technology. His image appears throughout our video (we hope he has a sense of humor!)
The entry deadline was last Friday; judges are now reviewing entries and deciding which videos will make the top five in each grade category — K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Online voting by the public will then be opened to the public.
Says Ippolito:
Right now, we are just trying to generate page views, comments and star ratings while keeping our fingers crossed. We are very proud of what we have created together and hope you can help us out by spreading the word.
.
I guess the idea is that the kids put together a video based on a song they don't know the lyrics to.
After all, I'm sure we're not forcing these families to send their kids to schools where the kids learn "poetry" that calls women "whores" and that depends on using the word "mother******" to make all of its important points.
But it's just a "parody", right?
Actually, I can't think of a better word.
**********************
From: Eminem's "Lose Yourself"
The soul's escaping, through this hole that it's gaping
This world is mine for the taking
Make me king, as we move toward a, new world order
A normal life is boring, but superstardom's close to post mortem
It only grows harder, only grows hotter
He blows us all over these hoes is all on him
Coast to coast shows, he's know as the globetrotter
Lonely roads, God only knows
He's grown farther from home, he's no father
He goes home and barely knows his own daughter
But hold your nose cause here goes the cold water
His hoes don't want him no mo, he's cold product
They moved on to the next schmoe who flows
He nose dove and sold nada
So the soap opera is told and unfolds
I suppose it's old partner', but the beat goes on
No more games, I'ma change what you call rage
Tear this mother******* roof off like 2 dogs caged
I was playing in the beginning, the mood all changed
I been chewed up and spit out and booed off stage
But I kept rhyming and stepwritin the next cypher
Best believe somebody's paying the pied piper
All the pain inside amplified by the fact
That I can't get by with my 9 to 5
And I can't provide the right type of life for my family
Cause man, these goddam food stamps don't buy diapers
And it's no movie, there's no Mekhi Phifer, this is my life
And these times are so hard and it's getting even harder
Trying to feed and water my seed, plus
Teeter totter caught up between being a father and a prima donna
Baby mama drama's screaming on and
Too much for me to wanna
Stay in one spot, another day of monotony
Has gotten me to the point, I'm like a snail
I've got to formulate a plot fore I end up in jail or shot
Success is my only mother******* option, failure's not
Mom, I love you, but this trailer's got to go
I cannot grow old in Salem's lot
So here I go is my shot.
Feet fail me not cause maybe the only opportunity that I got
To Just
The song this year was original and has nothing to do with eminem. It is confusing that you would you post such an offensive lyric on a page that would be viewed by children. If you are concerned with the messages to which our children are exposed, try not to be part of the problem.
We are proud of the work our students did.
(to the moderator please remove the lyric above as it is off topic and contains expletives.)
I'm very impressed by the final product, but even more so by the work and dedication that went into it. We can all be proud of our schools!
As for the comment from "Just", there must be a lesson there too. Maybe it's that no matter how pure your goal is, some people will find fault with it. Our students need to learn to stand up for themselves, but not to be hurt by such comments.
John Ward are you kidding me!!
After attending last night's Council meeting and celebrating the accomplishments of our public school youth I am thoroughly demoralized at the fact a person exists that would denegrate the effort with a posting such as that authored by "Just". I am further incensed that the moderator of a private website such as Red bank Green that purports to provide a "public service" would allow such a posting to remain! What impressions are left with those school children who rightfully are so proud of their efforts that the first comment posted was as far afield from the truth and served no other purpose than to attack these kids. Shame on you John Ward for letting that happen!!!
I will defend Mr. Ward. Although I disagree with the person who posted an irrelevant lyric, I support his (her) right to post.
Part of the lesson the children walk away is that the internet is a complex place. "Sock Puppets" with agendas use annonymity to bash with impunity. Pin heads have the same access to the forum as sages.
(Google "sock puppets" if you're wondering)
One of the reasons we wrote our song "This Year" was to allow more creativity. We moved away from parodies to give the students a greater chance to express themselves. No student was "forced" to participate. For the record, the only version of last years song the students heard at school were tracks prepared for the project.
Poetry, like it or not, is an evolving art form. From Chaucer, to the Bard, to cummings the leading edge has always been controversial. We embraced rap, as it reflects our students and their interests, but we created our own song. "This Year" we chose to avoid pre-existing material, and he "Just" missed the memo. Not all rap is negative or abusive.
If our children are "lucky" enough to be included in the finals, I offer the words of Seneca the Younger - Luck is where preparation meets opportunity. We were thankful just for the chance to be included.
If "Just" has integrity, they should blog under their own name and aim criticism at adults, not children. I will be happy to answer.
Oh… and while were at it, watch the video - Decide for yourself whether these kids had an authentic educational experience. If you like it - Join, then rate it. If we make the finals, Vote!
http://eimakeover.shycast.com/contestant/404/
Boris, thank you for your ongoing support and I agree with your comments. Celebrating students' accomplishments is a warranted action. What message is "just" intending to convey? What reaction is "just" expecting from members of our school community? What does the comment say about "just" as a person or human being?
Laura C. Morana, Superintendent
Just, you are a green eye monster full of Jealousy. You must be those Charter School Parent.
Not a Fan of Charter School
I find it disturbing and offensive that anyone could respond to an effort by students and teachers with such blatant disregard for the purpose of this project. They used modern music to relate and communicate with the kids.
BTW, “Just” how much money did you raise for your school last year? These kids are trying to get equipment without spending taxpayers’ dollars. Point is that last year the real lyrics were not used nor were the children exposed. Get off it - and let’s move on and talk about this year’s video. You’ve had your moment in the sun buh bye.
I can only imagine, but by the Quality of this video the teachers and students must have put a lot of hours into this project. Why not celebrate the work of the children? They looked at their effort from last year, and tried to improve it. Isn’t that the point of education?
I have a degree from Pratt in Video and Photography. “Just” what are your bonafides?
Kids you did a great job. I hope to see you as a finalist! Be proud you have earned it .
Just didn't invent the reference — its in the article. Just posted the Lyrics. Mother***** is what the kids are listening to - and it seems the Red Bank Middle School and Superintendent abide.
back in the 70s my English teacher used Elton John lyrics to get our class excited about poetry. It worked. I never forgot her or the class and her enthusiasm for writing stayed with me. I kept on writing and those skills helped me get some great-paying jobs. Bravo to any teacher who uses innovative ways to reach out to kids. Remember folks: Elvis Presley was considered to be the devil too.
Even in a totally "original song" you have pieces of other rap songs that are promoting aggression and violence. For example the video ends with the borrowed phrase "Don't call it a comeback" - made famous by LL Cool J in the song "Mama Said Knock You Out." I will allow readers to google the lyrics to this song and make their own determination whether or not this is the type of music that should be condoned and even promoted inside the school walls…not to mention if it should be an international representation of Red Bank Middle. There are plenty of ways to ignite enthusiasm in students without promoting aggression and violence.
Two weeks ago, Newsweek ran an article about John McCain titled "Don't Call it a Comeback". Do you think they were also channeling violent and aggressive rap lyrics? (Or maybe the school has been condoning the reading of Newsweek.) I think it's the posters on this site who have spent too much time listening to these rap lyrics - not the great kids and staff at Red Bank Middle School.
I thought the video was terrific. Kudos to all involved.
http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/archive/2008/10/14/don-t-call-it-a-comeback.aspx
Not being an LL Cool J fan, I didn't catch the "Don't call it a comeback" allusion. Neither did my kids. Last year, they knew that "Use Ya Tech" was based on another song, but they haven't heard Eminem, so they didn't know the lyrics. We just enjoyed the video.
Why would anyone promote music they don't like by posting information about it here? Without their protests, the only people who would have known about those references is people who were familiar with the other music. Now that the information here, more people are becoming familiar with the music. Since the posters seem to find the music objectionable, I would think that they wouldn't want to promote it.
I'm glad my kids don't know about RedBankGreen, and I hope the younger ones don't find out about this thread.
The video is excellent. Even better than last year.
I am proud of our Borough's students and teachers, especially Mr. Hurd and Mr. Ippolito, who inspire and encourage our youngsters to be all that they can. Working right alongside them is our tireless Superintendent, Laura Morana. They devote countless hours ensuring that our children receive a quality education. Their contribution to our community is priceless and we all owe them our gratitude and respect.
Negative criticism is destructive and will never be welcomed in the classroom.
Kathy Horgan
Councilwoman
Red Bank
"JUST" and anonymous are part of that vast ? wing conspiracy to denigrate our schools that serve "other peoples" children. It's a way to justify withholding tax dollars and maintaining a comfort zone in safe haven schools-schools that are safe from "those" people. What's it to you if RBMS makes education relevant and fun? Mr. Hurd has a great idea for next year's entry - let's put cummings and Chaucer et al in the mix. A Beowulf rap might get somebody to comprehend the story. Just because the stuff is old (or new) doesn't make it good. "Highbrow" classics like opera and Shakespeare were actually designed for the masses, tawdry jokes and scandalous themes included. And while the lyrics to some of this new stuff is profane-kids and adults love the beat. Kids and adults are buying it (and like "JUST" are listening) which is why it 's still around. Even old folks like me can appreciate the art in Eminem, if not the mf lyric. Thanks for a great video.
I think the children and teachers did a fantastic job. Just take a look at the competition- they aren't in the same league. There is true talent evident in this video, both from the students and teachers. It seems to me that there are often complaints about taxes being too high, school costs being a large part of that. This being said, even if you aren't a fan of hip-hop, rap or anything in this entry, wouldn't you still want RBMS to win? Isn't in all of our best interest for the district to receive money for new equipement that doesn't come from tax dollars? Won't this only improve the quality of the classrooms? Who can argue with that?
Hey Dan, The subtext of Just's post is that those of us who put our kids in Red Bank's real public schools are a bunch of low life losers with very poor judgement. Truth is we have great students who are supported by terrific parents like you. The video demonstrates the energy and enthusiasm that exists when all children and cultures are included and valued in the school community. Our teachers do a great job providing an awesome learning environment for our kids. Get that video on YOU TUBE, puleeeezzzze. Red Bank Middle School, you rock!
I am not one for rap my kids can tell you that but I did like the video. The video showed they had fun and they also had a learning experience from it as well. I am proud of my daughter, she did her part and had fun with it and she is very excited about this. Why should we say negative things when there was nothing bad about the video. I think Mr. Herd and Mr. Ippolito are great teachers and they did a fantastic job. Everyone has there own preference of music,just because its not your kind of music does not give you the right to put these kids down who actually worked so hard on this. Anyway GREAT JOB RBMS!