Lynn natives sing praises of Berklee program

LYNN – Two Lynn natives are advancing their musical education at Berklee College of Music?s 22nd annual Five-Week Summer Performance Program.Lynn Classical High School 2010 graduate Juliana Davis and LCHS senior Chuka Okechukw, both vocalists, have joined students from around the world for a series of classes, workshops and rehearsals that focus on the aspects of performance, as well as teaching the mastery of playing or singing jazz, pop/rock, funk/fusion or pop/R&B. The program is made possible through the Berklee City Music Boston program, which offers year round instruction and Five-Week scholarships for students in Lynn and other city communities.?I found out about the Berklee City Music Program and the Five-Week Summer Performance Program from my old high school music teacher, Michael Smith,” Davis said. “I hope to become a better musician and performer. I hope to become more advanced in my music theory and musicianship as well.”Okechukw said he is hoping it will deepen his knowledge of the dynamics of music.?What got me involved was my passion for music and the new knowledge that I would be able to obtain through the program,” he said.Davis said she is learning more about music at Berklee than she would anywhere else.?We are all musicians and we learn from each other,” she said. “Being with others who share the same passion as I do inspires me. My goal is to perform, as well as become a music therapist. My dream is to someday open a non-profit community center for performing arts in an urban area like Lynn.”This is Davis? second year at Five-Week and she will be attending Berklee as a freshman in the fall. She said she has taken advantage of all the camp has to offer.?I have learned so much in such a short amount of time,” she said. “I think it is safe to say I am ready to be a full time Berklee student.”Okechukw said the camp is something he hopes to do again in the future.?I think that attending this camp will give me a greater advantage than someone who has never had any kind of training for education,” he said, adding his favorite part of the experience has been “meeting people from all over the map.”Davis said her favorite part is the Gospel ensemble.?The music we play and sing speaks to me in a way I?ve never been spoken to before,” she said. “It?s sometimes so touching that I can?t help but cry. Being in that ensemble has really opened my eyes and my mind. It has helped my faith grow more every day, and we are only in the second week. That just shows you how powerful that is.”Davis said she is grateful to the Berklee City Music Program and all of their staff for their support, and said it is an honor to be a City Music Student.?It is humbling to work and learn from people that genuinely care about you not only as musicians, but as people too,” she said. “We are truly blessed.”The opportunity has also given Okechukw a little wisdom.