Did I ever see myself as a turnabilist or even interested in turntables? No…read more Are circular objects now very appealing to me? Yes, ever since my first baby scratch, I've been trying to scratch anything in a circular form around me. Not just records, or cds, I'm talking dinner plates and frisbees. This was the best new years resolution I've followed up on: dropping the needle. Most of my dj friends back home are all digital house djs, so turntables are completely new. Most of dj'ing is completely new to me, so I took the intro class. The classes use the Serato Scratch Live software. I arrived early for class my first day, and was allowed to play around with the equipment. I was a rough start cause I had some issues figuring out the screen display, and I was stuck in the Gucci Mane bin for a good twenty minutes. Gucci Mane=worst southern rapper ever, it was distressing. The rest of the set up involves a state of the art mixer and two turntables. Then the skilled instructors took over, and we learned how to scratch, radio dj and beat match. I highly recommend classes with DJ As One. He kinda sounds like a grandfather dj (he's really young actually), with his stories of back in day. All about how they used to drag heavy crates and buy two copies of the same record to mix, and how us kids have it so much better these days with the software. I would recommend the classes to anyone interested in music. As a side note you have to walk through Bach 2 Rock (a music school to get here), be prepared to walk through hallways of high school rock bands complimenting each other on how they sound exactly like Fugazi (eye roll).

I was in a rut. I needed something new to add a little spark to my life. So when I saw that Beat…read moreRefinery was opening on a local blog, I thought it could be just what I need to get out of my funk and get creative. Beat Refinery is a school within a school, located in Bach 2 Rock. They offer a 6 week courses in Intro to DJ for $375, and will have more advanced courses in the future. The classes meet weekly for a couple hours, and you can sign up for additional practice time at a first-come-first serve basis for free if you are taking a class. I had my first class last night, and let me tell you: if you love music and technology--this is something you should try. Each student gets their own DJ set up---which includes computer, turntables, mixer, headphones, and speaker. From what I am told, the equipment is top of the line. The whole class is built around learning Serato Scratch Live, the computer program that allows you to mix, scratch, and beat juggle with the best of them (if you have the skills). The computers are loaded with tunes, and you can also bring in your own music to suit and create you own style. Additionally, the teachers are pro's. My class is taught by DJ As-1 and DJ Stylus Chris, who were both very helpful and energetic in helping us newbies learn the basics. At the end of the 6 week course we are all expected to be able to do a 3-5 minute set and answer some basic questions about the DJ'ing So while I think I have a few song ideas up my sleeve---I still need to work on my DJ name....time to get to my homework.

For my sister in law's big birthday, I bought her glass classes with Jill. It was the prefect gift…read more She ended up with 2 neat pieces. Jill is a remarkable teacher. No question is stupid. She readily shares her knowledge, expertise and secrets and her studio is equipped with everything needed for a simple piece or a more advanced complicated piece. Treat yourself orsomeone you care about to glass making classes with Jill. Cookie Kerxton

I took my sister to Jill's for a surprise birthday afternoon. She is an artist too so I knew this…read morewould be perfect...it was! Jill is so patient and really explains everything so easily. I have no artistic bone in my body but i LOVED this experience! My glass hanging is so personal and special. My sister's also reflected her personality...she loved the birthday present of this class as she now has a very special piece that she made with her own hands.

We have sent all 3 of our children here and have participated in grades 3-7 as well as summer…read morecourses. Mrs Olga is an excellent principal and the teacher and admin staff are fantastic as well. The curriculum and teaching style are effective at helping kids get to the next level of numerical thinking and problem solving. Cannot recommend it enough.

My kid is not happy there and she comes home at 9:00 PM tired after the 2 hours she spent…read morelistening to math in a boiling hot classroom. I do not recommend sending your child here because they also don't teach the math that is reviewed in regular schools so it will get really confusing for you and your child to focus on two different things. Strongly do not recommend!