Seven of our Club teens recently experienced the music industry in a way most fans only dream about: with a backstage, behind-the-scenes look at the prominent R& B group, New Edition, and their tour featuring Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton at the American Airlines Center. What started as a field trip quickly turned into a powerful learning experience they won’t forget.
Club members went far beyond the stage lights and sold-out crowd. They met New Edition members, and former Club kids, Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, and Ralph Tresvant, along with Johnny Gill. They also met crooner Nate Morris from Boyz II Men. For our teens, seeing successful artists who once walked through Boys & Girls Club doors made the experience even more meaningful.
Throughout the evening, BGCA Hall of Famers DeVoe and tour manager to the stars, Marvin McIntyre showcased the many careers that make a major tour possible. Our members spoke directly with sound engineers, lighting designers, pyrotechnic professionals, musicians, dancers, and more. They learned how technology, creativity, and business skills all work together to bring a concert to life.
“The most surprising thing I learned is that there are so many steps and many people involved in making the performance happen,” said Eugene from our West Dallas Club. “They have many jobs that correlate to the actual performance.”
Bandmates DeVoe, Brown, and Tresvant spent many hours in their Boston Boys & Girls Club, practicing dance moves and rehearsing for shows. They all credit the Club for preparing them for a career in show business.
This experience was part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Life & Workforce Readiness initiative and our local “The BLUEPrint” program. Through these activations, our teen members have a strong pipeline from high school to college, the military, a trade, or entrepreneurship. They are given a running start to whatever career path they choose.
