COLTS NECK – Students in Jack Maniaci’s music theory class at Colts Neck High School are getting an education in more than just reading notes. They are being given the unique opportunity to get a taste of what goes on in the real-life world of the music industry.
For the past five years Maniaci has been offering his students the chance to form bands with other students in his classes and to compete in a battle of the bands of sorts.
The students who choose to participate are given class time once a week during which they must compose and perfect an original song in the school’s rehearsal studio. The bands practice on a rotating basis. In January the bands will perform in front of judges who will rate them and pick a winner. The winning band will have a chance to record their song in a professional recording studio
“It’s a way for students to experience some of the real world happenings of music while staying within the boundaries of the curriculum,” Maniaci said.
The entire music theory class will accompany the winning band on a field trip to Sonic Boom Studios in Raritan Borough for a recording session.
While the students are at the recording studio, Anthony Krizan, the owner, will take them through the recording process. He will also give them tips and pointers on their music in addition to helping them learn what needs to be done to get a record deal with a reputable label.
Krizan, a professional musician who has performed with artists including Spin Doctors, Lenny Kravitz and Poco, donates his time and passes his knowledge of the music industry on to the students every year.
He is currently working on a project with former members of Phish, who have created a new band called Amfibian.
Maniaci said the competition is a great incentive for students to take his music theory class.
“The music theory class teaches the basic nuts and bolts of music,” he explained. “Students learn about the notes on the staff, triads and chords in addition to the structures of music and instrumentation.”
He currently has two classes and 10 bands competing.
Maniaci has been a music teacher at Colts Neck High School for 10 years. He graduated from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey) with a degree in music education. Throughout his music career he has worked with many bands, including the Tokens in 1986.
“Part of the learning process is exposing the kids to the real way things are done,” Maniaci said. “That’s the crux of this program.”