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Timothy Knipper Creates a Music Program for Club Teens

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Every week for the past year, LOCATION Support Specialist Tim Knipper heads to Grove Street in Jersey City after work to volunteer his time at the Boys and Girls Club. Specifically, he’s there to teach music — all aspects of music, from instructing aspiring young musicians how to record their music to actually producing those recordings.

 

Through Verisk’s Community Involvement Program, Knipper most recently produced a recording of 17-year-old Boys and Girls Club member Tiffany Beale singing “Silent Night,” which can be heard at http://animoto.com/play/h3Ybx9VNzEmsnILVcqKYZA.

 

As a result of recent state budget cuts, the Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County was forced to close three of its five Jersey City/Hoboken locations. When the Grove Street location needed appealing activities to boost attendance, Knipper offered to create a music program.

 

“Through music technology training, my goal is to get these students thinking in terms of collaborating to produce marketable products,” says Knipper, who has played the cello for 20 years and studied music business as an undergraduate. “Music is my passion, and sharing music with kids is really exciting.” 

 

With a large gymnasium and recreation room , the Boys and Girls Club provides an after-school safe haven for students, while offering classes such as gang prevention and street smarts.

 

“Tim’s program has given our members an opportunity to turn a passion into a tangible product. Now they can share their talent with family and friends over and over,” says Joanne Gorman, a student counselor at the club. “Kids always ask when Tim will be here, and his sessions always draw a crowd.”

 

“We see noticeable improvement in the behavior of kids who participate in Tim’s program,” adds Gary Greenberg, director of the Hudson County Boys and Girls Club. “Above all, we need mentors like Tim. It’s what can make a real difference in these young people’s lives.”

 

For more information about Verisk’s Community Involvement Program, visit http://intranet.iso.com/hronline/CommInv/default.htm.