Sometimes things “come together” at the right time.

Beginning in 2014, the generosity of The Gerald Fackler Charitable Trust greatly impacted GHS through its donations to the GHS Educational Foundation, which used the donations for a variety of campus wide projects. But the Fackler Trust’s major impact was seen in its generosity in supporting the dream of having a campus recording studio.

Leading this project was guitar and math teacher Jeremy Cooke, himself a GHS alumnus, Class of 1995; the project was also guided by now retired math teacher Rob Ridgway. The vision and passion of Jeremy and Rob and generous donations from the Gerald Fackler Trust made it happen.

Grossmont High School Principal Dan Barnes and Facility Manager Tom Fordham led the way for the GUHSD to fund the wiring of the room, painting, flooring, and room treatment of installing room insulation so the room has a fairly flat frequency response.

Jeremy is rightly proud that “The Grossmont Recording Studio is a professional grade facility that teaches students to record. In addition, it provides an after school safe space for kids to learn to play and/or jam with their friends. It is located in the former choir room and contains equipment purchased by the Gerald W. Fackler Trust.

“Currently, there are 80 students in the guitar classes that Jeremy teaches as well as 15 students enrolled in a recording studio class. Jeremy is hoping to grow the program each year, although it’s somewhat dependent upon equipment available for their use. The recording class used the studio during the school day for the entire first semester. Now we split time between there and our standard classroom.

“For two hours after school, 15 to 35 students meet and play in one of our four rooms. We attract everyone from beginners to advanced players. They come every day we’re open and absolutely love it. We are extremely fortunate to have this facility at Grossmont!”

Starting at the end of last school year, the students have performed at lunchtime. This year’s rock concert on Nov. 20 enabled the recording and songwriting class to perform in the Main Theater with all proceeds going towards buying equipment for the students.

Students are encouraged to drop in at the studio after school through Jeremy’s student bulletins: “Want to learn to play guitar? Come to the Grossmont Studio during 7th period and after school for FREE.” “Lessons with Mr. Cooke! There are also pianos, drums, and amps set up for those that want to jam.”

Jeremy’s excitement is contagious judging by the disappointment that students felt that the studio would be closed during spring break; soon, Jeremy decided that yes, it would be open. Each day after school, before Jeremy reaches the studio from his classroom, there is a line of students waiting to “start rocking”.

Studio becomes a haven for those with a love of music

Since its opening in spring 2024, the GHS Recording Studio has become a haven for Foothillers looking to express themselves through music. Despite the wonderful environment that has been created for the students and the equipment that is available in the studio, Jeremy shares the studio’s “pressing needs”.

“Currently students can only work on recording assignments in class. This severely limits the hours that they can spend learning to capture sound on a computer.

“Our number one request is for laptop computers that can be taken home by our eager students. It would allow for exponential growth in their learning.

“Recording on a computer requires powerful machines to run Logic Pro software and its built-in plugins. In order to buy a machine that will last for several years, we would want to buy a MacBook Pro with a few additional upgrades. The cost for one computer and software would be approximately $2500 each. In an ideal world, we would have 15 of these. Realistically, if we just received enough for one, it would dramatically improve the amount of learning that our students could achieve.

“Needs for the studio jam rooms include funding for more microphones, cables, instruments, drum cymbals, and recording equipment. This would let us expand the capabilities of our after school program and allow for more students to have time on these items.

“Thank you for your consideration! Any amount for either of our needs would be extremely appreciated by our kids.

“And as always, thank you to Connie and Lynn Baer and everyone involved in the GHS Educational Foundation who put so much time and effort into helping our kids at Grossmont.

Community members can contact me at [email protected] to find out how to donate and for information about booking the studio to record themselves.”

The GHS Recording Studio is one of the many unique Foothiller programs fostered by staff members’ passions, which enrich the students in life-altering ways.

Upcoming GHS Reunions

Class of 1965 60th Reunion: Save the Weekend of Oct. 3

Class of 1975 50th Reunion: Sept. 12-14 [email protected] or Grossmont High School Class of 1975

Class of 1985 40th Reunion: June 21: ghs1985reunion.com/

GHS Museum Spring Hours

10-1: Saturday, May 31 or June 28

or

Fridays by prior appointment when school is in session

Contacts: [email protected] and (619) 668-6140

Website: foothillermuseum.com