Lakemont Elementary School in Petersburg, VA unveils ‘Dream Lab’ music studio

Published: Jun. 11, 2021 at 1:31 PM EDT|Updated: Jun. 15, 2021 at 5:56 PM EDT

Link: NBC 12 features the grand opening of the first “Dream Lab”

PETERSBURG, Va. (WWBT) - Lakemont Elementary School has unveiled the ‘Dream Lab’, helping to increase opportunities for students.

The Dream Lab was presented during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 9.

Students will be able to create music, write songs and learn to use sound equipment in the Dream Lab while learning about the STEM Road Map curriculum.

The new class is hitting all the right notes with the students who got to test out the room.

“I was like ‘wow’ when I saw it,” said Gabriel Dabney. “I like the colors and the cool equipment. It’s like the stuff the artist record on,” said Dereon Johnson.

The Dream Lab is an interactive music studio that teaches students music production. Students will be able to create music, write songs and learn to use sound equipment.

”They’re going to learn the aspects of DJing, sound recording, and engineering and also video editing, as well,” said CIS Site Coordinator, Irving Jennings.

The school says a student’s excitement for academics starts in elementary school and this new program allows them to explore more than just their core studies.

“When they’re are excited, they want to come to school and with this opportunity, we do believe they are going to want to come and participate,” said Principal Moseley of Lakemont Elementary.

Dream Lab (Petersburg City Public Schools)

The Dream Lab was created by Lakemont teachers in partnership with Communities In Schools.

Originally, the lab started off as a thought to become a production mentoring program, but it’s blossomed into a recording studio that gets the students thinking about the future.

“Anything that they can dream of, we want to make sure it comes to vision for them,” said Principal Moseley.

“Kids tell you all the time the way to connect with them is through technology and music, so that everything in one big swoop,” said Jennings. “So they can use this now and in their future.”

While this was only a demo run for Dereon Johnson and Gabriel Dabney, they’re excited for the new school year.

“It feels good because we have a lot of support from people who care about us,” said Dabney. “A lot of people out there are cheering for us.”

The Dream Lab will be available full time for students starting next school year in September.