As new genres of music emerge, the art of ‘DJ-ing’ has been categorized as mainstream. DJ’s manipulated dance music are now used in stadiums instead of the hidden warehouses of “rave” parties of the 1990s. Electronic dance music has become a huge phenomenon and has quickly risen to the top of the musical charts. With a new generation of music breaking through the barrier, it’s no coincidence that Bellevue College can now proudly say; ‘we have a DJ Club!’
Fueled by a love for music, President Saman Maftoun and Vice President Tajon Jones started the DJ Club in fall quarter of 2010. Meetings are every on Wednesdays from 2:30-4 p.m. in R-126P. Members of all skill levels come to the meetings to talk about every genre of music and learn basic DJ techniques.
If interested in being a DJ for a career pursuit or to just build relationships with people who share a common interest, be glad have access to a DJ Club at BC, where students can learn how to produce the music of the day.
10 members strong, the club has been able to unify people from all over the world with a passion for music. Shota Mizoguchi first discovered his passion for DJing in Japan. Upon starting at BC, he was advised to take part in activities around campus. With a desire to “meet people who love music,” Mizoguchi joined the club and now goes every week to learn and share everything that the world of EDM, house, hip hop and much more there is to offer.
But building a community of music carnivores isn’t easy. In the beginning “we were just trying to get the ball rolling,” says Maftoun, spending most of the budget on posters and advertisements. Being a DJ is an expensive pursuit. Through the bake sale they held last week, the club is “trying to raise money to buy a controller to play at events around campus and become more active in the community,” says Kellen Pope, a member of the DJ club.
Although they don’t have club turntables, Maftoun has brought his own in to teach the members how to use the tables, basic techniques and even scratching. In this case however passion outweighed the cost as members have gone ahead and bought their own turn tables after getting a chance to practice and learn from the club meetings. If interested in learning more about DJs and the community, come check out the club. If you are looking for the DJ near you, look no further, because these guys are at BC!