ARTS INTEGRATION CONFERENCE ONLINE-Featured Speaker: DJ IZ

Featured Speaker: DJ IZ

Aside from acquiring five Grammys in music, numerous nominations as a songwriter/producer and selling over 40 million records to date in Pop music, IZ Avila has traveled the world as the DJ for Usher for the last six years. He performed for Obama’s 2013 inauguration in Washington DC and SOLD OUT 5 shows at the 02 Arena and even for Bill Clinton’s Charity event at the Hollywood Bowl with Bono of U2 & Stevie Wonder. In addition to his chops as an accomplished Drummer, Percussionist and Bassist, IZ Avila is perhaps best known for his mastery of his MPC3000, his turntables, crates of vinyl and world-renowned live DJ work and musical production with superstar artists.

In 2008, IZ started his involvement with the “Grammy in the Schools Program,” speaking at various career days at local high schools. That then led IZ to creating his own weekly webinar/streaming show called “Connected” in 2016 which focuses on providing education, mentoring and jobs in the fields of music, recording, film, radio and culinary. Today, he has introduced over 430 jobs to aspiring musicians, producers, directors, engineers and chefs.

These days, aside from song writing, producing and traveling as a live DJ, IZ and his brother Bobby Avila continue launching new landmark products such as the ARQ Drum Machine, UE Boom Bluetooth speaker, and DJ808. IZ Avila is focusing his attention on expanding the Avila Brothers brand along with disrupting the way education is presented to kids in high school who have a passion to pursue an unconventional career in the arts. In 2016, IZ joined the Turnaround Arts program, adopting Standing Rock Middle School in North Dakota and encouraging local leadership, teachers, and students around the country. Since then, IZ has inspired thousands of children at Turnaround Arts schools in California, Iowa, North Dakota, Minnesota, and across the country.

**Presented in partnership with Turnaround Arts, a program of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

OTHER PRESENTERS

ARTS INTEGRATION AND LITERACY

Presenter: Trevor Bryan

Focus: ES/MS

Description: This presentation will share how viewing art can be used to help students meaningfully engage with the reading comprehension skills which are vital to academic success. It shares a simple approach that fosters deep engagement with works of art and robust conversation. The workshop will clearly explain how art and literacy are closely linked.