How a DJ Club Helped Students Find Their Beat

At our recent teacher retreat we had the special opportunity to hear from Principals who have been successfully leveraging the arts to build positive school cultures for their students and families. At Echo Valley Elementary in Salinas, a student DJ Club has created a ripple effect of confidence, belonging, and leadership across campus.

Meet DJ Cinnamin and DJ Curly, two fifth grade students who discovered that music could change the way they experience school. DJ Curly, aka Daniella, was struggling with anxiety that made it difficult for her to stay in class. DJ Cinnamin, aka Llona, had a history of absenteeism and would frequently find ways to get out of class.

Recognizing a lot of himself in these students, Principal Jacob Gile thought they might benefit from music like he did when he was younger, so he invited Daniella and Llona to join the school’s DJ Club.

Today, DJ Cinnamin and DJ Curly perform in front of audiences of 700 people at school events. They are engaged, active participants in their classrooms. They are eager to show up each morning. Both students have even stepped into leadership roles as members of the student council.

“I get to create something I’m proud of,” Llona shared at a recent school board meeting, “Being a part of the DJ Club makes me feel confident and creative. I’m learning how to do more. It gives me space to express myself in my own way that is really meaningful to me.”

DJ Cinnamin, DJ Curley, and the All Hands on Decks DJ Club at Echo Valley Elementary are a testament to the power of investing in student creativity!

Special thanks to DJ Iz Avila and Numark for helping to launch the All Hands on Decks program at Echo Valley Elementary!