April 26, 2007

Berklee College of Music student and Roxbury resident Rick Aggeler received a cash award from Berklee's Recognition of Excellence Awards Program (REAP) for student employees, in recognition of his founding a free music program at the Blue Hill George Robert White Youth Center in Dorchester. Drummer Aggeler and cofounder Paul Vitolins, a Berklee alumnus, started the program at the Dorchester club through Berklee's Community Service Work-Study Program to give kids ages 6 to 12 an opportunity they might not otherwise have: to learn to play an instrument and gain skills in recording, engineering, and the use of production software.

Excited to have won the award, Aggeler used the money to buy new instruments for the club, including drum thrones and a set of timbales. Says Aggeler, "It means the world to me that Berklee has recognized the hard work of not only myself, but also the directors at Blue Hill, and the many Berklee students, staff, and faculty involved. In the end, though, the kids are the ones to thank. They've really accepted me into their community, and being able to create some amazing memories together through music says it all. The new gear will open their ears to the sounds of Latin hand percussion, and the thrones will finally give them a sense of sitting behind a complete drum set."

Building on the past work of Berklee's Office of Community and Governmental Affairs, Aggeler brought the program to a new level, creating a track record strong enough to secure the confidence of a local donor, which will lead to the upcoming establishment of a Music Clubhouse in the fall. The program has grown quickly, expanding to include the Yawkey Club of Roxbury (formerly Roxbury Boys and Girls Club). Aggeler has hosted a steady stream of Berklee students and alumni guest musicians imparting their knowledge and expertise to the kids. He plans to bring in Berklee faculty members in the fall to conduct clinics for the students.

The Roxbury club recently released a CD, Live at the Park Plaza, recorded during the Boys and Girls Club Annual fundraiser, that features five club members along with four Berklee students. Students at the Dorchester club have been busy, as well; some are preparing to apply for Berklee's City Music Program—a scholarship and mentoring initiative that gives underserved inner-city teens access to free music education—taking them one step closer to realizing Aggeler's longtime goal for the program: to lead the students to higher education.

The REAP Awards are presented annually to exceptional Berklee students by Berklee's Office of Scholarships and Student Employment.

Press: to inquire about photo availability and usage, please email us. From left, Berklee student Rick Aggeler, Blue Hill George Robert White Youth Center executive director Daphne Griffin, Berklee director for community and governmental affairs Jim McCoy. Photo provided by Tara Joyce.

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