_{Teens meet with Stan Foster in the Boys & Girls Club music studio to go over the process.}

_{A teen lays down the vocal track for the group’s song.}

_{Music Producer/Dark Child A&R Terry “Buzz” Brown (left) instructs the teens at the recording session.}

 _{Members of the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, staff and music producers gather in the music lab at the Teen Center.} 

Atlantic City, NJ — A new music production and songwriting program at the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City is giving local teens a pathway to pursue their musical dreams—and the results are already striking a chord.

Led by Music Producer/Dark Child A&R Terry “Buzz” Brown Terry “Buzz” Brown of BuzzyBagum Entertainment, the ACBGC Music Production Program offers youth ages 13-18 a hands-on introduction to music creation, recording, and studio operations. Students learn everything from songwriting and beat-making to sound engineering and business basics, all while using industry-standard equipment and software.

The program, which runs in three parts over eight weeks each semester, aims to foster creativity, technical proficiency, and real-world skills. It is part of the Club’s broader mission to provide opportunities that keep teens engaged, inspired, and on the path to success.

Brown, who grew up in Atlantic City and has spent over 30 years in the music industry alongside childhood friend and Grammy Award-winning producer Rodney “Dark Child” Jerkins. Jerkins recently was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Brown says the program is about more than just music. “The opportunity that was given to me, it's the same opportunity I'm trying to give these kids,” said Brown. “Music is a way to reach them, but it’s also about keeping them off the streets, encouraging them to stay in school, and showing them that if they put the hard work in, anything is possible.”

Students in the program not only developed their individual skills but also collaborated to write and produce an original song. They recorded the track at a professional studio in Hammonton with the help of Stan Foster, a local songwriter, producer, and music professional known for mentoring young artists. Foster’s involvement gave the students an unforgettable, real-world taste of the music industry and reinforced the program’s mission to inspire and empower the next generation of creative talent.

“Most of the students started out shy, not even wanting to speak in front of the group," said Brown. “Now they’re writing songs, recording, and performing. Watching their growth has been incredible.”

Tracey Triniwell, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, championed the program from the start. “When Buzz shared his vision, I knew immediately it was something we needed here,” she said. “This program not only teaches music but builds confidence, discipline, and community.”

As part of the experience, Brown arranged a special Zoom meeting where students met and spoke with Rodney Jerkins, asking questions and receiving advice from one of the industry’s leading producers. Brown hopes to continue expanding the program and inspiring even more young artists. His message to his students is simple but powerful: “No matter how frustrated you get, never give up. Keep working hard, and something good will come out of it.”

About Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City:

The Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City is a nonprofit organization that has been providing a safe and nurturing environment for the youth of Atlantic City for over 50 years. Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. We offer a wide range of programs that focus on education, leadership, health, arts, and more, helping children and teenagers build essential life skills and develop into well-rounded individuals. For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City - visit acbgc.org, call (609) 347-2697, or email Executive Administrator Brianna Register at bregister@acbgc.org.