In 2021, the Mann launched its first ever workforce development pilot program – the Music Industry Training Program (MITP) – in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia and the program’s flagship school within the Mann’s West Philadelphia catchment, the historic Overbrook High School. The three-year curriculum-based program focuses on high school students at Overbrook High School and is designed to expose students to non-performance-based job positions within the performing arts sector (everything from lighting ops to carpenters to stagehands and more), provide hard and soft skill training that develop participant employability within the arts & culture sector and beyond, mentorship by industry leaders, and ultimately – wage-based job opportunities. MITP not only addresses the pressing need for out-of-school time and workforce development programming for West Philadelphia youth, but also supports diversity, equity, and inclusion goals within the wider arts & culture professional sector.
MITP is a rigorous program. During the course of the program Overbrook students from 10th grade to 12th grade are provided a 3-year STEAM program with a tiered curriculum starting at access/observation and ending in applied skills and practice, providing immersive experiences through the MANN Center. MITP students participate in weekly touchpoints training in music production, sound engineering, music business, carpentry, lighting, video, and makeup. Students will also have access to soft skills workshops in financial literacy and career readiness. Each school year the program provides 96 hours of education, training and experience over an 8-month period, the entire school year. MITP is part of the School District of Philadelphia’s Career Technical Education (CTE) program and students are evaluated on academic outcomes as well as technical trainings. School of the Future is the second planned school site, as the Mann Center expands the Music Industry Training Program.
Partners
- Mann Center for the Performing Arts, Lead Artistic Partner
- Live Nation Urban, Lead Program Partner
- DASH (Destined to Achieve Successful Heights), Lead Program Partner
- Live Nation Philadelphia, Program Partner
- School District of Philadelphia, Program Partner
- Overbrook High School, Program Site Partner
- School of the Future, Program Site Partner
Ivan Barias
Ivan Barias is a Master Instructor for the DASH program. He is one half of the production and songwriting duo Carvin & Ivan. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his songwriting and production and has been nominated three times for a GRAMMY in the R&B Song Of The Year category. His production work has received an additional 20 GRAMMY nominations, as well as several ASCAP songwriter awards. Along with his production partner, Carvin Haggins, he has produced and written music with artists such as Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Justin Timberlake, Jazmine Sullivan, Keyshia Cole, Chris Brown, Miguel, Mario, Neyo, Jamie Foxx, Mary J. Blige, Estelle, Ledisi, 2pac, Ace Hood, Rick Ross, Raheem Devaughn, Jaheim, Faith Evans and many others. As part of his ongoing music advocacy efforts he serves on the Recording Academy Philadelphia Chapter’s board and has lobbied on Capitol Hill on behalf of artist rights and copyright reform. From 2012-15, Ivan served as president of the Philadelphia chapter and now currently serves on the Academy’s National Board of Trustees and the P&E Advisory Council. In 2011 he was selected as a Creative Ambassadors for the city of Philadelphia and ambassador for the Philadelphia 76ers community Basketball League La Liga del Barrio.
Kristal Oliver
Kristal Oliver is a Master Instructor for the DASH program. She is a Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter that has been writing professionally for over 20 years. Specializing in songwriting and vocal production, she has worked with acclaimed artists such as Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Estelle, Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, and Justin Timberlake to name a few. Kristal has also been featured in Billboard Magazine, Hip Hop Weekly, and Playback Magazine multiple times. Always one eager to educate and inspire, she has had the honor of being a speaker for the ASCAP ‘I Create Music’ Expo, ASCAP ‘Stilettos & Soul’ as well as numerous Philadelphia Grammy Chapter panels. Not only is she an established songwriter, but Kristal is also a master instructor with the DASH Program; a program based in multiple states across the east coast specializing in educating youth and adults on how to express themselves through songwriting, music production, dance, and more. Last but not least, Kristal has proudly served as a Governor for the Philadelphia Grammy Chapter and is a well-known face in the music scene.
Carol Riddick
Carol Riddick is a singer who has been featured with R&B artists such as Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, Kindred, Norman Brown, and Jeff Bradshaw. Her unique vocal delivery was evident on the platinum-selling CD title song “Soulstar” on which she was featured with Musiq Soulchild. Prior to pursuing a solo career, Riddick was one of the background singers for Jill Scott along with Vivian Green. Now moving from the background to the forefront, Carol has made artistic strides with some of the best producers in the game such as James Poyser, Anthony Bell, and other heavy hitters which all comes through in her music.
