( l - r ) Etana, Wayne Marshall - file photos

Musicians Etana and Wayne Marshall were the inspirations behind the move to give one Jamaican child a spot at this year's Noise! summer camp in the United States of America.

The two artistes had performed at a function held in Montego Bay by Muzak, the organisers of the camp. Their songs of hope were said to have been so inspiring that the team wanted to thank them in a very special way. As a result, the Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation created a scholarship in their honour.

The Etana and Wayne Marshall Scholarship will make it possible for an equally inspirational Jamaican teenager to attend Noise!, the annual two-week summer camp which gives students a first-hand look into the music industry - and a unique education that helps them pursue their dreams as they continue throughout their educational and professional lives.

"Beyond joining a band or teaching music themselves, even most kids in the United States who love music aren't aware of the numerous professional opportunities that are related to music," stated Stephen Villa, Muzak CEO, in a release. "To celebrate Etana and Wayne, and the positive messages their music upholds, we wanted to create a unique way for a Jamaican student to experience the many careers available in the music business."

First hand look

Noise! 2007 will be held July 15 - 27 at the California State University Northridge in Los Angeles. The participants will hear from role models including artiste managers, record label producers, audio architects, studio engineers and other industry insiders. Noise! gives students a first hand look into these businesses and provides them with tools necessary to pursue their dreams. They will also be part of classes on diversity, etiquette, networking, professionalism and personal finance to prepare them for future careers.

In past years the speakers have included representatives from Warner Music Group, Ocean Way Recording Studios, TreeSound Studios, Billboard Magazine, Fox Studios, NAMM, Greenberg Traurig (Entertainment Law Firm), Def Jam Records, Warner Bros. Records and Elementree/Geffen among others.

THE STAR along with artiste management company, Solid Agency, are responsible for choosing the lucky child. For more information on your chance to be a part of Noise! 2007, please see ad below or contact 932-6142 for further information.