In 1992, John Hornsby and other Charlottesville, VA area musicians began exploring the idea of creating a community organization where middle and high school students could engage in music-making opportunities each day after school. This exploration was driven by the strong belief of MRC’s founders that fewer students would get in trouble after school if there were productive, high interest activities such as music-making in which to engage. In 1993, Mr. Hornsby began conducting focus groups among local school students to see if the idea of a local music resource center would appeal to students and if they would help make the organization successful. The response from students was overwhelming. 92% of the 400 students surveyed indicated that they wanted the facility set up and on average, the students indicated they would use the facility two or three times a week.
On June 17, 1995, the center opened their doors and streams of students began coming in each day. Local musicians donated instruments, equipment and time to volunteer and mentor the students. The first CD of music produced at the center was released in 1995. Entitled “Urban Phlavors,” it featured original music of MRC students, and the work of other members who helped with the audio engineering of the CD.
Their original home was the Charlottesville practice space of the Dave Matthews Band. The Band vacated the space in 1995 to embark on a national tour. In 2004, the Music Resource Center moved into their permanent home which is a historical church that has been transformed into a series of contemporary recording studios. Their new facility has a main recording studio, five project rooms, two rehearsal rooms, and a dance room. The old sanctuary of the former church now serves as a venue for talent shows, “battle of the bands” competitions and other special occasions such as the Annual CD Release party.
Two years ago while stopping at an art store in Over-The-Rhine, Karen D’Agostino, a local artist, noticed that the streets were full of kids hanging out, looking like they had no where to go. She discussed with friends and family that there was a real need for after-school programs for inner-city kids. If kids don’t have something fun to do, and keep them busy, they’re going to get into trouble. She remembered that a few years earlier the Dave Matthews Band had done a charity concert in Central Park and donated some of the money raised to an organization in their hometown of Charlottesville, VA. She did some research and learned of the Music Resource Center. She contacted the Executive Director, Sibley Johns, and discussed their program. She then went to visit their center, instantly fell in love with their program and decided Cincinnati needed an MRC. After further talks with Sibley, they decided that Cincinnati would be MRC’s first “sister” organization, using their name, philosophy and programs. Several other communities are interested in opening an MRC. The hope is to have many MRC’s across the country so that young people in every community can have a cool place to go where they can develop important talents and skills that are lifelong assets.