Otis Music Camp 2018: Day 5

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Jun 8

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Week 1 is done! Thank you campers, coaches, sponsors and presenters for making this week awesome. Our campers are starting to finish up their songs and some have already been in the studio! We had our annual cookout and ate some of the best BBQ in Macon! Thank you, Mama Honeys, y'all never disappoint.

BMI's Dave Claassen stopped by to talk to our campers and came with gifts! BMI presented three awards to Otis Redding today in recognition of the great national popularity as measured by over 7 million broadcast performances attained by “Respect,”over 4 million broadcast performances attained by “Hard to Handle,”and over 11 million broadcast performances attained by “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.

We would like to thank some of our sponsors, Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Inc., Joe and Evelyn Adams, and Gordon Berry, for coming down to camp and hanging out with all of us! We can't do this without you guys!

Presenter of the Day: David Claassen

David Claassen is the Director, Writer/Publisher Relations for BMI Atlanta. In his position, Claassen is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with BMI songwriters and music publishers in Atlanta and throughout the Southeast region. He has helped produce BMI’s efforts at SXSW, Lollapalooza, CMJ, ACL Fest, Shaky Knees Fest, Bonnaroo, ACL Fest, LouFest, Key West Songwriter Fest, Florida Music Festival, and more. David is also a Film Producer. He is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Gasoline Films based in Atlanta, GA. Dave has become a tremendous addition to BMI. Along with signing significant writers and producers he has served an important role in such BMI flagship events such as the BMI R&B/ Hip Hop Awards, as well as curating and participating in many showcases, panels and events nationwide. His keen ability to forge national and local partnerships for BMI has resulted in numerous co-branding opportunities, including successful partnerships with the W Atlanta properties and The Loews Hotel Group with their Live from Loews platform.Prior to joining BMI in 2008, Claassen was Owner/President of RFS Marketing Group. Claassen worked to create sponsorship and endorsement opportunities for its clients. Prior to opening RFS he was at Astonish Entertainment and Astonish Records in Orlando, FL. While at Astonish he held the positions of Special Operations and Special Events as well as Managing Director. Prior to that he worked at Defected Records in London in the Press department. He holds a Master of Arts in Music Business Management from The University of Westminster in London, UK, and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from The University of Georgia.

Georgia Artist of the Day

Coaches of the Day: Isaac & Keenan

Isaac Gibson is a graduate of Presbyterian College as a Vocal major and has been the Director of Choral Activities at Central High since 2006. The Macon native has performed with many groups including the Macon Choral Society, Devidzpassion, Douglas Honor Choir and is Minister of Music at St. John Baptist. Isaac is a freelance multi-instrument musician as well as singer/songwriter/arranger.

Keenan Billups cultivated his musical skills by participating on the praise and worship team of his local church. He attended the Atlanta Institute of Music. In August of 2015, Keenan released his debut project, “Mind Blowing”. Since then Keenan has shared the stage with the likes of Todd Delaney, Tina Campbell, Alexis Spight, and many other artist.