Ever dreamed of creating your own music? This class is the perfect starting point! No prior experience is necessary – we'll explore BandLab, a free and easy-to-use music production software that lets you unleash your inner musician. Over the course of this class, you'll learn how to navigate the BandLab interface, understand the basic building blocks of a song, and start creating your own tracks. We'll cover everything from laying down drum beats and recording melodies to adding cool effects and mixing your creations. Get ready to dive into the exciting world of music production!

Concepts Covered:

Navigating the BandLab interface

Creating and arranging tracks

Working with loops and samples

Exploring different sound effects and virtual instruments

Basic mixing

Sharing your music

Instructor: Andrew Rust From ByteSize Learning

Dates/Times: June 2 - 4 2025, 9AM to Noon

Join us and dive into the exciting world of 3D design and printing! Instructor Lyssa Toemel, Mixxer Resident and Instructor, will introduce you to the fundamentals of 3D modeling using CAD, and the capabilities of Bambu Lab 3D printers.

Over the of two days you'll learn to:

Navigate the CAD interface

Create 3D objects from basic shapes

Design and model 3D objects

Prepare 3D models for printing

Operate Bambu Lab 3D printers

By the end of the course, you'll have the skills to design and print your own 3D creations. All tools and materials will be provided, and lunch will be included.

Date/Time: June 2-6, 2025 9AM to Noon

Title: Design It! From Concept to Creation

Description:

Got a brilliant idea you want to bring to life? Join veteran CTE teacher and Mixxer STEAM Instructor, Carrie Beach, for a week of hands-on design exploration! In this class, you'll learn the essential steps of the design process, transforming your initial spark of inspiration into a tangible project. Whether you're dreaming of a custom-designed skateboard, a unique piece of jewelry, a functional prototype, or something entirely different, this class will give you the tools and guidance to make it happen.

We'll dive into the core stages of design thinking:

You'll have access to a variety of shops and mediums, allowing you to experiment and bring your vision to life. Carrie will guide you through the process, offering personalized feedback and support every step of the way. Get ready to unleash your creativity and turn your ideas into reality!

Ready to dive into the exciting world of game development?

Join experienced instructor Stephan Duga for a week of hands-on learning with Unreal Engine, one of the most powerful game creation platforms. This beginner-friendly course introduces you to the fundamentals of game design. You'll learn how to navigate the Unreal Engine interface, create basic 3D environments, design simple characters, and implement core gameplay mechanics. No prior experience is necessary – just bring your creativity and a passion for games! Get ready to start building your own game worlds!

Instructor:

Stephan Duga - Stephan is an educator who's been on a Latin-teaching journey for most of his career. A few years ago, he took a detour into Creative Media and Game Design, something he's been tinkering with since he was a kid. He's passionate about understanding how we learn and using the way we learn to play to enhance education. He firmly believes that game design should be open to everyone, and the more diverse minds we have shaping games, the cooler they become.

For Makers entering 7th - 12th grade

Date/Time: June 9-13, 2025, 9AM to Noon

Unreal Engine Game Design: From Beginner to Game Creator

Level up your game design skills with this two-week intensive course led by expert instructor Stephan Duga! This program caters to both beginners and those with some prior experience.

Week 1 (Beginner): Start with the basics, learning the Unreal Engine interface, creating 3D environments, designing characters, and implementing fundamental gameplay mechanics. No prior experience is needed!

Week 2 (Advanced): Build upon your new skills and delve deeper into advanced game development concepts. Explore topics like level design, scripting with Blueprints (Unreal Engine's visual scripting system), creating and importing assets, and more complex gameplay mechanics. This week will challenge you to take your game design to the next level and create more polished and engaging experiences. Some familiarity with Unreal Engine or other game development tools is recommended, but not required. Students who complete the beginner week are well-prepared for the advanced content.


INSTRUCTOR: Stephan Duga

Stephan is an educator who's been on a Latin-teaching journey for most of his career. A few years ago, he took a detour into Creative Media and Game Design, something he's been tinkering with since he was a kid. He's passionate about understanding how we learn and using the way we learn to play to enhance education. He firmly believes that game design should be open to everyone, and the more diverse minds we have shaping games, the cooler they become.

Date/Time: June 9-13 and 16-20, 2025, 9AM to Noon

FOR makers in grades 7-12

Create Your Own Comic Book – Storytelling & Illustration 

Bring your stories to life in this exciting comic book workshop! Over the course of the class, you'll create your own characters, develop an engaging storyline, and learn essential drawing techniques to craft a unique comic book from start to finish. Whether you're into superheroes, fantasy, or everyday adventures, this workshop will help you turn your ideas into a fully illustrated comic. No experience is needed—just your imagination and a love for storytelling! You'll leave with a completed comic book, ready to share your world with others.

For rising 6th-12 grade students

Instructor: Issis Kelly - Multi-Medium Artist and Mixxer Instructor


Date/Time: June 16-20, 9AM to Noon

Discover the intricate balance of skill and artistry in welding. This comprehensive course, led by Mixxer Resident Artist Thaddeus Prevette, offers an introduction into the world of welding techniques and creative expression. The best part is - No Experience is Needed!

Over the two-day session, you'll gain hands-on experience with Arc Welding. Learn how to safely operate welding equipment, understand different metals and their properties, and master essential welding techniques like joint preparation, heat control, and puddle manipulation.

Beyond technical proficiency, this course introduces students to the artistic side of welding. Explore the possibilities of creating unique and visually stunning metalwork. Thaddeus will guide you through design concepts, project planning, and finishing techniques to help you bring your ideas to life.

This course is the perfect opportunity to ignite your creativity and forge your path in the world of metalworking. 

For rising 9th-12th graders

Date/Time: June 16-20, 9AM to Noon

Instructor: Thaddeus Prevette, Mixxer Resident Artist

Instructor Bio: Thaddeus Prevette is a sculpture artist who began working with three dimensional objects back in 2016. He graduated from Western Carolina University in 2020 with a BFA in studio art and graduated from East Carolina University with an MFA in sculpture in May of 2023. He participates in public art exhibitions and was commissioned for the design of the ECU 911 Memorial sculpture back in 2021. He works with recycled and repurposed material to create narrative artwork that is influenced by historic and modern mythologies.Age Range: 

Teen Mural Creation – Design & Paint a Mobile Mural

Unleash your creativity and paint BIG in this four-day mural workshop! Each teen will design and create their own 4ft x 4ft mural on professional mural cloth—a flexible surface that can be installed on a wall at home or anywhere you choose. You’ll learn real mural-making techniques, from sketching your design to layering paint for a bold, eye-catching masterpiece. No experience is needed, just a love for art and a willingness to get messy! Be prepared for hands-on work and standing for extended periods as you bring your vision to life, and leave with a stunning, personal mural to take home.

For rising 6th through 12th graders

Instructor: Issis Kelly - Multi-Medium Artist and Mixxer Instructor

Date/Time: June 23-27, 9AM to Noon