About

About Blue Hawk Records

Blue Hawk Records (BHR) is the student-run record label of Monmouth University! Since our establishment in 2013, our mission as a club is to give students a taste of what it is like to operate a record label. Within these last 4 years, the program has grown exponentially, and we have come to pride ourselves on the events and music that we have been able to produce. We accomplish everything from making a record and branding artists, to executing marketing strategies and coordinating live event showcases. Thanks to our partnerships with Lakehouse Recording Studio in Asbury Park, The Music Business Association, and The Grammy Museum, we are able to offer our students multiple career opportunities and industry connections. We frequently participate in music industry networking events, conferences, and field trips!

As part of the Music Industry curriculum at Monmouth University, an Applied Music Industry Class is faced with the challenge of creating a professional studio album from start to finish. This entails an extensive semester-long process that involves holding auditions, pre-production, recording, distribution, marketing, and live event coordination. Over the course of a short fourteen weeks, the class examines all aspects of developing an album and distributing it both physically and online.

We have exciting plans for the future as we grow our label. Join us on our mission as we make a name for Blue Hawk Records!

If you would like to contact us with any inquires please email us by clicking here

Monmouth University:
A Grammy Museum Affiliate

The partnership provides students, faculty, and staff access to GRAMMY Museum content for educational purposes, curriculum resources, research programs, professional development seminars, collaborative marketing, project-based learning, and unique student internship opportunities.

The new connection creates opportunities for students like internships, research programs, employment and accessibility to talent for events and production.

Meet BHR's Executive Board!

Co-Presidents

Aja Armstrong '19 &
JJ Fabricatore '18

Vice President

Kelli Misenheimer '19

Tresaurer

Mani Kissling '19

Secretary

Gabi Soroka '19

Notable Music Industry Faculty

Joe Rapolla

James Donio

Eric Romero

Chairman of the Monmouth Music Department
Headed Marketing departments at both Universal Music and Warner Music Group.
Has directed some of the highest profile strategic initiatives, and worked closely with top talent, such as Madonna, Green Day, Michael Jackson, U2, Bruce Springsteen & Sting.

Marc Muller

Marc Muller is a musician, solo artist, writer, producer, and arranger, and professor.
For nine years, he toured with country artist Shania Twain.
Featured on Bruce Springsteen's Wrecking Ball and has also recorded for artists such as Laura Bell Bundy, Branford Marsalis, and Kelly Clarkson.

President of the Music Business Association for 30 years.
Music Biz has worked with every music awards show, from the GRAMMYs ® to the Country Music Awards.
Donio received his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Temple University

George Wurzbach

George Wurzbach is a multi-award winning composer and performer.
As a composer, George has scored the musicals: Roasting Alice, and Twelfth Night
As a musician, George works in New York as a sideman and session player

Erik Kase Romero is a recording engineer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and educator. He is currently the head engineer at Asbury Park’s Lakehouse Recording Studios
working with a spectrum of clients from indie projects and local talent to international and major label artists/producers.

David Tripold

David Tripold has bachelor's and master's degrees in music from Westminster Choir College of Rider University, and a PhD in liturgical studies.
A nationally recognized choir conductor, voice teacher, organist, and liturgical scholar.
Directs the University's chamber and concert choirs.
Has been a church organist and choir director for over 30 years.

Rashida Cruz

Jonathan McElroy

Sheri Anderson

Rashida Cruz has a Masters degree in Business Administration from Georgian Court University.
She is a Music Business professor at both Monmouth University and Brookdale Community College.

Jonathan McElroy has his Bachelors of Music in Jazz Performance and Masters of Music in Composition & Arranging from William Paterson University.
He leads his own sextet, subs in Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, and actively performs nationwide.

Sheri Anderson has her MFA in stage management from University of California–San Diego.
Has worked on more than a dozen Broadway plays, including: Phantom of the Opera, Little Me, and The Full Monty.

FAQ

Who Runs Blue Hawk Records?

Blue Hawk Records is a student-run record label that operates under the supervision of the Chairman of Monmouth University's Department of Music And Theater, Joseph Rapolla.

How Do I Get My Original song on a Compilation Album?

As long as you are a student enrolled at Monmouth University, you can audition for a spot on the compilation album that we produce every semester. (That's TWO compilations per academic year!)

As a Student at monmouth University, How can I get involved in BHR?

Whether you write original songs, produce tracks, or simply love music, Blue Hawk Records is a club that allows you to explore your passion and draw inspiration from others. We have club meetings every Wednesday in Woods Theatre Room 4 from 2:50-4:00pm, and love seeing new faces! Come check us out.