At Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC), the commitment to integrity, diversity, innovation, partnerships, excellence, sustainability, and wellness is more than just a set of principles—it's the foundation of the community's identity. To bring these values to life in a memorable way, students, teachers, and staff at PVCC have come together to create something truly special: an original song spotlighting the college's seven core values.
Nearly a year in the making, the song project began as a small idea—a seed planted by Dr. Amina Simmons and Psychology Professor Dr. Susan Bonnell in the fall of 2023. Inspired by the desire to make PVCC’s values easier to remember and more engaging, they envisioned a "Values Song" set to the tune of "In the Name of Love" by Bebe Rexha and Martin Garrix.
The initial draft of the lyrics was a collaborative effort; its earliest lyrics presented to PVCC music student Mishy Katz, whose creativity and musical talents played a crucial role in transforming the song into a vibrant and memorable anthem.
PVCC Professor of Popular Music Production, John Keenan, a seasoned arranger and mixer with a deep background in EDM and production, helped guide Katz’s creation, together laying down the chords and structure of the piece to set the foundation for what would become a powerful musical piece. Back in her studio, Katz started the track laying down keyboards, percussion and bass with Keenan’s guidance. Once the main structure of the song was in place, the duo brought Bradford Knights into the fold to add to the track. Bradford, a fine and performing arts adjunct faculty, quickly created some amazing guitar tracks to help complete the track.
The team moved the project to Keenan’s studio, where the vocals were recorded and the final touches were made. Keenan’s expertise in arranging, mixing, and mastering brought the song to life, creating a polished, professional product that exceeded the expectations of everyone involved.
"It is truly a pleasure to collaborate with such talented staff and students,” said Keenan. “Their creativity and passion are what keep me energized and connected to the ever-evolving music industry."
“This was by far one of the most rewarding projects I've been a part of,” said Jeremy McEwen, who directed an accompanying video for the song. “After reviewing the hundreds of photos and videos our wonderful staff shared, you can really see how amazing this community truly is just by looking at all the joy we bring our students. And the song embodies that. Mishy did a tremendous job showcasing what makes PVCC so special.”
It was a super experience for me, and I am excited about the possibilities for it to work for PVCC and the community," said Katz, who earned her Associate of Applied Science in Audio Engineering at PVCC and is currently working on her Associates of Art in songwriting. “The collaborative nature of the project, with students, teachers, and administration all working together, made the final product even more remarkable.”
Dr. Bonnell echoed this sentiment, noting that the finished song was "totally in line with the original vision," and expressed her happiness with the outcome. The song stands as a testament to what can be achieved when creativity, collaboration, and hard work come together in pursuit of a common goal.
As PVCC continues to promote its core values, this unique song serves as both a celebration and a reminder of what the college community can accomplish when they unite around shared ideals. It’s more than just a song; it’s a musical embodiment of PVCC’s commitment to excellence and community spirit.
To watch the music video and experience the song for yourself, click here and see how PVCC’s values are brought to life through music.