Gwinnett Daily Post

GRAYSON -- Step into the shoes of Patrick Sullivan.

The Grayson High School senior lives, breathes, exudes music. He also attends Grayson Technical Program next door to the school, an educational facility that gives him a chance to hone his craft.

On Monday, the bright-eyed musician found himself standing face-to-face with legendary keyboard player Chuck Leavell -- a fellow songwriter who once toured with rock 'n' rollers like the Allman Brothers Band, Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones.

"I can't believe I really got to talk to him," said Sullivan Monday afternoon, still beaming from the experience. "He's a really, really nice guy."

Leavell was there Monday with the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, a nonprofit, state-of-the-art music-mobile that tours the country providing young people with hands-on opportunities for the studios inside it.

The bus also gives students like Sullivan the opportunity to write, perform, record and produce original songs all in one day.

"I've only seen (music production) equipment like this," Sullivan said. "I've never actually been able to use anything like this before ... this is great."

Like many other music students who attend Grayson Technical Education Program, Sullivan got to mix sounds Monday afternoon. He and his colleagues will later be able to hear what they recorded.

Music technology instructor Tim Johnson said such experiences are "a springboard for the students."

Johnson added that the opportunity was made possible because the school uses AVID music technology, just as the education tour bus does.

"Getting to work with a living legend like Mr. Leavell ... that's a tremendous opportunity for these students," Johnson said.

Leavell said the feelings were mutual.

He stepped outside the tour bus Monday afternoon to talk about his passion for the program. He also said the local students "are a very, very talented group."

"It seems like every single one of them has something to contribute," Leavell added.

Leavell said he enjoyed talking with the students as well. Some asked about his times touring with many legendary rock acts, while other students lit up when he mentioned upcoming tours with musicians like John Mayer and Ben Folds.

Leavell said young musicians like Sullivan are the future of music. "It's important that we put this technology in their hands," Leavell said. "I'm just so glad to be a part of this, and I'm happy to help."

For more information, visit www.avid.com, www.lennonbus.org or www.graysontech.org.