Chase McGahan's Grayslake's Young DJ: Passion for Community and Music

In this heartwarming episode of "Discovering Grayslake," host Dave sits down at The Loop Marketing with 13-year-old Chase McGann, a local student and aspiring DJ. Chase shares his journey from announcing at his sister’s softball games to DJing community events, and his involvement in school theater and band. The conversation highlights Chase’s passion for music, public speaking, and community service, reflecting Grayslake’s supportive spirit. Listeners are treated to rapid-fire questions, local stories, and encouragement to support young talent, all wrapped in the friendly, hometown charm that makes Grayslake special.

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Nurturing Young Talent in Grayslake: Lessons from Chase McGann’s Journey into DJing and Community Involvement

Discovering Grayslake is more than just a podcast—it’s a celebration of the people, stories, and spirit that make our hometown special. In a recent episode, host Dave (an experienced DJ and community mainstay) sat down with 13-year-old Chase McGann at The Loop Marketing, right at the heart of Center Street and Lake Street. Their conversation is a masterclass in how young people can find their voice, build confidence, and make a real impact in their community.

This blog post dives deep into the main themes and actionable insights from the episode, offering guidance for parents, educators, and aspiring young leaders. Whether you’re a Grayslake local or simply passionate about youth empowerment, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and practical advice here.

Table of Contents

Spotlighting Youth: Why Community Involvement Matters
Building Confidence Through Public Speaking and DJing
Mentorship: The Power of Local Role Models
Investing in the Right Tools: A Young DJ’s Equipment Guide
Balancing School, Hobbies, and Community Service
The Value of Supportive Teachers and Family
Actionable Tips for Young Announcers and DJs
Fostering Kindness and Community Spirit
Final Thoughts: Growing Up Grayslake Strong

1. Spotlighting Youth: Why Community Involvement Matters 

Chase’s story is a testament to the power of getting involved early. From announcing at his sister’s softball games to DJing block parties and working with the PTO, Chase has found ways to contribute meaningfully to Grayslake’s vibrant community life.

Key Takeaways:
Early involvement builds lifelong skills.** Chase’s comfort on the mic and his organizational abilities are direct results of hands-on experience.
Community events are gateways.** Local block parties, school events, and PTO activities offer safe, supportive spaces for youth to try new roles.
Visibility matters.** When young people are given the spotlight, it encourages others to step up and participate.

Actionable Advice:
Encourage your child or student to volunteer at local events, even in small roles.
Look for opportunities where youth can take the lead—announcing, organizing, or even running games.

2. Building Confidence Through Public Speaking and DJing 

Public speaking is often cited as America’s number one fear, but for Chase, it’s a source of excitement. His journey shows that confidence is built through practice, positive feedback, and a willingness to embrace the spotlight.

Nuanced Insights:
Start small, build up.** Chase’s first announcement was simply saying goodbye at a block party. Small wins lead to bigger opportunities.
Preparation is key.** Arriving early, setting up equipment, and knowing your material reduces anxiety.
Embrace mistakes.** Locker jams and tech hiccups are part of the process—laugh them off and keep going.

Expert Advice:
Practice public speaking at home—announce dinner, host family games, or narrate daily activities.
Use tools like Kahoot, Canva, or even simple PowerPoint to create interactive presentations for family and friends.
Record yourself and listen back to identify areas for improvement.

3. Mentorship: The Power of Local Role Models 

Chase credits a local dad for teaching him the ropes—how to use a microphone, manage playlists, and engage a crowd. This mentorship was pivotal in his development.

Key Points:
Mentors provide both skills and confidence.** Learning from someone experienced demystifies the process.
Community connections matter.** Local mentors understand the unique needs and culture of the area.

How to Find or Become a Mentor:
Reach out to local schools, PTOs, or community centers to connect youth with experienced volunteers.
If you have a skill, offer to teach or co-host an event with a young person.
Encourage a “shadowing” approach—let youth observe and then gradually take on more responsibility.

4. Investing in the Right Tools: A Young DJ’s Equipment Guide 

Chase’s journey into DJing was made possible by thoughtful investment in equipment, much of it funded by family gifts and careful planning.

Detailed Breakdown:
Budgeting:** Chase spent about $400 on a speaker, microphones, lights, and a fog machine—showing that quality setups are possible without breaking the bank.
Organization:** Keeping equipment organized and well-maintained is crucial for smooth events.
Platform Choice:** Chase uses both Spotify and Apple Music, noting the unique features of each (like Apple’s karaoke mode).

Recommendations:
Start with a reliable speaker and microphone—these are the backbone of any DJ setup.
Add lights and effects (like a fog machine) as you gain experience and confidence.
Use gift cards or holiday gifts to gradually build your setup.
Explore both Spotify and Apple Music to see which fits your style and event needs.

5. Balancing School, Hobbies, and Community Service 

Chase is not just a DJ—he’s involved in theater (Annie Junior), band (playing tambourine in the symphonic band), and school clubs. Balancing these commitments is a challenge, but also a source of growth.

Insights:
Time management is a learned skill.** Chase juggles set-building, rehearsals, and DJ gigs by staying organized and prioritizing.
Flexibility is important.** When play rehearsals ramped up, he adjusted his schedule to accommodate extra sessions.
Diverse interests build resilience.** Exposure to different activities helps youth discover their strengths and passions.

Actionable Tips:
Use a planner or digital calendar to track commitments.
Don’t be afraid to say no or ask for help when overwhelmed.
Try new activities—even if you don’t get your first-choice role, there’s value in every experience.

6. The Value of Supportive Teachers and Family 

Chase’s journey is supported by a network of encouraging teachers and family members. From his social studies teacher Ms. Corey to his band director Mr. Thomas, positive adult influences make a world of difference.

Key Takeaways:
Teachers who make learning fun inspire lifelong curiosity.**
Family support—whether it’s buying equipment or simply cheering from the sidelines—empowers youth to take risks.**
Open communication with adults helps youth navigate challenges, from tech issues to school transitions.**

How to Build a Support System:
Celebrate small wins—acknowledge effort, not just results.
Encourage open dialogue about challenges and successes.
Connect with other families to share resources and advice.

7. Actionable Tips for Young Announcers and DJs 

Drawing from Chase’s experience and the host’s expert advice, here are practical steps for aspiring young announcers and DJs:

1. Start Where You Are
Volunteer to announce at family gatherings, school events, or local sports games.
Use free or low-cost tools to practice—your phone’s voice recorder is a great start.

2. Build Your Brand
Create playlists and share them with friends, family, or on platforms like Spotify (as Chase does with “Chase’s Entertainment Services”).
Develop a simple website or social media page to showcase your work.

3. Stay Organized
Keep your equipment in labeled cases or bins.
Make checklists for setup and teardown to avoid forgetting key items.

4. Engage Your Audience
Learn to read the room—play music that fits the mood and age group.
Use the microphone to make safety and fun announcements, just like Chase does at foam parties.

5. Keep Learning
Watch YouTube tutorials on DJing, public speaking, and event management.
Ask for feedback after each event—what went well, and what could improve?

8. Fostering Kindness and Community Spirit 

The episode closes with a heartfelt reminder: “We never know what our friends or family or anybody is going through… do one or two random acts of kindness today.” This ethos is at the heart of Grayslake’s community spirit.

Ways to Spread Kindness:
Hold the door for someone.
Smile and greet neighbors.
Volunteer for local events or help a classmate with homework.

Why It Matters:
Small acts of kindness create a ripple effect, making the community stronger and more welcoming for everyone—especially young people finding their way.

9. Final Thoughts: Growing Up Grayslake Strong 

Chase McGann’s story is a shining example of what’s possible when young people are encouraged to pursue their passions, supported by family, teachers, and a caring community. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or young person yourself,