If Conor McGibboney gets his wish, local students will have an opportunity to learn math and science principles in an interactive and exciting way.

McGibboney, chief executive officer of Galactic Systems Headquarters in Jamestown, has initiated a project called “Aerospace Music” with the ultimate aim of integrating music and science in way that younger minds can understand and relate to.

“I wanted to create an educational project for kids that involved science, but the idea developed more into making aerospace-related songs for students,” McGibboney said. “You can’t sit a child down and tell them that math is important and fun; it doesn’t work like that. But if you hear those concepts through music, it could be an extra way to help them realize what’s happening with these concepts and how they apply to life.”

Galactic Systems Headquarters is an aerospace research and infrastructure development company. Its headquarters, located at 201 N. Main St. in Jamestown, features a business incubator and culture center. Started by McGibboney in 2005, its stated mission is “to aid in the creation of a peaceful, spacefaring civilization by developing astronautical engineering projects and advancing society by developing and improving infrastructure through creative projects.”

One such creative project is Aerospace Music, in which Galactic Systems aims to work with local musicians to create a minimum of 50 educational songs incorporating aerospace and engineering concepts in a practical and engaging way. The ultimate goal of the project is to inspire students to be excited about learning mathematics and aerospace topics through music.

“I thought (the project) would be a great way to interact with local musicians and get them to think outside the box in how they could inspire students to appreciate math and science more,” McGibboney said. “The feedback I’ve been getting has been really positive and inspirational.”

McGibboney, who is originally from Louisiana, added that Jamestown’s vibrant music and arts community was one of the primary catalysts for his remaining in the area.

“I originally came here to do business, but one of the first things that really blew me away about this area is all of the creative talent here, and the sheer number of people who love music and art,” he said. “It had a profound effect on me, and that is one of the top reasons I decided to stay in Jamestown.”

Once the first 50 songs are received and produced, they will be compiled into a single volume that can be used in the classroom for educational purposes, or for a personal collection. Upon completion, the volume will be shipped out to those who make a donation of $5 or more to the project.

Funds for the production side of the project are currently being raised through an online crowdfunding campaign at www.spacelaunchup.com, where the donations can be made. The website states that $3,500 is being sought in order to produce the 50-song volumes. Currently, $220 from six backers has been raised.

McGibboney said that 14 songs have been submitted to the project so far, and nine can currently be found on the project’s website at www.aerospacemusic.com. Until the volumes can be produced, he said the songs will be available on the website to be used as a resource for schools and teachers, and added that he is also undertaking the process of developing lesson plans to accompany the songs – giving teachers a blueprint on how to use the songs in the classroom.

Those wishing to to learn more about, or participate in, the Aerospace Music project can do so by contacting McGibboney at aerospacemusic@galactic-systems.com.