Don't mind the music of the millennium because Bear Creek students are releasing their own album. Jack Shields, critically acclaimed local poet and member of the CAlifornia Poets in Schools Organization, is contributing his efforts in the production of a compilation CD of poems and music written and performed by Bear Creek students. Shields has been writing poetry since the age of 14 and has been songwriting since he was 20. A member of the National Director of Poets and Writers Organization, Shields has had his work published in such magazines like "Manzanita" and "Zambamba" and has two books in the making. He is also in the rock band "Loco Amor" and in the band/dance group, "Ziggarat Mountain." On Nov. 17, Shields and his wife, Billy, performed acoustic versions of their spoken word/songs in the Julia Morgan Multi-purpose room and held a poetry workshop where students learned poetry techniques and styles to improve their poetry. Shields returned Dec. 8 to work more with the students and help with the CD project. "We held the workshop to encourage more students and help more students to submit different, better poetry," senior Chileen DuRaine said. "Most people only write love poems." Polar Press, the club that produces the school literary magazine, has already raised some money for the project, but the cost of production will need funding and sponsors from businesses and organizations. Though the CD was started as a project for Polar Press members, the Creative Writing class will also include their poems in the project as well. "I'm on the CD for a grade," junior Jennifer McLaughlin said, "since Creative Writing requires that we have at least one public reading of our work." The CD is not a project exclusive to Polar Press and Creative Writing and is open to any students who are serious about contributing to the project. Polar Press is looking for more students to include their work on the CD. "This CD is featuring poets and artists from Bear Creek," Rose said. "Any students who show interest are welcome to include poetry, music or even artwork to the CD." On Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., Maxwell's Bookmark on Pacific Avenue will hold a free, open-mic poetry reading that will feature students from the CD as well as other Bear Creek students. "I feel that this is a good experience for teenagers because it is a way for them to express how they feel," McLaughlin said.