We are nearing the half way mark for the Summer 2023 season. All directors have done at least two rounds of casting and are very pleased with the students' progress thus far and their ability to rise to the occasion of filling in parts when they might be missing a band member, away on vacation. Show themes this season are Folk Rock, Pink Floyd, Joan Jett vs. Pat Benatar, and Red Hot Chilli Peppers vs. No Doubt. At this point in the season we also start thinking about not just the music but the performance elements of the shows in October. We will be announcing our show venues next month so stay tuned.
Everybody needs a little time away...
Summer Break Closure
After our last Summer Camp of the season, the teachers and staff will be taking a week long break. There will be no lessons or rehearsals the week of August 12th through the 18th. We will return Saturday August 19.
HOUSE BAND TOUR
Members of our House Band had the amazing opportunity to participate in the Sweet Tea and Sunshine Tour last month! Joining together with members of the House Bands from our Ashburn and Vienna schools, the group played shows in Atlanta, Memphis, and Nashville over the course of a week. Not only did the tour group get to play in different cities across the South, but they also had the chance to play with other House Bands from across the entire country and even Australia! It was an overwhelmingly positive experience with some incredible gig experiences, great community with other musicians, and awesome stops along the way at historic musical locations like The Ryman Auditorium, Graceland, Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL. Special thanks to all our parent chaperones and everyone else who contributed to making this tour happen!
House Band at Shipgarten
Our House Band returned to Shipgarten in McLean, VA last month! We're always excited to play this venue which is great for kids and is very dog friendly. We had a fantastic afternoon playing music in the summer sun. Your next chance to see them at Shipgarten is Sunday August 27, See you there!
All Star Tour
Last month was a whirlwind for Our AllStar Josey! After the Sweet Tea and Sunshine tour wrapped it wasn't too long before she was on the road again for the AllStars Tour. Being selected for the AllStars program is considered to be the highest level of achievement for a School of Rock student. Less than 1% of students worldwide are chosen each year, and each of the selected participants demonstrates unparalleled excellence in musicianship, performance, and leadership. Selected for the Southwest tour, she played gigs and recorded in Oklahoma and Texas with other AllStars. She is now part of this elite group and should be extremely proud! As footage is released throughout the year from the recording sessions we will be sure to share. Way to go, Josey!
Get into the group...
Rock 101 and Rock Lab
August 1st marks the first rehearsal for our new Rock Lab class on Tuesdays with Music Director, Brooks. We have also recently added members to his Sunday Lab group. Rock 101 and Rock Labs are designed to be safe spaces where your rocker can learn how to play in a band before joining the Performance Program. If your rocker is younger and/or a beginner we have Rock 101 classes on Monday, Wednesdays and Thursdays. These classes will be filling up for Fall so if you'd like more information about your child joining their first group or rejoining a group after taking a break, contact Rose on the school line.
Summer Camps are in full Swing!!!
We've had a blast this camp season, welcoming back some familiar faces and meeting some for the first time. Our Friday camp shows at McGinty's Pub are open to the public and it is always fun to see what the campers are able to learn in just 5 days together. For this, special credit should be given to our camp interns who as a team, teach them parts and give them the confidence needed to take the stage. We have just two weeks of camps left in August before our scheduled break. That means only two more camp shows August 4th and 11th from 3pm-4:30pm.
NOTES FROM THE MOTHERSHIP
with Music Director Brooks Owens
IMPROVISING - While the goal in the Performance Program is always to play each song with note for note accuracy, there are times that your director might look to add some improvised elements to a set. This could be a solo, an extended jam, or a way to fill time while technical difficulties are being handled on stage. Improvisation is an important skill for every musician, and even if you don't want to shift into that gear on every song, you want to be able to step up to the plate when the moment comes. Talk to your instructors this month about how to develop your improvisational skills and add tools to your musical toolbox so that a solo or jam doesn't catch you off guard.
School of Rock is a welcoming place for all kids to come and develop all sorts of skills, not just musical--though they will learn those too! We have been very pleased with the activities and offerings from Silver Spring School of Rock and my teen looks forward to his lessons and groups and shows! Bravo!
- School of Rock Silver Spring Parent
What do you like most about school of rock
-Mark Your Calendar-
Upcoming Events for School of Rock Silver Spring
August 7-11 - Last week of Summer Camp
August 12-18 - School of Rock in CLOSED for Summer Break
August 27 - House Band @ Shipgarten in Mclean, VA Noon - 3pm
September 2-4 - School of Rock is CLOSED for Labor Day Weekend
Sept 5 - Fall Performance Program Theme Announcement
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