We roared like a Lion at our Performance Program Shows and our new Spring Season has rolled out like a lamb
Fall 2023 Performance Program
Closed With Two
Amazing Shows!
We wrapped up our Fall 2023 Performance Program season with two amazing shows. We first hit the stage at Pearl Street Warehouse on the Wharf in Washington, DC on February 4th and for our second show we were in Arlington, VA at The Filling Station at El Rey on February 11th. End of season shows are always a great time to see the progress of our students and have some fun making music for the community and this season was no exception! It was amazing to see the students take on The Rolling Stones, The artists that made CBGB the it place to be in NYC in the late 70's and early 80s, Aretha Franklin and Sound Garden. The audience participation was definitely great to see as well. Sing-a-longs and dancing! We can't wait to do it again in June with a whole new selection of show themes!
What's all the Buzz about?
Our Spring 2024 has begun!
The Spring 2024 Performance Program season launched on February 19th. We have four awesome themes that we are excited to be working on: Emo, Motown, Led Zeppelin and Iron Maiden vs. Judas Priest. We're excited to be working on such a wide variety of music that will challenge our students and take their playing to the next level. The season just got rolling and all directors report getting off to a great start. Students came prepared for their first rehearsals with a good understanding of their song assignments and what they needed to work on. We'll be adding more tunes to each setlist in the coming weeks and preparing to put on some killer shows at the end of the season!
The kids can't have all the fun...
Adult Performance Program Fall 2023 End of Season show
Our Adult Performance Program had a blast at their end of season Beatle's show at McGinty's Public House in down town Silver Spring on February 17th at 7pm. Opening the show with Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band we had a Ticket To Ride through our favorite songs from the Fab Four. The supportive community vibes were definitely on display with a sing along to Hey Jude to close the show, and it was a great note to end our whole Fall 2023 season on.
“Don't stop thinking about tomorrow, Don't stop, It'll soon be here. It'll be better than before. Yesterday's gone, yesterday's gone”
We didn't waste any time jumping into the next Adult Performance Program season for the Spring! The new band, taking on the material of Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty began rehearsing on February 24th. We have a wonderful cast including some past Performance Program participants as well as some brand new students to the school. The setlist is already sounding fantastic! Show Director Jaime will be working with the adult students to craft a show full of hits. Stay tuned for more details regarding the end of season performance in June, you're not going to want to miss this show!
If you are an adult who has never played with other musicians and want a safe space to learn how, our Adult Rock 101 class is a great place to start and can serve as a stepping stone to next season's Adult Performance Program. We are currently seeking those interested in taking your playing to the next level for a class beginning in Mid-March! Contact us at silverspring@schoolofrock.com.
IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START THINKING ABOUT SUMMER
Our week long Summer Camp experiences are now available for purchase online. They can fill up fast so don't miss out. Our camp are a ton of fun for kids aged 7-17 and are a great introduction to our year round group programs if your student is thinking of joining but wants to dip their toe in before making the plunge. If you have questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
Make this the best Summer Ever
Summer Internship Opportunities
As we begin the Spring season we are already planning for Summer! Performance Program students ages 12 and up are eligible to participate in our Summer Intern Program where they learn leadership skills through mentoring campers, hang out with their peers and have fun rocking out. We'll be posting the sign up info later this month, so stay tuned!
Student spotlight
David H.
David started lessons with School of Rock in September of 2023 and joined our performance Program soon after. He recently had some kind and encouraging words about our Adult Program.
I recently played my first show with an Adult Performance group at the School of Rock after starting my guitar journey just a few years ago. It's been an incredible experience, and along the way, here's what I learned:
1) Don't let Comparison be the thief of your joy It's easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others, especially when starting something new. But I've learned that everyone has their own unique journey and progresses at their own pace. Embrace your own path and celebrate your achievements along the way!
2) Your mistakes aren't as loud as you think they are In the midst of performing, it's easy to hyper-focus on any mistakes you make. But when you listen back, you find any glitches are hardly noticeable. Moreover, you also realize most people are too caught up in enjoying the music to notice minor slip-ups. If you make a mistake it's not the end of the world! Keep playing and embrace the joy!
3) It's never too late to try something new Starting guitar later in life was initially daunting, but taking that leap has been incredibly rewarding. It's a reminder that age is just a number, and there's no expiration date on pursuing your passions. Whether it's music, art, or any other interest, it's never too late to dive in and explore.
4) It's fun working with people (if the environment is supportive and collaborative!) As an introvert, I was perfectly happy playing by myself for years. But playing music with others reminded me of the transformative power of collaboration and camaraderie. Being surrounded by supportive and encouraging individuals amplifies the enjoyment of the experience. Whether in music or in business, it serves as a good reminder to step outside one's comfort zone and explore new facets of oneself.
NOTES FROM THE MOTHERSHIP
with Music Director Brooks Owens
MAKE YOURSELF HEARD - As we continue the new spring season, take some time in rehearsals to make sure you and your band can hear each other and the song sounds how it should. Things like amp settings, mic technique, EQ and dynamics can make the difference between being heard by your audience or not. No one wants to work hard on a part all season just to not be heard at the show. Ask your instructor and show director for tips on getting a good stage mix this month!
Welcome to new rockers joining us!
Annaliese K., Carter C.,Cat W., David D., Isabella S., Leander F., Lucy D., Margot W., Santhosh G., Shane M., Summer S., Tiama E-A.,
We love the School of Rock!!! A place where it is fun to learn and the kids can be free and creative. Excellent staff and facilities. Very welcoming organization. Cannot recommend them highly enough