It's November, and we have a lot to be Thankful for
Our End of Summer 2023 Performance Program Shows Were Amazing!
On Saturday October 7th we put on a great show at a fun new music venue in Arlington, VA, The Filling Station at El Rey. They were so impressed with our young performers and can't wait to host us again. Our bands did an amazing job of rolling with the punches when we learned of a last minute change in venue for our second show on Sunday, October 15th. These rock stars said the show must go on! and we squeezed into the first floor of the National Union Building in Washington, DC. Each band this season, Folk Rock, Pink Floyd, Joan Jett vs. Pat Benatar, and Red Hot Chilli Peppers vs. No Doubt tackled difficult material. They should be proud of their hard work and all they learned putting on such fun filled, energetic and at times, very moving performances. The love and support for the performers, our teachers and our school as a whole was apparent at the shows and we so appreciate the community we have built.
Sweater weather has arrived...
Our Fall 2023 Performance Program has begun!
We wasted no time between performance seasons this time. Due to the holidays over the Fall season we had to jump right in to make sure we had enough rehearsal weeks before the shows in early February. Our themes this Fall are The Rolling Stones, CBGB, Aretha Franklin and Soundgarden. They will be ready to rock out in front of an audience in the first two weeks of February.
The kids can't have all the fun...
Adult Performance Program Fall 2023
Our Adult Performance Program is off to a great start this season. We are happy to have some returning students from previous adult seasons, some adults that have just graduated from our Adult Rock 101 class and some brand new students to the school as well! With The Beatles as our show theme, it is sure to be super fun and educational. Stay tuned for updates on their progress and details on their show in late February!
“There's nothing you can do that can't be done / Nothing you can sing that can't be sung / Nothing you can say, but you can learn how to play the game / It's easy”
If you have 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. If you are interested in taking your playing to the next level, contact us at silverspring@schoolofrock.com.
House Band Happenings
We closed out the House Band year with an amazing Halloween show featuring both our House Band and JV! Our Haunted House Band Halloween show took place directly before the annual Silver Spring Zombie Walk. We went all out for Halloween this year with a setlist of Halloween classics plus a spooky stage and crazy costumes. This was JV's first gig ever as a band and they absolutely crushed it. Halloween is one of our favorite holidays as a band and we can't wait to rock out in Downtown Silver Spring next year!
Keep an eye out for our House Band back in Downtown Silver Spring for the upcoming Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade on November 18th and for our newly formed band for Sounds of the Season on December 16th!
Warm Welcome to Our New Drum instructor
KARL
Karl is a music industry veteran with 40 years experience playing and recording. He started drum and piano lessons at age 7 and by age 15 was playing drums professionally with a MD based Top-40 dance, soul and funk band. He then ventured into the world of alternative rock bands and electronic dance music and has recorded and performed at legendary venues including CBGB, 930 Club, DC Space and Fever. Karl has played drums in many bands and recording projects over the years as well as being a resident DJ at 930 Club and keyboardist. He has experience with drums, percussion, analog and digital synthesizers, MIDI, drum machines, electronic drums, sampling and DAW’s. Drumming remains his primary focus. He became interested in teaching through a rock and roll summer camp. He looks to ignite creativity and forge the paths to performance excellence in his students.
Karl will be teaching with us here in Silver Spring as well as our Vienna and Ashburn locations.
We've got a lot to be grateful for at school of Rock
Gratefulsgiving
Celebrate the spirit of the season with us this November as we embark on GRATEFULSGIVING. We will be celebrating and giving gratitude all month long. During our Performance Program rehearsals the week of November 13th-16th, we will have Grateful Dead themed Pot Lucks. We're feeling pretty groovy about it.
Rock 101 and Rock Lab
With the change in the seasons come graduation time for some of our Rock 101ers. Congrats to those who are making the jump into the Performance Program for the Fall. If your young rocker is currently only taking lessons with us, then a Rock 101 or Rock Lab class is a great opportunity for them to take their playing to the next level. 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. We have classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays! If you'd like more information about your child's progress or joining their first group, contact Rose on the school line.
Student Spotlight
NORA
Nora joined us for a couple Summer Camps this past Summer. Originally interested in the Drums, she fell in love with the Bass and started taking lessons with us in April of this year. She has made steady progress in her lessons, has the basics covered and is feeling comfortable with her chosen instrument which means its time to think about a year round Rock 101 class to take her playing to the next level. She will be a welcome addition to any of our bands. Now for a little Q&A
You started taking lessons with School of Rock just a few months ago, and were in couple camps over the summer, how is it different?
Well, its just me and one other person now.
At least that other person is fun though, right?
Yeah. Is he watching me? (Jaime pokes his head in the office. "no" and laughs) He's silly.
Are you planning to join a Rock 101 class year round?
I think so. When I'm ready.
You were interested in drums when you started, what made you switch to the bass?
I tried the drums but it was hard and when I tried the bass it was easy and fun. I still like drums though.
What are your musical influences?
I like Nirvana. (Points to Nirvana shirt they are wearing)
What advice do you have for new students?
I don't know. It's fun.
What do you like most about SOR?
It's not swimming.
NOTES FROM THE MOTHERSHIP
with Music Director Brooks Owens
HOW DOES IT FEEL? - Feel is one of the most important parts of being a musician. It's what makes you sound like you when you use your instrument. Sometimes feel can be associated with a genre like funk, punk, or blues, while sometimes it can refer to a specific musician's sound like Ringo Starr or Stevie Ray Vaughn. The things that make up how your playing feels to a listener can often include dynamics, timing, phrasing, etc. These things can differ from player to player even when they're both playing the same song correctly. Developing a great feel starts with listening to players with a great sense of feel, so ask your instructors for examples of who to listen to this month to continue to develop your sound.
Welcome to new rockers joining us!
Aliza H., Anika B., Azul A., Emmett N., Henry N., Maya D-G., Nala A., Noah A-D., Nico I., Patrick C., Quinn C., Stuart F. and Tallulah J.
We love School of Rock! My boys' skills have sky rocketed since working with their encouraging teachers and their fellow young musicians. They have even branched out to try singing and other instruments. There is nothing like seeing them having the time of their lives with their friends on the stage...
- 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
Nov 12 - House Band & JV House Band Auditions (by appointment)
Nov 13 thru 16 - Gratefulsgiving Performance Program Pot Lucks
Nov 18 - House Band participates in the Silver Spring Thanksgiving Parade
Nov 23 thru 26 - School of Rock is CLOSED for the Thanksgiving Holiday
Dec 16 - House Band plays Sounds of the Season in Downtown Silver Spring
