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May 2021
News That Rocks

  It's gonna be May!!!  

and we can't believe it

What? It's Mid-season Already for Spring 2021!
This Spring 2021 performance program season is really flying by. All the groups are well on their way to preparing for performances the first and second weekends in June and we couldn't be more pleased with the progress we have seen so far.  The Killers vs. The Strokes have some surprises planned for you. The Head Bangers Ball Show might melt your face and The Who show is a tea kettle about to whistle. With all shows, the first set of song assignments were sounding good so directors of each were comfortable adding songs to their set lists to learn. We've got time for learning, fine tuning and polishing up some of the more challenging song choices before the performances. Stay tuned for our show venue, dates and times announcement coming soon. This is gonna Rock!

Adult Rock 101

Our Adult Rock 101 class is off to a great start! 
Before their first rehearsal at the beginning of the month, our new Adult Rock 101 students were given a few song assignments from Jaime, their Director, to work on in their lessons.  Right from the start they've been kicking it into gear with songs from Tom Petty, The Police, Led Zeppelin and Belinda Carlisle and others.   The group came in with some nervous excitement and a lot of enthusiasm to learn and Jaime, their Director, is really pleased with how it's going. Speaking as a stand in vocalist for part of a rehearsal, I (Rose) can say one thing is for sure, they are having a lot of fun.  

Rock 101 Graduations!

We are excited to announce that several of our Rock 101 students have graduated into the Performance Program!  This is a milestone for these young musicians.  Since we are mid-season and they have a pretty solid set of songs we have decided to have them join the Spring 2021 show line up together as a group.  They have started working with show director Jeff who will be getting their current set list polished up and the group performance day ready, as well as adding a couple new songs to their set list. You might be asking yourself, what does my child currently in Rock 101 need in order to graduate  into the performance program? Have your little rocker ask their instructor what they need to focus on to make the leap or call Rose on the school line 301-589-7623. 

Rock 101 Openings!

The graduation of a group of students mid season has created a great opprotunity for other students to start their journey. Rock 101 is a core element of School of Rock where our beginner students grow into musicians and gain the experience needed for entering the Performance Program. We currently have four Rock 101 classes going. We love hearing them grow and improve and often have to poke our heads in and watch a bit of rehearsals. There is potential for a fifth class to begin so if you think its time to add a group experience to help your child go to the next level in their musical skill, or if you used to be in a group before the pandemic and are considering coming back in person, let us know so we can explore the options.  Call Rose on the school line 301-589-7625.

Rookies!

Our Sunday Rookies class was having such a great time with our vocal instructor Elizabeth that our drum instructor Matt wanted to join in. We have a couple openings in our Sunday class if you want to get your youngster involved. We are also re-opening a Tuesday session this month with Elizabeth and our Lead Instructor Brooks so, if your current rockers' smaller sibling wants to join in on the action, or if you know of someone with a 1st or 2nd grader who would like to experience a fun interactive introduction to music.  Masks required! Call Rose on the school line 301-589-7625.  

Safety Is Still Our Top Priority


Creating a COVID-19 safe environment has been and remains our #1 priority for students and staff when they are in the building.  We know that many of our students just want to come in person and we are doing all the safety protocols to ensure we are providing a safe environment to rock.  
  • We require masks while in the building
  • All persons entering the school are given a symptom and temperature check 
  • All persons entering the school immediately wash their hands and hand sanitizer is used frequently
  • We maintain social distancing at all times
  • We have barriers between vocalists and the band in our groups and a barrier is in all lessons
  • We disinfect all high touch surfaces with hospital grade disinfectant using a special misting tool that gets in every crevice, nook and cranny, and disinfect cases that our brought in by students when they arrive.
In other words, we're serious about safety!  If you think your child might do better in person, give us a call and let's give it a try.  You may also schedule a time to come see it all in person to gauge your comfort level. 

Summer Camps Sign ups are here! 

We are getting a lot of calls asking about summer camps.  Are they happening this year?  Can I sign up now?  The answer is yes!  We couldn't be more excited to have the energy that in person summer camps provide to our school back in the building this year. We have both Rock 101 Camps and Performance Camps available. Both camp options have a performance at the end of the week so you can see what your rockers have been working on while spending their days with us. Some weeks are filling up fast so don't delay. If you want more information you can call the school line 301-589-7625 or Click the button below. 
Sign Up For Camps Here

Student Spotlight of the Month - Meet Cierra


Cierra joined School of Rock at the start of the pandemic. Her Vocal teacher Neel describes her as awesome and she is  always a highlight of any day she is on his schedule.  After being a virtual student for so long he is so excited to finally have her in the Performance Program.  As a senior this year the Headbangers Ball show will be her first and unfortunately her last show with us before heading to Maryland Institute College of Art. I've seen her in action and you don't want to miss this Spring 2021 show.
And now, without further adieu the Ramblin' Rose interview with one cool cat, Cierra. 
Who are your musical influences or bands you are really into right now? 
Slipknot. (she picks up her mini backpack and points to the band logo displayed on the pocket.) 
Do you have a favorite band you're listening to right now?
I'm listening to my friend's band a lot.  I just love his voice. That's it really.
What do you like most about School of Rock?  
It's fun, It doesn't feel like hard work.  You're working but it doesn't feel it 'cause it's fun.
Since you weren't at School of Rock before the pandemic, did you know any of the kids here?

No. I used to go to the mall right here and would always think,  I want to check that out.  When the pandemic happened and everything went virtual I decided to give it a try. There was no excuss not to.  

How do you like working with Neel as a Vocal instructor and show director?
He's good. He challenges me a lot and has a lot of faith in me. Encourages me to do things that I wouldn't try on my own.
And Jeff? He is assisting Neel on the show you are in as well. 
Yeah Jeff is good vibes. Jeff has good energy. 

Neel is super excited to have you in the building and working on the Head Bangers Ball Show.  Are you nervous? excited? How are you feeling about the upcoming show?
Yes, excited, nervous. I haven't performed in so long.    
So you dance as well?  What kind of dance do you do?
Jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop.  
So now we know you can sing, and dance do you play an instrument?
Not really. I can play a little guitar. I mean, I know some chords.
And you paint murals for your job, you are quite the renaissance woman!  In closing, What advice do you have for new students at School of Rock? 
Don't worry. Just vibe. You will want to worry. Just vibe, and have a good time.

School of Rocks teams with The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide


Each of us does what we do professionally in large part because we hope to nurture, develop and enrich the lives of the students that walk through our doors. But there are many challenges impacting our kids and often times, and especially during the pandemic, they are unable to cope with those difficulties. 

In order to help the parents of our students, School of Rock is sponsoring a webinar Wednesday, May 5th at 7pm ET with our partner The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (https://sptsusa.org/sor/). During this webinar, Susan Tellone, the Clinical Director of SPTS will talk about suicide risk factors, warning signs, and how to help kids develop coping strategies to navigate difficult times. 
Some key points that will be covered
  • How to talk to your teens about difficult topics
  • Empowering parents & guardians through education and awareness
  • Understanding suicide warning signs & risk factors
  • Cultivating an independent and resilient mindset in your child
  • Data & statistics
  • Local resources. 
Sign up for the SPTS Event here

THOUGHTS FROM THE MOTHERSHIP

with our Lead Instructor Brooks 
Preparing for Rehearsal
As we enter the home stretch for the spring season, it's more important than ever that we make the most of our time together in rehearsals. When a band prepares well, rehearsal is productive, efficient, and the highlight of everyone's week. A well-prepared musician has their parts practiced beforehand and lyrics memorized so that they can help put the song together when they get into the rehearsal room. They also show up on time, with all their gear, and ready to rock. Set aside some time this week a day or two before rehearsal to make sure you feel solid on all your songs and to make sure your gear is ready to go. When you get to the school, take a moment to get rid of any distractions so you can focus on making music and helping your band get better every week! 

Mark Your Calendar


May 4 - Summer 2021 season themes announced!
May 5 - Discussion and Q/A session with Susan Tellone from The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide http://rocki.ng/SPTSevent
Memorial Day Weekend - We are CLOSED for the Holiday on Sunday 5/30 & Monday 5/31
June 1 - Summer 2021 performance program sign ups
June 5 - First Spring Show Seasaon Performance
June 12 - Second Spring Show Season Performance

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Questions?  We're here for you!

301-589-7625
silverspring@schoolofrock.com
Visit Our Website
silverspring@schoolofrock.com 8634 Colesville Road | Silver Spring, MD 20910 US
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