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April 2021
News That Rocks

Its April already...No Foolin'  !!!!  

Time flies when you're have fun and March blew right by!

Spring 2021 Season is off to an amazing start!
We made a quick transition from the Fall 2020 to Spring 2021 performance season. We have to say from the start of rehearsals our students  were already sounding pretty good on their songs.  They came to rehearsals knowing what their song assignments were and most were so confident with last seasons show material they could start focusing on this season before last season was over. We've got a ways to go, more songs to add to the lists and polishing up before the performances in June but what an amazing start. This is gonna be a good one so stay tuned. 

Adult Rock 101

It has been a long time coming but we are happy to announce that on April 8 our Adult Rock 101 class will meet for the first time! This group will be lead by Jaime who is excited to get this program off the ground. Similar to Rock 101 for our younger rockers this group will be assigned songs to work on in their independent lessons which they can bring to the group and learn to play together in a band in a no pressure, fun setting.  Call Rose on 301-589-7625 to sign up.   

Spring Break
We are OPEN during your spring break.  As usual when you are not going to be in your lesson please let us know via email or by calling the school on 301-589-7625. 

Rock 101 Sessions are Hitting the Right Notes


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, and they are all at different stages of their development and are working on some of our classic rock core songs. The bands have choosen some material for themselves which show off their personalities and make it fun to watch. 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 301-589-7625.

Rookies!

Our Sunday Rookies class is having a blast with instructors Elizabeth and Alan. We have graduated some members so there are new openings if you want to get your youngster involved. Our current group has become fast friends and we love to see them bounding up the stairs to get checked in. Our Tuesday class will be back up and running shortly 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! (These photos are from pre-pandemic times.). Call Rose on the school line 301-589-7625.  

We Are So Excited About Getting The Vaccine! Most of Our Staff have been Vaccinated, or have their appointment to start or complete the process!


But...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 keep the number of people in our building at any given time to levels lower than required
  • 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. 

Student Spotlight of the Month - Meet Cala


Cala joined School of Rock in March of 2020 and then had to wait for our new Sunday Rookies class to startat the end of January this year and she was the first to sign up. Her teachers Alan and Elizabeth have been impressed with her musical knowledge.  Cala is moving her way up the ranks fast.  She has started taking indepedent drum lessons with Alan and having graduated out of Rookies can't wait to join a Rock 101 class.  Alan describes her as motivated, determined and knowing what she wants adding "we have the potential to see a great musician unfold before us, I see dedication, I see passion, and I see the tenacity to engage the challenge of drums!" So, it sounds like before too long Cala will be joining her brother Teo in the performance program. And now, without further adieu the Ramblin' Rose interview with Cala.  
So, you've graduated from Rookies and now you have started your lessons with Alan. How did you decide on the drums?
I got to try a lot of things in Rookies but I have always tapped on things, in class.  I will take my pencils and drum with them. So it just makes sense I would gravitate to drums. 
Who are your musical influences?
My brother inspired me to like music, to try to appreciate all kinds of music. To not just listen to one kind. To appreciate lots of music. 
Do you have a favorite band you're listening to right now?
A favorite? Animals As Leaders.
Oh, I don't know them, Cala. Now you have inspired me to check them out.   
Yeah. They are really good. 
What do you like most about School of Rock?  
They encourage you to do your best. They don't force you into an instrument. There was no pressure. You can do what you want. 
What do you like about working with Alan and Elizabeth?
They are both wonderful. They listen and play games with us. Elizabeth noticed I was a drummer and encouraged me. 
If you do something wrong Alan will give you a second and third chance. He won't just send you out of the room.  He'll talk to you. He cares and wants you to do good and be successful. 
Did you know any of the other kids in the class before you started?
No, but I might see them outside of class since I'm not going to be there anymore. Definitely want to be in this group again.
What advice do you have for new students? 
Try hard, don't give up and do the things you want to do.

THOUGHTS FROM THE MOTHERSHIP

with our Lead Instructor Brooks 
SONG FORM - Know the song better than anyone else! The song form (AKA song structure) is the order that different sections of the song such as the verse, chorus, and bridge occur in. Everyone on stage needs to know what the different sections are and when to transition between them. Knowing the form makes you a leader on stage and makes the whole band play more confidently. Learn to count measures or chord progressions so you can nail every transition. When you're cast on a new song, one of the first things you should pay attention to is the form. If you can get the structure down early, the band can get the ball rolling in rehearsal faster by playing through the whole song and filling in the details like fills and variations later. Ask your instructor to help you make song maps so you can navigate your songs confidently. When you prepare better, you play better! 

Mark Your Calendar


Spring Break 2021 March 29th April 4th - We're OPEN!  
April 1 - April Fools!
April 8 - First Adult 101 Class
May1 - Make sure you've signed up for Summer Camps!

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