13th Annual School of Rock brings Central Minnesota youth the rock band experience
For the 13th year in a row, Central Minnesota kids with a musical spirit will join together in a band. Make that; several bands. The School of Rock is under way this week and 60+ kids are hauling guitars, drums and keyboards to what, in many cases, is their very first gig.
Each year the Wirth Center for the Performing Arts immerses kids in the experience of being in a band; from picking members, naming the band and compromising on song selection, to photo shoots, rehearsals and performances. The two-week program culminates with a huge concert Thursday, Aug. 10, where each band covers two songs, on stage, in front of a crowd. Over the next two weeks, the kids and their instructors are rehearsing at Calvary Community Church in St. Cloud to prepare for the concert. Last year 650+ family, friends, and music lovers packed the house.
This year, School of Rock boasts 15 guitarists, 20 vocalists, 10 drummers, 7 bass players, 5 keyboardists and 5 string/horn players. The kids, in 6th – 12th grades, have a varied amount of musical experience. But experience isn?Äôt a major factor when an amazing team of talented instructors are on hand, as 11 musical mentors listen, guide and hone the skills of young rocker hopefuls.
The instructors list is a who?Äôs who of Central Minnesota musicians; Promoter/Producing/Music moguls Tommy and Jeff Vee, bassist, and producer Jeff Engholm, Blimp/Stearn?Äôs County Pachanga Society?Äôs guitarist Mark (Hazzy) Hasbrouck, Rockhouse Production?Äôs Producer/Engineer Thomas Cabot, and the multi-talented globe-hopping professional musician Mitch Johnson. Dan Schepers and Peter James Johnson return to School of Rock for their fourth year. Former School of Rocker Tyler Kelm has graduated to instructor as well. Dave Lumley and Marco Vendrame join us again for their second year. Kathy Neumeister, from the band Switch, rounds out the instructor pool by sharing her vocal expertise. The concert is Thursday, Aug. 10, 7 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre and is open to the public. Advance sale tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for students under 18 + a $2 handling fee for each ticket. Tickets are available at the Paramount Box Office. Check out our next generation of rock in Central Minnesota!