ROCK SCHOOL
For info on Rock School '09 click here.
ROCK SCHOOL FINAL CONCERT 2008
The night of Nov 9th was magical. Everyone showed up on time, the PA system was set-up and sounding good. The lights looked great. The Big Red Barn video crew were all ready to go with a nice riser in the middle of the aisle. Colin & Clint had the concession ready to go with cold drinks. The parents helped put the chairs out. The musicians showed up looking like they were ready to rock. The amps all worked, Tim's drum kit was gigantic and ready to be beaten. The first band Alix'r hit the stage at 7:02. followed by Probono, The 6th Degree, No Signal, Delcate Shock and Never Found Out. The night had it's challenges but everyone played their songs with energy and enthusiasm - I was proud of them all! The video is available now and is on youtube. See the photos here. You can download the actual poster here or just look at a smaller version here.
Rock School Final Concert '08 ROCK SCHOOL
I played in my first band when I was 14 and we knew nothing about how to do it. We spent more time trying to come up with a name than we did practising our instruments. I've since spent years and years in bands and hundreds of hours in rehearsals; from my first bad rock bands to high school jazz and concert bands to professional bands and ensembles.
When we learn to play an instrument we ultimately want to play in a band! These are some of the questions I address at the Rock School Camps this summer:
How do we do this?
How do I know what parts to play?
How do I play them?
How do we practise in band situation?
How do I sing back up?
What sound do I use on my amp? Why?
How do I set it up?This is how it'll work:
Register:
Fill in the form - this will allow me to determine the instrument, age and experience so I can put kids together in similar age groups and skill level. A 17 year old speed metalhead and a 9 year old Green Day dude don't want to be in the same band. You’ll be in a band with 4 or 5 other people.Evaluations:
Between now and the first week, we’ll arrange a time for you to come to my studio and show me where you're at and we can discuss what you want to accomplish and how we can do that.Rock School Camp:
11:00am to 3:00pm – bring a lunch. We’ll learn and practise 3 to 6 songs but we’ll likely do some jamming on other tunes and styles that you may or may not be familiar with. I've had some unfirm commitments from local celeb/musicians that they'd drop in to provide some inspiration and sage wisdom. Guaranteed fun!We’ll record the experience on video and I’ll make a DVD for you to look back on when you’re a rock star.
I’m aiming for a performance at the end of the summer that we can invite all your friends and family to attend. They'll be able to see what you’ve accomplished in only one week. Last year it didn't happen until November but it was all good.
Cost:
$290Don't know if you're ready to rock? Not sure if you're qualified?
Have a look at the local support I got last year and last year.
Rock School Prep Week
OK it's actually two weeks. I get many parents and kids contacting me about Rock School and I'm not certain of their ability because they either don't take lessons from me or are on my wait-list. I'm encouraging any newbies to sign up for some power learning. I'll evaluate and get you into shape by working on the songs we're likely going to learn. I recommend 2 sessions per week. ($30 per)
Copy and Paste this low tech form into an email:
Name:
Year Born:
School:
Instrument:
Sing?
Haven't sung before but think I would like to try: yes or no
Years playing:
Bands I like:
Phone:
Parent's Email:
Parents names:
Numbers incl. mobile:
Gimme details (food allergies, learning style etc):Indicate the week you're interested in:
June 22 - Jon, Alex, Colin, Sam, Kama - needs singer maybe
June 29 - Jon Murphy, Nick Horan, Kevin Marlowe, Max, Robert Davy, Gabe Ducasse
July 6 - Morning: Mitch, Dayton, Shane, Leslie - needs singer maybe
Afternoon: Jesse, David, Alex, Chris, Bobby, (Delicate Shock)
July 13 - Sophie, Zoe, Rachel, Lewis, Aidan
July 20 - Liam, Alex, - needs bass player Ben? - needs drummer (Rory?)
July 27 - Dirk, Sean, Travis, Adam, Liam,Max Colls
Aug 3 - Ben, Josh, D Man, Brendan, Joel
Summer '08 Rock School Camps
These are the bands from summer '08 in reverse order.
Week 6 - Probono
Mitchell - bass, Drake - guitar, Nick - vox, keys, Jonny - drums
Week 5 - Alixir
Joel on drums again, Jered, Dirl and Liam on guitars and bass. Alex on lead vox again.
Week 4 - The 6th Degree
Joel on drums, Ben on guitar, Reece on bass on latecomer but rock school veteran with a new deeper voice - Alex.
Week 3 - Delicate Shock
2nd year veterans Jesse, David and Bobby on guitars and bass. Ole on drums and Kelowna import Alex on vocals.
Week 2 - No Signal
Grade 7-orama! Chis on drums, Daniel (D-Man) Keen on guitar and Mark Jesty - all 2nd year players. New talent included Gabe and reformed banjoist Mitch on guitars and Savannah on lead vocals. All guitarists played bass.
No p
Week 1 - Never Found Out
The deal is if you don't have a name by Friday, I give you one and usually you won't like it. But I may have stumbled onto a good one for this metal group. The rhythm section are the Horan brothers who have been in rock school 3 years running. The Horan Section are solid players. Parker is a 2nd year who continues to reach new heights and Rhys is a noob to RS but has mad skill and will be amazing after he takes lessons from me this year.
A few bands played on the community stage at Memorial at the annual May Days Festival on Sat May 24th. A few others couldn't find the time. The 1st band was a modified Merlin & Noobs which was renamed The News. Devon filled in for an injured D Man Keen. Click the pic to see the band including D Man.
The Velvet Hammer came on and did some awesome rockin' blues. While they aren't a rock school band, Tyson McIlroy has been my student for nearly 2 years. Click the image to see another candid shot.
Last but sooo not least, Bleech came out and rocked the house with their blend of old school hair metal, blues and a rockin' original tune! Click the image for more.
Ladner May Days Parade - click the image to see the video on YouTube
