Regular Program Rehearsal
Each show season, the music directors determine which shows will be offered. A show director(s) is assigned to each show and the list of songs is picked (the set list). SOR students then get a chance to sign up for their show choices.
The music directors and show directors then will cast the shows, doing their best to accommodate students’ preferences, as well as taking into account ability levels, students past show participation, and the balance of musicians and singers needed for each show.
When the shows are cast, each student is assigned an initial group of songs to start working on, both on their own and in their lessons. At that point it is the students’ responsibility to start working on their songs, before the first rehearsal for their show. Students are not expected to master their parts at this point in time, but they are expected to put their best effort into learning them so that rehearsals can move forward productively (rehearsals usually start within a week or two of casting).
Students are assigned to particular songs according to their current ability level and how the music director and their instructors want them to evolve musically. Though a part may seem hard, perhaps even impossible at first play through, instructors and show directors always have your student’s potential in mind. Mastering a challenging song gives our students a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment that generally results in them becoming better musicians, and ignites an enthusiasm to try even more challenging material. This educational component and the dynamic of playing in rehearsal together foster an environment where students improve rapidly. Often, what seems out of reach at first is well within their grasp in a surprisingly short time.
Once rehearsals are underway, show directors continue to add songs and cast students until all songs in the show have been cast and are being rehearsed. Students enrolling after the start of a shows rehearsal schedule are also added to shows and assigned songs so that they can begin participating in the full School of Rock experience immediately.
- It is important to leave the casting of shows and songs up to the music and show directors. There are many factors that go into putting on a successful show, such as musical parts needed for each song, what songs get rehearsed at the same time, and musicians’ abilities. Students that demonstrate a high level of commitment, enthusiasm, and dependability, and who work hard at mastering their parts, will increase their chances of playing on more songs in shows.
Our Cleveland schools have an introductory program called “School of Rock 101” for students that need some time before they participate in show rehearsals and performances. The goal of School of Rock 101 (SoR 101) is to teach the core fundamentals of playing an instrument in a fun, low-stress environment, primarily to younger kids, but also to beginners of any age. SoR 101 sessions focus on groups of simple songs that each participant learns and masters at their own rate. There is no timeline for a performance and students move into our standard program when they can functionally play the songs they’ve been assigned. This will be decided on a student by student basis by the music director, upon recommendation of the SoR 101 coordinator. Hard working beginner students may graduate after 3 or 4 weeks and others may stay in the program for up to a year. The weekly sessions are 90 minutes long and are staffed by the approved director and assistants.
Students Roles and Responsibilities
Students will learn the rudiments of their instrument through playing with others. They will also learn proper use of their equipment and the school’s equipment and gain and understanding of what will be expected of them when they are ready to join a show.
Keeping in mind that we’re dealing with beginner players, the flow of rehearsals will be quick and light. The emphasis is on learning to play music with others and enjoying it. Graduation is contingent on how much a child practices, so a strong practice schedule should be encouraged.
How/when does a student graduate?
This will be decided on a student by student basis by the music director, upon recommendation of the SoR 101 coordinator. Generally once a student displays a comfort level playing and can functionally play the songs they’ve been assigned they are ready to move to the regular program.
What about older students?
An older student who enrolls late in a show season or is a beginner can also be placed in this program. We will try to have them play their songs with the staff to keep them engaged with people closer to their age. But, if they already have some ability, we would expect them to help out other students in the program as this is part of the ethic we instill in all SoR students.
What is the cost?
Rock School 101 is priced identically to our traditional program and includes a 45 minute private lesson and a weekly 90 minute rehearsal.
Why am I paying the same amount for my kid when he/she is only at a 90 minute rehearsal?
SoR 101 has a much higher staff to student ratio. When students are beginners they need a lot more attention than a group of more experienced players.
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