YACHT ROCK
Easy Listening. Dad Rock. The West Coast Sound. Whatever nomenclature you choose, Yacht Rock music has survived the test of time and has made an explosive, full-steam-ahead resurgence in today’s popular music. Mostly emerging from the late 70s to early 80s, Yacht Rock’s mellow moods and relaxing vibes overshadow the sublime musicianship and songwriting skills of artists like Steely Dan, Toto, Hall and Oates, The Doobie Brothers, Carole King, and many more. Steeped in jazz, R&B, and dense harmony theory, these songs feature collaborations between some of the best studio musicians in history. These enduring songs will surprise and challenge even the most advanced SoR student. There are multi-layered vocal harmonies for singers, jazz-inspired guitar parts and solos, legendary grooves for bassists and drummers, and intricate keyboard parts utilizing what were, at the time, innovative electric pianos and synthesizers. This is one of the most challenging shows in the School of Rock curriculum!
NEW WAVE
The New Wave genre incorporates a variety of different sounds and styles that were prevalent at the end of the 1970s and expanded until the end of the 1980s. New Wave began as an extension of Punk Rock, which changed the music scene starting in 1976 in the US and the UK. American power-pop groups like The Cars and The Knack were New Wave, while the Disco-inspired hits of Blondie, and the Reggae-influenced rock of the Police fell under the same umbrella. Gloomy goth rockers like The Cure and Siouxsie and the Banshees and dance-oriented synth pop artists like Gary Numan and Eurythmics are all considered New Wave bands as well. One unifying factor shared by most, but not all, of the New Wave artists was an increasing use of electronic instrumentation, specifically the synthesizer. Many '80s New Wave artists, Soft Cell and Eurythmics among them, used the synthesizer as the foundation of their sound, while others like The Cars and The Police integrated the synth seamlessly into their punchy guitar pop. By the end of the 1980s, New Wave as a genre had splintered and the term became increasingly meaningless. The spirit of New Wave would live on in Indie Rock and College Rock, soon to become known as Alternative. The legacy of New Wave is still felt today as rock artists continue to experiment with synth textures and embody the quirky and offbeat image that made the New Wave era such a vibrant and influential time.
BEST OF THE 90'S ALTERNATIVE
When Nirvana’s song “Smells Like Teen Spirit” became an international sensation in late 1991, major record labels began searching feverishly for similar artists who could further capitalize on the massive interest in this new “alternative” sound. The result was an abrupt shift away from the formulaic Pop and Hair Metal anthems of the 1980s to the gritty and dynamic music of Grunge. Since the music industry wasn’t quite sure what would capture the public’s attention in this new landscape, major labels began signing and promoting all sorts of artists with idiosyncratic and unique sounds to serve as an “alternative” to what had previously captured mainstream popularity. Bands such as Pavement, Beck, Hole, Cake, Radiohead, Blur, Weezer, Smashing Pumpkins, and Belly drew from the influence of the underground rock and punk scene of the 1980s, and found quick success with music fans who were eager for new sounds and styles. Students of all instruments and experience levels can expect good
challenges in this fun show full of interesting and catchy music.
david bowie
David Bowie was born David Robert Jones in Brixton, South London, in 1947. In the mid '60s, Bowie played with a string of R&B-based outfits in London with little success and he considered leaving the music business to become a mime. On July 11th, 1969, Bowie released his first single in 2 years, “Space Oddity”. Following the success of “Space Oddity”, Bowie assembled the group that would help shoot him to stardom. Initially called ‘Hype’, bassist Tony Visconti, guitarist Mick Ronson, and drummer Woody Woodmansey joined Bowie for the recording of The Man Who Sold The World (1970) and agreed to become his backing band. By 1972, Glam Rock had become the dominant sub genre in the UK rock scene, led by Marc Bolan and T. Rex. With outrageous costumes and dyed red hair, Bowie debuted his new persona, Ziggy Stardust, in wild concerts that preceded the release of his fifth album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. Following the release of Ziggy Stardust, Bowie reinvented himself with every subsequent album - Aladdin Sane, Diamond Dogs, Young Americans and Station To Station. As the '80s began, Bowie saw equal success from his releases - mainly from teaming up with Queen to
record “Under Pressure.” The '90s saw Bowie delve deeper into electronic music embracing the Industrial genre on albums like 1.0utside, (1995) Earthling (1997) and Hours (1999). In 1996, Bowie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. David Bowie influenced generations of rockers with his theatrical style, constant reinvention, and sonic exploration. With over 100 Million albums sold worldwide, he remains one of the most successful and popular stars in music history.
THE ROLLING STONES
Dubbed `The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The World’, The Rolling Stones have remained relevant and rocking for nearly 60 years. Though their songs are rooted in the Blues that inspired them to pursue music, throughout their legendary career they have incorporated everything into their sound from Rock to Country to Blues to Punk to Disco. For an education in pocket, groove, stage presence, and tasteful lead playing, there are few equals to a Stones show. Keith Richards' guitar wizardry will serve as a masterclass for guitarists looking to expand their rhythmic prowess. Drummers will not only be tested on their ability to play for the song, but they will also have opportunities to explore percussion usage like bongos, congas, and shakers. Studying Mick Jagger’s stage moves and the creative vocal arrangements within the Rolling Stones catalog is an excellent learning experience for vocal students of all ages and skill levels. Keys players will enjoy learning from Ian Stewart, Jack Nitzsche, Nicky Hopkins, Billy Preston, and Ian McLagan - all legendary players who recorded and performed with the Stones. From standing tall on the front lines of the British Invasion to selling out stadiums in more recent times, The Rolling Stones are truly one of the most impactful and important Rock n’ Roll bands of all time, and they will continue to inspire future generations for years to come.
THE WHO
One of the heavyweight bands born from the British Invasion, The Who forged a sound and style that would change Rock & Roll. The Who were one of the first, if not THE first, bands to gain recognition for producing Rock Operas in their music catalogs. Most notably Tommy, which sold millions of units with the hit single “Pinball Wizard”, helped establish The Who as one of the top bands of the era. Tommy has since been re-interpreted into a ballet, a Broadway show, and a symphony production. The Who are clearly one of the most legendary bands in rock and roll history, composed of four amazing musicians who somehow still exceeded the sum of their parts. Pete Townshend’s unique guitar style and masterful songwriting allowed space for bassist John Entwistle, drummer Keith Moon and vocalist Roger Daltrey to shine. The Who is a killer show for bass players and drummers to develop serious chops, offers complex parts for guitar players, and has surprisingly complex vocal harmonies.
RUSH
Rush was a Canadian rock band which formed in the late 60s and gained their popularity in the mid-70s and early 80s. The band’s classic lineup of Geddy Lee (bass, keys, vocals), Alex Lifeson (guitar), and Neil Peart (drums) went on to release 20 studio albums of heavy, progressive rock music that solidified them as one of the most prolific and proficient music acts in history. The band’s songs often utilized odd time signatures and non-traditional arrangements, with lyrics venturing into science fiction and fantasy. Classic songs like Tom Sawyer, The Spirit of Radio, Closer to the Heart, and Free Will helped Rush sell millions of records, earning their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Any student participating in the Rush show will be faced with performing some of the most complex music the SoR curriculum has to offer. Vocalists will stretch their ranges with Geddy Lee’s dynamic vocals, and bass players will be challenged by his unique, melodic style. Alex Lifeson’s guitar parts venture
further from straight pentatonic riffs to modal playing. Drummers will have the challenging task of attempting some of the most complex drum parts in music history. Keyboard players will receive an education in innovative synth techniques. This show is sure to be an exciting, educational musical experience for all students intermediate and
above!
adults: HEART & SOUL
Heart & Soul celebrates the timeless music that moves us from the inside out. This season, our performers will bring the passion, groove, and raw emotion of Soul, R&B, Blues, Neo-Soul, and Motown to the stage with unforgettable songs from the artists who defined and continue to redefine these iconic genres. From the infectious rhythms of Motown classics to the heartfelt storytelling of the Blues, the smooth grooves of R&B, and the modern sounds of Neo-Soul, Heart & Soul is a showcase of music that connects generations. Get ready for soaring vocals and expressive performances that make you want to dance, sing along, and feel every note.
Season Enrollment Information
Limited Instrument Slots
- Each show has a limited number of openings per instrument. To secure first casting, please register before August 31, 2026.
- Current students are not automatically placed into the same rehearsal time they currently attend.
Season Dates & Commitment
- Participation in School of Rock Performance Program requires a full-season commitment.
- Season 10 runs from October 5, 2026-February 7, 2027.
- Important Season Show Dates: Please review your personal schedule before submitting your form.
- Kids Mid Season Show - December 5, 2026
- Kids Performance - February 6 & 7, 2027
- Adults Performance - February 12, 2027
Show Production Fee
- Each student will be charged a $158 seasonal production fee. Please review the Season Sign-Up Information Sheet for details on the production fee and billing schedule.
- This fee supports production and promotional costs for all performances, including:
- Show poster design and printing
- Staffing and venue rentals
- Gear transportation and truck rentals
- Professional audio production
- Additional production expenses
Important Deadlines
- Online form deadline: Monday, August 31, 2026. Missing the deadline significantly reduces the likelihood of receiving your first or second choice show.
- Cast announcements: End of September.
- Rehearsals begin: Week of October 5, 2026