BLACK KEYS VS WHITE STRIPES
The Black Keys Vs White Stripes show is one of the School of Rock shows that gives a nod to more contemporary bands who have forged their name in the music industry and become inspirations to others. Both bands rely heavily on Blues-based riffs and a Garage Rock sound, each with a stripped-down lineup of only two band members. The White Stripes are a lesson in simplicity and are the standout leaders of the early 2000’s Garage-Rock revival movement. While Jack White champions traditions of the past to peddle his reinterpretations of Blues, the Black Keys are a lesson in evolving into the new internet-age music era. Both Jack White and Dan Auerbach are known as some of the most influential modern-day rock guitarists. Aspiring guitarists can learn a soulful approach to playing in this show. Although these artists are not known as technical virtuosos on their instruments, achieving their feel is a task for any level player. To serve the songs, drummers will be playing in the pocket and maintaining driving rhythms. This is a great show for vocalists at all levels, as both bands feature catchy and emotive melodies that heavily influenced modern Rock music
NIRVANA
Nirvana was formed in Aberdeen Washington in 1987 by friends Kurt Cobain (vocals and guitar) and Krist Novoselic (bass). After a succession of drummers including the Melvins’ Dale Crover, Chad Channing joined and they released their first 7” single “Love Buzz” on the fledgling label Sub Pop in 1988. Combining elements of Punk, Metal, and Pop, Nirvana channeled teen angst into Rock’s last sweeping mainstream movement. In 1989 the band recorded their first full-length record “Bleach”, which was a hit on college radio. As their tour to support their LP progressed, Cobain and Novoselic became frustrated with Channing’s drumming, and Channing left the group. Buzz Osborne of The Melvins introduced the band to Dave Grohl, providing the missing piece of the puzzle. Nirvana went on to record what is known as the pinnacle of the Grunge movement, Nevermind. With tracks like “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, “Come As You Are”, and “In Bloom”, Nirvana skyrocketed into mainstream success, crowning them the kings of Grunge. While the band’s career was cut short by Cobain’s untimely death in 1994, Nirvana have remained prominent music legends due to their innovative sound and their influence on countless bands who came after them. Beginner and intermediate guitar players will learn power chords and melodic lead guitar in this show, while any drum student will be challenged by David Grohl’s powerful, technical drumming. The Nirvana show is a solid show for all levels of playing and is packed with crowd-pleasing '90s anthems.
POP PUNK & EMO
In the 1990s, artists such as Green Day, Offspring, and Blink-182 achieved success by blending punk attitudes and influences with a more polished, melodic, commercially appealing sound than their often raw predecessors. By the 2000s, Pop Punk and its Emo offshoot (featuring lyrics that touch on emotional and confessional topics) were fully entrenched in the mainstream music world, with bands such as Fall Out Boy, Paramore, My Chemical Romance, and Panic! At the Disco topping the charts and selling out arenas. Of course, this music is still incredibly popular and influential today. A fun show that can be musically challenging but also teaches solid fundamental skills, Pop Punk & Emo is sure to appeal to all levels of students and will entertain any crowd!
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!
MODERN METAL
The Modern Metal show traces the evolution of metal music from the turn of the century to the present day, and focuses on bands who kept the virtuosic spirit of metal alive while incorporating more contemporary techniques into their sound, such as an emphasis on melody and harmony, and modern studio production. Artists such as Disturbed and Slipknot rose to prominence with the popularity of Nu-Metal, while Metalcore bands such as Killswitch Engage and The Dillinger Escape Plan brought the genre into the 2010s. The Modern Metal show will celebrate this next generation of metal artists - including Avenged Sevenfold, Tool, Baroness, Gojira, System of a Down, Lamb of God, Mastodon, and more! This is a super challenging show for all instruments, as the speed and precision of this music requires quite a bit of proficiency to master.
RADIOHEAD
Radiohead has emerged in the 21st century as torchbearers of the progressive rock tradition, and have threaded the needle between innovation and popularity as well as anyone. Formed in 1985 in the UK under the name On A Friday, with members Thom Yorke (vocals), Johnny Greenwood (Guitar/multi-instrumentalist), Colin Greenwood (Bass), Ed O’Brien (Guitar/Vocals), and Philip Selway (Drums), they eventually changed their name to Radiohead upon the request of their record label, EMI. After two albums that found some success in the alternative scene thanks to the slacker anthem “Creep”, Radiohead released what would become their landmark album, OK Computer. This masterpiece cemented them as true artists and gained them worldwide success. With their constant instrumental experimentation, culturally relevant lyrics and themes, and blend of styles and genres, Radiohead are heralded as one of the most important and critically acclaimed rock acts of the modern era. The Radiohead show is an ambitious challenge for all student levels, but can be one of the most rewarding and educational shows offered by School of Rock.
adults: WOODSTOCK
In 1969, almost half a million people made a pilgrimage to Yasgur’s Farm in upstate New York for three days of peace and music. Catapulting many iconic artists who played this landmark music festival into superstar status, Woodstock embodies the spirit of the 60s. It was a watershed moment for Rock and Roll, and this show celebrates the legendary, and very stylistically diverse, artists who promoted unity and embraced freedom of expression while performing at the festival. Songs by The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Janis Joplin, Sly & The Family Stone, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Grateful Dead and more make this show an exciting and well-balanced educational challenge for all instruments and experience levels!
Season Enrollment Information
Limited Instrument Slots
- Each show has a limited number of openings per instrument. To secure first casting, please complete the registration form before May 6th, 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 9 runs June 22, 2026-September 27, 2026.
- End of Season Show Dates: Please review your personal schedule before submitting your form.
- Kids Performance - September 26 & September 27, 2026
- Adults Performance - September 18, 2026
Show Production Fee
- Each student will be charged a once per season $149 production fee. This comes in at the start of the week of their end of season show.
- 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: Wednesday, May 6th, 2026. Missing the deadline significantly reduces the likelihood of receiving your first or second choice show.
- Cast announcements: End of May
- Rehearsals begin: Week of June 22, 2026