Earlier this month, the School of Rock Doylestown and Princeton House Bands returned home from an unforgettable week on the road: The Queen City Tour.

More than exciting performances at legendary venues, the tour was an invaluable experience for young student musicians. From sound checks and mosh pits to riding rollercoasters at Carowinds, the experience gave them the opportunity to collaborate with other students, expand their creativity and confidence, and experience what it’s like to be a professional musician.

House Band is School of Rock's audition-based performance team. Each year, students audition for a limited number of spots. Those selected represent the school at community events, festivals, special performances, and regional showcases throughout the year. The audition process is competitive, but being part of House Band is about much more than musical ability. Students earn their place through commitment, preparation, teamwork, and a willingness to support one another both on and off the stage. The summer tour is a monumental culmination of all their lessons, rehearsals, and practice throughout the year.

"House Band gives students opportunities that extend far beyond weekly lessons and rehearsals"

-Annie Morton, Owner of School of Rock Doylestown and Princeton

"They learn how to perform in professional venues, work together as a team, adapt to new environments, and gain confidence by stepping outside their comfort zones. The friendships and experiences they build on tour often become some of their most meaningful memories."

From June 27th-July 2nd, the students performed at notable venues including the Hard Rock Cafe in Washington, D.C., The Move in Greensboro, North Carolina, Common Market South End in Charlotte, North Carolina, and B.C. Brewery in Maryland. The group also made a stop at School of Rock Downingtown and performed alongside students from School of Rock locations throughout North Carolina and Virginia.

Touring provides the incredibly rewarding experience of connecting with students from other schools through a shared love of music. Our bands played with School of Rock students from: Downingtown, Silver Spring, Washington D.C./Cleveland Park, Greensboro, Charlotte, Towson, Columbia, and Main Line. Doylestown and Main Line are so geographically close, yet they only played together in Charlotte, North Carolina! Students who have never met before quickly became friends, learned from one another, and discovered that they are part of something much larger than their own local community.

“Watching the students bond over moments in the set was incredibly memorable”

-Cam Ralston, the General Manager of School of Rock Doylestown

Many of the local schools’ House Bands were excited about the songs Doylestown and Princeton brought to the stage. Geese’s “Au Pays du Cocaine” surprised students from the very first melody. “Blackout” by Turnstile and “Symmetry” by Title Fight often started a mosh pit in the audience.

Embarking on a week-long tour offers much more to young musicians than just performance skills. From adopting a whole new schedule to adapting to varying stage set-ups– accepting and embracing these daily changes were valuable lessons for the House Band students. By the second day, everyone was adjusted to the routine of leaving their hotel rooms early, unloading the instruments at the venue, and arriving at the next hotel during late hours. Even first-time House Band students were quick to adapt to life on the road. The bonds they made with their bandmates in the five months before departing kept the week fun and exciting; having a friend to practice with, vent to, or just be a familiar face went a long way.

The friendships and memories made this summer will last a lifetime. We’re so proud of our House Band students for their professionalism, adaptability, and their mentorship to other students at the school. A huge thank you goes out to our dedicated parents and chaperones for supporting the students every step of the way.

With the summer now almost over, we’re back to regular lessons, rehearsals, and local performances. Keep an eye on our events calendar to see where you can catch the House Band next!

WANT TO JOIN THE BAND? SCHEDULE A FREE TRIAL LESSON WITH US AND SEE WHAT PERFORMANCE-BASED INSTRUCTION IS ALL ABOUT.