At School of Rock Syosset/Oyster Bay, we don't teach music to put on shows - we put on shows to teach music. Students are assigned songs selected to develop them as musicians, and work on them in private lessons with their instructors, as well as in weekly rehearsals with groups made up of their peers. The season culminates with a performance at our seasonal showcase, where they can show you everything they've been working on throughout the season!
See the end of this article for important dates, and ways to sign up for the new season!
jukebox heroes
rock 101 | AGES 7-10 | REHEARSES TUESDAYS, 5:30 PM - 7 PM
Get ready to drop a quarter in the jukebox and turn up the volume — it’s time to become a Jukebox Hero! This Rock 101 show takes young musicians ages 7–10 on a journey through timeless rock hits that have kept the world singing for generations. From foot-stomping classics by Elton John and Billy Joel to arena anthems by Journey, Queen, and Bon Jovi, students will learn what makes a song unforgettable — powerful melodies, bold riffs, and pure heart. Each rehearsal helps them build confidence, rhythm, and stage presence as they bring these iconic tunes to life. Packed with sing-along choruses, fun arrangements, and nonstop energy, Jukebox Heroes is a celebration of the songs that made rock history — and the young rockers keeping that spirit alive today!
Check out the preview playlist!
BEST OF THE '80S
AGES 10-13 | REHEARSES THURSDAYS, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
BEST OF THE '80S IS THE SPRING 2026 SCHOOL OF ROCK FEATURED SHOW!
In the Best of the '80s show, School of Rock will travel back in time to an era of fluorescent clothes, poofy hair, and the best synth-driven pop anthems you will ever hear. On August 1, 1981, music fans were catapulted into the '80s music era by the debut of a cultural phenomenon: MTV. This new music format - the music video - gave old and new artists alike the chance to reach unimaginable numbers of diverse audiences and sell millions of records and cassette tapes. The '80s would not have had its soundtrack without Michael Jackson. Jackson began the '80s on a sonic high that carried over from 1979’s “Off the Wall”, but he struck gold with the worldwide phenomenon that was Thriller. Also making a huge impact on the '80s were super-star Pop acts like Madonna, Prince, and all-girl band The Go- Gos. Gender became less binary and static in the '80s with wildly popular artists like Boy George of Culture Club, Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics, Chrissie Hynde of Pretenders and every hair metal act challenging perceptions of what is acceptable attire or behavior for “male” and “female.” Although pop acts reigned supreme in the '80s, rock bands like Guns N’ Roses, Journey, and Bon Jovi reaped the benefits from the ‘decade of excess’. The Best of the '80s show will feature a diverse mix of styles and artists, and is a challenging and fun experience for students of any instrument or experience level.
Check out the preview playlist!
british rock
rock 103 | AGES 13-hs senior | REHEARSES TUESDAYS, 7:15 PM - 9:15 PM
Grab your passport and plug in your amps — we’re heading across the pond! In British Rock, School of Rock celebrates the legendary sounds of the United Kingdom, where generations of groundbreaking artists have defined and redefined what rock and roll can be. From the explosive invasion of the ’60s with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, to the arena-shaking anthems of the ’70s and ’80s from Queen, Led Zeppelin, and Def Leppard, British musicians have shaped every era of rock history. The story doesn’t stop there — modern icons like Radiohead, Muse, Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay, and Florence + The Machine continue to push creative boundaries, blending innovation with the unmistakable spirit of British rock. This show will challenge students to master a wide range of styles — from blues-inspired riffs and soaring harmonies to driving punk rhythms and atmospheric alternative sounds — while exploring how British artists forever changed the sound, look, and attitude of rock. Whether it’s a Beatles melody, a Zeppelin groove, or a Radiohead masterpiece, British Rock is a high-energy, genre-spanning journey through some of the greatest music ever made. God save the rock!
Check out the preview playlist!
90s alternative
rock 103 | AGES 13-hs senior | REHEARSES WEDNESDAYS, 5:15 PM - 7:15 PM
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.
Check out the preview playlist!
CBGB
GRAD SCHOOL | AGES 18+ | REHEARSES MONDAYS, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
The CBGB show is an overview of the early New Wave bands who got their break at the legendary NYC club. When CBGB opened in 1973, no one had any idea that a Bowery dive bar would become known as the birthplace of Punk. The official name was CBGB & OMFUG: Country, Bluegrass, Blues & and Other Music for Uplifting Gormandizers. While the Ramones generally get credit for starting the Punk scene, Television was actually the first band in this scene to play at CBGBs, on March 31, 1974. Soon artists like Blondie, Talking Heads, and Patti Smith set up residence at CBGBs, along with British bands like The Police and Elvis Costello who made CBGB their stateside hangout. As the Punk scene grew and took hold, other bands such as Cleveland transplants the Dead Boys and New Jersey’s Misfits became CBGB mainstays. The CBGB show offers a diverse and highly educational mix of ridiculously cool artists that can challenge students on any instrument at all experience levels.
Check out the preview playlist!
AC/DC
GRAD SCHOOL | AGES 18+ | REHEARSES WEDNESDAYS, 7:15 PM - 9:15 PM
Few rock bands have had the longevity and commercial success of AC/DC. Formed in Sydney, Australia, in the early '70s, the band - led by guitarist brothers Angus and Malcolm Young - quickly began their rise to Hard Rock’ superstardom with the release of their albums High Voltage, T.N.T., and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. With Bon Scott at the vocal helm, AC/DC gained world-wide fame. After Scott’s untimely passing in 1980, Brian Johnson took over as vocalist and recorded one of the greatest, most influential albums in modern rock: Back In Black, featuring classic songs like “Hells Bells”, “You Shook Me All Night Long”, “Shoot To Thrill”, and of course “Back In Black”. After almost 50 years, AC/DC continues to be a favorite band for generations of fans. This is a perfect show for budding lead guitarists and vocalists, and also provides valuable lessons for bassists and drummers on playing tight grooves in the service of the song. For beginner and intermediate students looking to take their playing to the next level, the AC/DC show is the one!
OUR SPRING SEASON BEGINS MONDAY, JANUARY 12! SAVE YOUR SPOT IN THE BAND TODAY
SPRING 2026 - IMPORTANT DATES TO KNOW
TENTATIVE SHOW DATES
The show dates listed above are tentatively confirmed and are expected to be accurate. Please add these dates to your calander. In the rare event that any show dates need to be adjusted due to venue availability, we will provide as much notice as possible.
HOW TO SIGN-UP
- CURRENTLY ENROLLED SCHOOL OF ROCK FAMILIES
- ROCK 101/102: Fill out the Rehearsal Scheduling Survey available on the Parent Portal.
- ROCK 103/GRAD SCHOOL: Fill out the Rehearsal Scheduling Survey available on the Parent Portal, then discuss your options with your instructor between Monday, November 10 and Sunday, November 23.
- SOON-TO-BE SCHOOL OF ROCK FAMILIES
- Call us at 516-234-7625, email us at syossetoysterbay@schoolofrock.com or fill out the form below to get started!
a note about show casting
We strive for well-balanced shows where all of our students are challenged and get equal opportunity for parts. Please understand that factors such as attendance at rehearsals, behavior at rehearsals, and musical preparation for rehearsals can affect the number of songs a student is assigned. The School of Rock method is merit based. While a show’s first casting is as equitable as possible, in subsequent castings we reward commitment, hard work, and steady improvement.
We know many students have talents beyond the instruments they study at School of Rock. We do our best to encourage (and show off) all of our students’ abilities! However, students who take lessons on an instrument at School of Rock get priority casting on that instrument in shows. Students are guaranteed to be assigned parts only on instruments they are actively taking lessons on at SoR. Depending on the makeup of the show’s cast, we may not be able to accommodate students who wish to perform on an instrument (including vocals) that they do not study at SoR. If your student is interested in studying an additional instrument, please reach out to us to discuss options.