Peter Spaulding and his son Grady Spaulding-Andre are in different programs at the School of Rock West Des Moines but two things are evident about them: both are gifted musicians and very supportive of each other in everything they do.

“It runs in the family” is a common saying describing similarities between family members. As you get to know Peter Spaulding and his son Grady Spaulding-Andre, you might find yourself saying that too.

Peter and Grady both play at School of Rock West Des Moines. Peter is in the adult band on drums and guitar. Grady is a Rock 101 graduate, now in the performance group on keys and teaching himself drums, guitar, and bass. While the two don’t get to play together in the same band, both are very involved and supportive of each other.

“We go to all of each other's shows and cheer for each other,” Grady said.

“I’m there for guidance if he needs me, but I generally stay out of the way, because that’s what his incredible School of Rock instructors are for!” Peter said.

The father-son duo did get the opportunity to share the stage once!

“I got to play a song with his group at the last show, because they don't have a keyboard player anymore, and the song needed one,” Grady said.

We know Grady loves his dad but sharing the stage with him in the same band all the time may not be the top activity on his list…

“It would also be cool to play with my dad, I guess,” Grady said.

Dad gets it and is okay with it because he just loves being Grady’s cheerleader.

“Watching that kid nail his parts while going nuts on stage…it fills me with a pride that I lack the words to convey, so I will just say OMG IT IS SO #&^@$ AWESOME!!!” Peter said.

Maybe sharing the stage isn’t in the immediate future, but they hope to see some awesome rock shows together.

“My boys and I are into a lot of the same music, and I can’t get enough of that, even though that means my cost of going to shows is about to triple! They’re both so young, and I can’t wait to see where music takes them!” Peter said.

So whether it’s playing music or watching a concert, music is something that runs in this family.

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