School of Rock Unveils New, More Rigorous Programs

School of Rock Montclair is introducing two new Performance Programs for their fall season that are aimed at students who are looking for a more rigorous music education experience.

“In the same way that high schools offer AP – or Advanced Placement – courses that are more academically challenging for their students, School of Rock Montclair will now offer AP shows that are more musically challenging for our students,” explains Mark Dollar, music director at School of Rock Montclair. “These shows will feature tributes to genres or groups with challenging songs and arrangements that will inspire our young rockers to truly master their craft.”

School of Rock Montclair’s first AP show will feature the music of the legendary rockers Rush, whose songs are recognized and respected as being some of the most complex and sophisticated in the history of rock. Comprised of bassist/vocalist/keyboardist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer Neal Peart, Rush’s recordings feature unusual time signatures, difficult drum patterns, and complicated solo etudes that have delighted millions of fans around the world for almost 40 years.

“Only are top students will be able to handle Rush,” explains Dollar, “so we’re recruiting musicians who are eager to take their playing to a whole new level.”

Also launching this fall will be the School’s first “12-And-Up” show, which will be open exclusively to older and more seasoned players.

“Our first ‘12-And-Up’ show will be a tribute to Hip Hop and R&B,” says Dollar. “We’ll cover music with mature themes and intricate arrangements by The Roots, Mos Def, Tribe Called Quest, The Fugees, Mary J. Blige, L.L. Cool J, Queen Latifah, Tupac, Black Sheep, and many more.  It’ll be a combo of old school and new school, and students who want to figure out the slammin' sounds that they hear every day on the radio will love what this show has to offer.”

Sign-ups for the Rush AP show and the “12-And-Up” Hip Hop and R&B show are currently taking place at School of Rock Montclair. For more information, call 973-337-5296.