School Of Rock Orangeburg Inspiring Kids On Stage And In Life

This Patch article is sponsored by School of Rock Orangeburg.

School of Rock is the largest music education company in the world. We teach tens of thousands of students each year around the globe. Our mission is to transform kids’ lives through music they love to play. We inspire and challenge our students to work hard and we provide the Classic Rock framework that makes it fun.

Patch had a chance to talk with Don Seraita, Owner and CEO of School of Rock Orangeburg.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Seraita: School of Rock Orangeburg has been in the community since 2014 but is under new ownership as of Feb. 1, 2021.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?

Seraita: The five years prior to acquiring the School of Rock in Orangeburg I was a salesperson for various AdTech startup companies in Manhattan. I found that I was good at my job, but didn’t necessarily believe in the products that I was selling, and that didn’t really excite me or make me feel like I was making a lasting impact on the lives of the people I was working with.

About a decade ago, I was working at a sleep away camp that had a “Rock Shop” where I was teaching guitar and preparing bands to perform for the entire camp. During the initial quarantine period when COVID-19 broke out, one of my old campers reached out to me, thinking that I probably wouldn’t remember him. He told me that I had really inspired him to stick with music and that I had taught him so much; things he still remembers to this day. That brief interaction gave me this incredible feeling that is difficult to explain, but even though I wasn’t doing anything related to music at the time, it gave me a new sense of purpose and direction.

I have always wanted to run my own business and I had already thought about taking that path, but now I knew exactly what road I was meant to take, and it was a life in music education. I wanted to do something that gave me that same rewarding feeling that I felt that day, but on a regular basis. Music can do so much for us as a community. It can bring us together despite our differences, it can heal us, it can inspire us, and it can teach us valuable lessons. If my team and I can provide that for our community I know that we’ll leave it much better than we found it.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission for a stranger in less than 10 words, what would those words be?

Seraita: “Inspiring Kids to Rock on Stage and in Life”

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Seraita: The most difficult challenge that I have faced so far was taking a school that had a poor reputation and turning it into a place that kids and parents want to tell their friends and family about. This consisted of a full renovation of the space, brand new gear, re-staffing and a complete overhaul of our program.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Seraita: The most satisfying part about my job is watching our students grow as people and as musicians. I have seen so many kids come into our school that were scared to leave their parents’ side, or raise their hand in class in fear of not knowing an answer, or too shy to put themselves out there to make friends. After a few weeks in our program, I can tell that they are more independent, confident and social. It’s amazing to see the transformation of our students, and knowing that through music, we can really change lives, it’s an incredibly rewarding feeling.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Seraita: I feel that School of Rock is more than just a music school; it’s a community. Since the majority of our students are coming to the school multiple times a week, they have a chance to meet/jam with different students and work with a variety of our instructors. Before you know it, everyone at our school is a recognizable, friendly face, and it enriches the overall experience.

School of Rock also offers incredible opportunities that you would never imagine your child being able to participate in. This June, our House Band, which is comprised of our most dedicated and accomplished students, is going to be traveling to Europe to play a show in Madrid, Spain, and then flying to Lisbon, Portugal to play two shows, one of which is the Rock in Rio Music Festival where we will be performing alongside famous bands!

There is also a program called All Stars, for kids that are exceptional at their instruments, where they can tour with other All Stars from School of Rock locations around the country, play venues such as Red Rocks and record in Atlantic Records recording studios. At School of Rock we can really help our young musicians take their instrument(s) as far as they want to go with them.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Seraita: The best piece of advice that I was given when it comes to success, isn’t very prophetic, and is probably something that most people have heard. “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” I have big dreams for our school and I know that we’ll accomplish everything we set out to do. Sometimes it helps to just stop and remember that all you can do is take it one day at a time and stay the course.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about? If so, what details can you share and what makes it so exciting?

Seraita: One of the most exciting things that we have in the works, I mentioned already, is our trip to Europe to perform in the Rock in Rio Music Festival. Our summer camps are also coming up, which are weekly camps where students of all experience levels can participate. We have a camp for beginners called “Rock 101” and camps for kids that have some experience playing, that results in a performance at the end of the week. We have an 80’s Rock camp, 90’s Rock camp, Pop Legends Camp, Classic Rock Rewind, and a Songwriting Camp. Use code SORTHEPATCH22 for 25 percent off at checkout! We also have a songwriting workshop that is pretty new to our school, and as we grow the program, we are planning on recording and performing the original songs that are written by our students.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community? If so, tell us about them.

Seraita: On April 9 we are performing on the fourth floor of the Palisades Center. April 30 we are performing at Gentle Giant Brewing Co. in Pearl River. April 10 we will be at the Nyack Street Fair. May 1 the Suffern Street Fair. June 5 the Nanuet Street Fair. October 2 the New City Street Fair. And, October 15 at the Pearl River Street Fair. We will also be sponsoring one of the little league teams in Nanuet where we may make some surprise appearances to perform the National Anthem.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Seraita: Patch readers can find us on instagram at @sororangeburg and Facebook. Readers can also contact us by email or call 845-977-0275. We offer free trials! Sign up on our website for a free trial.