Staff members include Lucy LeNoir, a vocals and guitar instructor, and Adam Doxey, the school’s music director.[/caption]
Practice is an essential part of learning to play an instrument, but the idea often starts and ends with a student reading from a book or working with an instructor in a quiet room. The newest School of Rock location, which opened Oct. 10 in Cypress, expands the principle of practice to include collaboration, live performance and high-energy showmanship.
“We love when our students get really into the stage presence part and wear costumes or makeup,” said Adam Doxey, music director of the Cypress location. “It’s about building confidence. When you have the confidence to perform on stage, you have the confidence to do anything.”
The Cypress school was opened by General Manager Alejandra Febre, who said she wanted to create a place where students could explore their musical horizons. The building consists of 11 lesson rooms, two rehearsal rooms and a student lounge area with a stage that is used for parties, jam sessions and small presentations.
The program culminates with a live performance put on by the students at an actual venue in the community. The first round of students will complete their programs with performances in December. The themes are “Best of the Beatles” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.”[/caption]
Programs are available for beginners with no knowledge, skilled players looking to learn the performance aspect and band coaching for existing bands. There is even a program for adults.
“Our goal for our first month was to bring in 30 students, but we probably have space for around 50,” Febre said.
Students are matched based on several factors, including musical interests and skill level. Each student learns a song on their instrument before coming together to practice as a band. Students choose between guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and vocals. There is some variation in genre choices, including metal, folk, funk and jazz.
“Each student gets the opportunity to put their own twist on the song,” Doxey said.
12904 Fry Road, Ste. 200, Cypress 281-304-7625 www.schoolofrock.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 2-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
