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School of Rock prepares students for live shows

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

The School of Rock Scottsdale is beginning to see many of its students and alumni live out their dream of playing Valley venues again.

The franchise has been educating the future rockers of the world since 1998, long before the hit �ilm came out.

Michelle Worley has been with School of Rock Scottsdale since 2014, two years after it opened, and has seen several musicians embark on playing at some of the state’s top venues.

“These kids come in wanting to be a rockstar and the lessons are meant to build on their character,” Worley said. “All you have to do is build con�idence and those who want to become rock stars will become such.” One of the �irst students to become a rock star was Meghan Herring, who was the second student to sign up at the Scottsdale location and formed the alt-punk band Doll Skin with three other students she met at the school.

“If I didn’t have School of Rock, I would be a completely different drummer,” Herring said.

Since she joined the school, Herring has played with its house band and works as an instructor and studio coordinator when she is not on the road or in the studio. “Doll Skin was one of our �irst alumni that would help with ‘Rock 101’ camp and has always given back to us which has really inspired other students to do more,” Worley said.

“Rock 101” is where students learn basic performing skills coupled with an expansion on their music abilities.

“Before we got to perform, we all took ‘Rock 101,’ which is basically beginners performing on stage in front of parents,” said Joey Romano, the drummer in the 2 Loud Band.

After graduating from “Rock 101,” the students then move on to the performance program, working with each other as the learn the music from rock legends like Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Rush, Guns N’ Roses and many more.

During that program, many bands are formed and begin to start booking their own shows. It is also where students and learn the ins and outs of the music industry.

“Booking a gig is the easy part but getting your band ready to be seen is the hard part,” Worley said.

However, the instruction at the school of rock prepares these students to play a rocking show.

“The School of Rock gives us great tips on how to play live and gives us an environment where it is encouraged to perform in front of people,” student Zippy Dale James said.

Beyond teaching students how to be good performers, the school teaches them to be good people. “School of Rock doesn’t just teach you how to play an instrument but teaches you how to function at shows properly and be professional,” Herring said.

Students also get the opportunity to work with musicians who have toured all over the world, like Herring.

“The kids get really starry-eyed when they work with these touring musicians,” Worley said. “It’s also cool that these kids can watch videos of these musicians on YouTube and listen to them giving advice.”

Other students also like being able to pick the brain of the rock stars who have graduated.

“It’s exciting to talk to them about their experiences as touring musicians and to ask them how to play better,” James said.

The students also get advice to confront any nervousness about an upcoming show.

“I always tell them to make sure they look like they’re having a good time and to show personality,” Herring said, adding that she reminds students of a piece of advice she received from School of Rock Music Director Shane Baskerville: “No matter how many people are in the crowd, play like there’s 1,000 people or 10,000 people there.”

Despite all the expert advice the students receive, it is the support from their friends and loved ones that drives these students forward, Worley said, adding:

“Season after season of hard work, dedication and encouragement from their teachers, peers and parents is what helps them succeed.”

The 2 Loud Band, which includes guitarist Reno Lock, drummer Joey Romano, vocalist Vedder Ellis and bassist Andrew Horlick, are graduates of the School of Rock Scottsdale and will be playing at the Marquee Theatre on Aug. 28. (Courtesy of Rachel Elisha)

Michelle Worley takes a break at School of Rock in Scottsdale. (Pablo Robles/Progress

Staff Photographer)