Review: Worcestershire Rock Schools Take Over Show
The Marr’s Bar- Saturday 4th July
Twelve student bands from Worcestershire Rock Schools filled The Marr’s Bar with live music on Saturday 4th July as the organisation celebrated another successful end-of-term showcase.
Students from Worcester Rock School and Bromsgrove Rock School performed a varied set of rock and popular music to an enthusiastic audience of family, friends and local music supporters. The event featured 12 student bands and concluded with performances from an ex-student band and a tutor band, celebrating the musical community that has grown around the Rock Schools.
The showcase gave young musicians the opportunity to perform in a professional live music venue while building confidence, stage presence and experience of playing as part of a band.
Parent Kirsty Watson said: “It was a fantastic afternoon. It is always impressive to see the progress the bands have made each term. The tutors work so hard to support the kids to explore different genres whilst challenging them to take risks with more complicated arrangements. Watching the tutor band was also really inspiring and helpful.”
Helen Mason-Bedford added: “It’s such a great show! The talent and confidence of these kids is amazing. Free live entertainment watching the next generation. Well done to the tutors too!”
Parent Noel Mannering said: “Words can’t say how much our son benefits from being part of Worcestershire Rock Schools. Jess, Dean and the whole team have created an amazing, safe space where the students can experiment, collaborate and develop their love of music. The confidence they gain from performing in front of an audience is something they’ll carry with them throughout their lives.”
Rock School co-owner Jess Allen said: “It amazes us how confident the students are when they’re up on stage. They improve so much every term and it’s the best feeling as a tutor to see how happy they are when they come off stage. We’re also proud of the friendships they build with their bandmates, many of which continue long after Rock School, as we saw with our former students returning to perform at the end of the show.”
Live performance is at the heart of Worcestershire Rock Schools, with students appearing at a range of community events throughout the year. Recent performances have included St Peter’s Parish Festival, St John’s Fayre and StourJam’s Battle of the Bands, with more appearances to come at BearFest at the Bear and Ragged Staff, Bransford, on 26th July, Severn Wells Festival on Malvern Common on 15th August, Music in the Park in Priory Park, Malvern, on 30th August, and Worcester Music Festival at Huntingdon Hall on 12th September.
Worcestershire Rock Schools will also be running its Summer Rock School from 10th–14th August, giving young musicians the opportunity to learn new songs, play in bands, make new friends and perform together in a fun and supportive environment.
The Autumn term begins on 19th September and welcomes young people aged 8–18, from complete beginners to experienced musicians. Guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboard players and singers of all abilities are encouraged to get involved.
Anyone interested in joining Worcestershire Rock Schools can find out more about Summer Rock School, the Autumn term and other activities by visiting the Worcestershire Rock Schools website. New students can also use the welcome code WORCS-ROCK when booking eligible services.