Steel Notes Magazine March 2015 | Page 6

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“ EMPOWERING YOUNG MINDS WITH MUSIC ” * Part Two *

When there is a group whose mission in all its programming is to provide a safe learning environment for young people that will empower them not only in musicianship , but in life skills , volunteerism , and community service , this is a good thing .
Why ? Because if we recognize the potential in every young person to be a strong , talented , creative , and empowered individual , while also providing a safe space where everyone “ rocks ”, these young minds will flourish . In addition to instrument instruction , workshops are held where they learn the skills of songwriting , recording , and mastering their individual instruments , as well as the invaluable life skills of teamwork and collaboration as they work together to complete projects over the course of a semester . These young people are also treated to exclusive , live performances by local , regional , and national bands and skilled musicians , providing them the opportunity to experience a diverse range of musical styles .
They are encouraged to form their own band and collaborate on writing , arranging and / or preparing a song for their band to perform at a showcase for family , friends and the public . These are real live rock shows , complete with sound and lights and a packed house of screaming fans ! They are empowered to find their own voice and their own sound without creative boundaries or inhibitions and focus on bettering themselves for the journey yet to come in their lives .
The School of Rock vision was to create an organization that fostered the creativity of young individuals while building a community of like-minded individuals and supporters who love music and want to share this love of music with young people .

By Michael McKenna

dedicated to youth and music , with the goal of providing our young people with a vision for the future .
The individual schools provide a space for an incredibly diverse range of music , performance , composition , production and writing . Their mission is to educate the youth of our community not only in the skills required for these arts but also the intrinsic value of music as the universal language , both for the individual and the community . In so doing , it is their goal to enrich our community as a whole by empowering the next generation
The SOR has provided a safe and supportive environment in which young people can express their creativity and grow as individuals through community involvement . They facilitate programs

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