Let It Rock!

"New Canaan has a significant arts and culture base but was lacking a music program like this," said Steve Kennedy, owner of the School of Rock which opened at its Grove Street location in January. 

Kennedy said he was attracted to the passion that New Canaan's parents share about their children's education and extracurricular activities — whether in sports or the arts. 

True to its name, the performance based rock music school is teaching area kids ages 7 to 18 how to wail on guitar, bass, drums, keys and vocals.  SOR students learn about the legends of rock, ultimately channeling their idols when they perform as a team, live on stage. 

Currently, 25 student ranging in age from 5 to 17 are working under musical director Byl Cote and preparing for their full rock band performance experience of Pink Floyd's "The Wall." 

Now in the midst of their 14-week session, the kids are getting psyched for their on-stage performance, when their family and friends pack the house at the in Stamford.  

Owen Collins, who is 8-years-old, was rehearsing his vocals for the show.

"Performing in 'The Wall' is like an active album and it's fun," he said.

His sister, Claire Collins, age 11, has picked up the bass guitar and said, "It's really nice to hang out and practice our songs." 

Saxe sixth grader and guitar player, Nate Essigs said, "I am having a lot of fun in a band that is committed." 

Manager, Todd Springer is no stranger to the kids and their parents in our town since he previously worked at the and as a director of Camp YiKi at the .

 "Our school really grows by word of mouth," he told About Town. "Our students always have a great experience here with the private instructors and group rehearsals." 

Twelve-year-old, Ryan Miller who is learning guitar and bass agrees. "It's fun having the experience of playing in a band," he said. "It's a lot more fun than just a lesson." 

The School of Rock, part of a nationwide franchise with more than 60 locations, launched in Philadelphia more than ten years ago. It was the inspiration for the 2003 movie of the same name starring Jack Black. 

Kennedy is also an owner of the Fairfield SOR branch which now has 180 students including 19 adults. Some are parents who joined after their kids to re-live and re-learn to play the spectrum of classic rock tunes. 

Kids can crank up the volume this summer during a full schedule of SOR camp sessions. Former garage band members and wannabe's can also let it rock when New Canaan launches their adult classes. 

As Kennedy say, "Why should the kids have all the fun?"