School of Rock Bucks Band Rocks Penguin's Pub

Penguin’s Pub was packed on Sunday night, but not with the crowd of football fanatics that you might expect. There were children running between sets of dining tables, families gossiping, and a man using a walker to find his seat. It looked less like a pub and more like a T.G.I. Fridays.

The unusual patrons had come to see a band of extraordinarily talented musicians who weren’t even old enough to order a beer from the bar.

The School of Rock Bucks Band, which is made up of the 10 most skilled students of the Huntingdon Valley School of Rock, has been touring the bar scene and other stages as part of the school’s live performance program.

But these young players, ranging from 13 to 17 years old, are in no way small-time artists. The Bucks Band played the Electric Factory in Philadelphia in 2010 and also at the Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival in Connecticut.

School of Rock President Paul Pollock said that it’s this performance-based strategy that makes the school different from other musical instruction institutions.

Bass player and singer Scotlyn Brewer, 17, had no problem hitting the notes of Prince’s “Purple Rain” for the show’s astounding finale, while family, friends and fans sang along in the crowd.

By her side was her 15-year-old sister Coco. Their sister Claire, 13, plays percussion in the band.

It’s no surprise to hear that these three sisters come from the musical combination of parents Kyf and Kay Brewer.

Kyf, who has been playing guitar since he was 15, said that it’s extremely rewarding to see his children share his love for music.

Kyf’s wife, Kay, works for Mercury Records in New York City. She said that “the School of Rock is absolutely brilliant” and that it not only helps them musically, but also seems to have some effect on them academically.

“I’ve noticed that all [the members of Bucks Band] are all really good kids and they all do pretty well in school. School of Rock has an impact on them academically. It helps,” Kay said.

“It’s changed their lives, really,” Kyf added. “It’s a funny thing to say, but I mean it.”

The school’s Music Director Rob Groden verbalized what it seemed like Kyf was thinking. “Every teacher at the school will tell you the same thing," Gorden said, "I wish I had something like this growing up."

Gorden has been playing in cover bands for almost 20 years and has been working for School of Rock for the past four.

In addition to working at the school and providing guitar lessons, Gorden also plays lead guitar and vocals for Steamroller Picnic and Monkey Bus.

His years of musical experience shine through in the performance of his students. Their fearlessness and stage presence spoke volumes to what an aspiring young musician can learn from the school.

Coco has been going to the school since she was 10, learning to sing and play the keyboard.

“It’s a great music program,” she said, “You don’t just learn how to play but you make friends. All of us are really close friends.”

In addition to taking classes at the School of Rock, Coco also sings in the school choir at and participates in the Belle Canto – an all girls choir. Although she’s not sure on her future as a performer, Coco said that she’ll keep playing gigs.

However, based on Sunday night's crowd pleasing performance, it may be safe to say that all the members of the Bucks Band have a very bright and promising musical future.