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real Life DJ classes, every 3rd Sunday

Monday, July 5th, 2010

July 18, 2010
3:00 pm

Comin up on Sunday July 18th, from 1pm till 5pm…taught by local Hip Hop performer and producer Hap Hathaway of 4HB, Resonators…

The only class of its kind anywhere! Learn how to be a real DJ, spinning, scratching and rocking the party! All equipment is provided, including tables, lap tops and “records”. This class is truly revolutionary, and signups are limited, so reserve your spot now. Private DJ lessons now available as well.

Rate

For students already taking weekly private lessons, classes are $15 per student per class. For students not enrolled in weekly private lessons, classes are $20 per student per class.

Dances with Rockers…KidFest 2010!

Sunday, June 6th, 2010

KidFest 2010 was a rockin success, and we had over 30 kids play and 3 bands, including the Inspire School’s band Spectrum. Everyone blew the crowd away, which remained an average of 150 to 200 audience strong. We had everything from shrieking metal guitar solos, to James Taylor-esque songwriters, to full 5 piece bands with kids ranging from 4 to 15.

We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to all the brave young performers who accepted the rite of passage that climbing up on stage for the first time is, and stood and delivered. (let it be note that our policy here at the Chico School of Rock is to never force any student to play, and all of the great kid-rockers that played did so voluntarily)

We also want to personally thanks the parents for supporting your child’s dreams, and your faith in us at the School of Rock to guide them toward successes like KidFest. Your saint-like patience is much appreciated, as we know sometimes it isn’t that easy to listen to Smoke on the Water or Stairway to Heaven 20 times in a row, and probably not totally in tune! We here at the school truly feel that you are an essential part of the “teaching team”, and it is your encouragement and support that allows us to provide the quality music instruction we are known for.

We couldn’t do it without you! There were moments of sheer exhilaration at KF 2010, and moments of sheer panic like when Sid’s student Nick broke a string during the first few bars of Sweet Child of Mine, but plowed on with 5 strings to a triumphant finish. Or when an instructor had to chase down a panicking rocker who decide at the last minute to bolt off the stage. But every kid left the stage with an ear-to-ear grin, standing straighter to the deafening applause of their many friends and family. Our sound man and DJ instructor Hap Hathaway did an amazing job of juggling 35 different performances, without breaking a sweat. Go Hap!! (yes, we’re now teaching classes in being a DJ and scratching the records! Call us…)

Sid looked like a movie on fast forward, juggling playing, MC’ing, stage managing and security all in one. All of the instructors delivered amazing jams with their students, coaching these fledgling rockers thru their maiden flights. Brett Johnsen and David Silva with their guitar and keyboard students, Dyami Achene with drum and percussion prodigies, and Sid Lewis on everything else. Our event coordinator Jen Johns accomplished the impossible getting all of the booths into their spaces, and keeping Sid calm during moments of panic. You are amazing Jen! Also much thanks to KidFest marketing guru Pat Brooks from Pro Forma marketing in Chico for helping us find new great participants. Only our 2nd year, and we’re twice and big!

The Butte Fold Music Society amazed with their demo of more exotic instruments called “20 instruments in 20 minutes”, the brainchild of longtime folk elder Kansas Wortham. Our kids watched in banjo eyed fascination as we brought out accordions, didgeridoo’s,

KidFest is the collaboration of several Chico organizations, and besides providing area youth with a chance to play on stage and share their talents with the community, it is also a coming together of many important local groups that contribute to the improvement of life for our children. From martial arts to social work to dance and theatre, we believe it takes a village, and we’ve become one!

KidFest is directed by Sid Lewis of Chico School of Rock, co-directed by the Butte Folk Music Society, and sponsored for the Downtown Chico Plaza by Thursday Night Presents and the City o Chico. Thanks Stephanie and Nicole at TNM for being wonderful, and seeing the vision.

The Chico School of Rock would like to thank the following local organizations and businesses who helped make KidFest 2010 an unparalleled success:

The Butte Folk Music Society and KCH North state Public Radio, Thursday Night Presents and the City of Chico, Pro Forma Left Coast Promotions, Lyon Books, the Music Connection, Dragon Graphics, and Chico Printing for the support and sponsorships.

All of the booth participants did an amazing job, and we hope to have you all back for KidFest 2011: Azads Martial Arts, Kinetic Dance Studio, Growing Up Chico, Inspire School, Chico Boys and Girls Club, Chico Outlaws, Child Abuse Prevention Council, Chico Christian School, Champion Christian School, Chico Art School, Chico Green School, North State Parent Magazine, Music Connection, the Butte Folk Music Society and Lorraine Dechter.

Btw, we select our booths far in advance, so local “youth oriented” businesses and groups interested in having a presence at KidFest 2011, get ahold of us soon…

And, all parents who want to see their child up on stage having the time of their life, call us now, as we are booking up remaining spaces fast.

…Rock on!