Blog

Band Builders™ redefines music education

Friday, June 7th, 2013

Being in a band is much more than just music. it is about being in a TEAM. Same as any sports team, member of a band must get along and have good communication skills first and foremost. The band that stays together, gets along together!

Then there must be effective rehearsal habits. As any team knows, you are only as good on the field as you are in practice, and it’s no different in music.

In band Builders we treat the stage as the “game” we’re getting ready for, and the only competition is the audience. Except we’re not trying to “beat” them, we’re trying to win them over.

Band Builders treats rehearsal as a science, with no wasted time and negativity. All disagreements must be resolved quickly in a democratic fashion, often employing band member voting. All band members get a say in how the song is arranged, and a chance to be heard.

Finally, and most importantly, all members of the band must practice true acceptance and non-judgment of one another. This includes the parents! When groups of people come together at band Builders classes, it is inevitable that there will be different ages, beliefs and political backgrounds involved.

These must all be put aside in order to build a strong team. So not only are the students of Band Builders learning music, they are learning important social and moral skills as well.

Band Builders: We Rock on stage, and in Life!

(530) 894-2526

4th Annual KidFest!!!

Monday, April 9th, 2012

June 20, 2013
6:00 pm	to	9:00 pm

Now in its fourth year, KidFest has become a local phenomenon in Chico with a distinct personality that inspires as much as it entertains.  It is a gathering of youth and youth-oriented community organizations and businesses who share of a mission of improving the quality of life for kids in the Northstate.

KidFest 2013 takes place in Downtown Chico’s City Plaza on June 20th at 6 p.m. and is a collaborative event by the Chico School of Rock and the Butte Folk Music Society (BFMS).

The Thursday Night Market provides a colorful family atmosphere for this live student concert featuring students and youth bands from the Chico School of Rock and local musicians. KidFest guarantees a variety of music on the plaza stage, from rock to classical, bluegrass to folk music.

Part of the fun of KidFest is the coming together of musical genres — and generations! While youth are exposed to acoustic and folk music, the old folks are being introduced to the music that their kids are playing.

At KidFest you won’t just listen to the music. The underlying theme of the event is: “Pick Up & Play!” Every year, the Butte Folk Music Society sets up a “Musical Petting Zoo” where families can literally pick up and play a wide array of musical instruments. This fun assortment of instruments is available for all to strum, plunk and thump on. The idea is for kids of all ages to have a chance to explore their interest in music, and perhaps even discover if a particular instrument draws their interest more than others.

Community organizations such as Azad’s Martial Arts, Kinetics Academy of Dance and Growing Up Chico Magazine will be availabe to meet at their booths, and KidFest is an event open to any businesses or community group that enrich the lives of local youth. Organizations can apply for a booth by contacting the Chico School of Rock before April 30th. (See contact information below.)

The Chico School of Rock is especially proud to showcase new bands with members as young as five years old. Band Builders is a unique program in which children are teamed up to form bands and coached by a certified Chico School of Rock instructor. They learn team building and communication skills, and are given regular opportunities to perform on stage. Youth Bands from Band Builders have performed at the Chico World Music Festival, the Sierra Nevada Big Room, and have taken first place in the local Battle of the Bands.

The curriculum at the Chico School of Rock places an emphasis on creativity and goal setting, and many of the students are accomplished songwriters and have made their own CD’s and music videos. In fact, one of the messages of KidFest is that music can be more than just a hobby; music can foster social skills, creative thinking and achievement of goals. Studies have shown that children in music lessons have better focus and problem solving abilities than those that are not.

In every aspect, KidFest has become an integral community celebration of family and hands-on music fun. Come “Pick up and Play” and be a part of this new and local musical tradition on June 20th from 6 to 9 p.m., in the Downtown Chico’s City Plaza. And if you would like to donate a musical instrument to a Butte County youth, bring it on down to the instrument petting zoo!

For more information or to get involved, contact KidFest at (530) 894-2526, or by email at sidlewis420@yahoo.com.

KIDFEST SCHEDULE

TBA

 

 

Rock Class @ Oroville Assembly

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

School Assembly Debut

Chico School of Rock is giving it’s first school assembly this Friday, 11/18/2011, at Plumas Avenue Elementary School in Oroville CA…we are exited to introduce our new program Rock Class, with lots of cool instruments for the students to play and rockin sing-a-longs on such hits as We Will Rock You, Eye of the Tiger, and Long Way to the Top!

For more information on our new Rock Class call us at (530) 894-2526, and we’ll bring the Rock!

 

Music Opportunity for Schools

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

One of our very own Instructors, Dave Silva is now a Vendor for South Sutter Charter School.

What does this mean?

It means that if you or your child are students at that school then you could qualify to get your lessons paid for at the Chico School of Rock! Just contact your teacher at South Sutter and have them call Dave Silva at 321-8094.

We are also looking to become vendors through C.O.R.E. as well by late October and will keep you updated.

Great Job Dave!

Toddlers Program: Feedback

Monday, October 10th, 2011

Your input needed, for coolest toddlers music class ever!

Imagine a kid’s class that’s perfect for you and your tot in every way, because you designed it! We need your input as we prepare to have our new toddlers music class, “Rockin Tot’s”. Please take a minute to email us back at Chico School of Rock or visit our Facebook page with your input.

-What days, times and class length would your ideal class be?

-How often?

-What activities would you like to see included for your child?

-How much would you comfortably pay for this service?

We will hope to have our 1st classes this winter, and will be giving free admission for the first class to all of you who responded to our poll commenting on our Facebook page!

Looking forward to hearing from you all…

Rockin Rentals™

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

The Rental advantage…

Our goal with our new Rockin Rental™ program is to provide parents with the option of super affordable rental instruments, of any kind. For a mere $20 or $30 a month, a high quality (and quite expensive) instrument is yours to take home and keep for as long as you or your child likes, with the option to return it or exchange it for something new at any time!

There are many advantages to this program, among them:

►Children often change their mind about what instrument they want to play, and you don’t want to be buying a “trail” of instruments trying to keep up with your child’s evolving musical tastes. With Rockin Rentals™ you simply bring in the old instrument and exchange it for whatever they just decided they want to learn! No extra fees or hassles. Just like that.

►You child may even decide that, after all, they are just not into music at this time. Instead of having to try to sell en expensive new instrument you purchased, with Rockin Rentals™ just bring it on back, no questions asked!

►We rent specialty instruments that are either not found in local music stores, or are prohibitively expensive. A good example of this is the electronic drum kits we rent. These amazing instruments are revolutionizing the way kids learn drums, because they can be played into headphones (all the parent hears in a light tapping sound!), and can hook into a computer for recording and endless practice exercises. These drum kits range from $400 to $1000 for a decent set at the lowest.  We use our wholesale powers to acquire one for you for zero down, and only $30 a month! Can’t beat it (unless you’re in time J)

Rockin Rental™ electronic drums are in high demand, so contact us soon to order one for you if you are interested.

►You can also use our “order in” option to get any instrument you want, from banjo to kazoo to accordion! You name it. We’ll find it and get it to you!

►When you buy an instrument, you are on your own for maintenance and repairs. With Rockin Rentals™ you can bring it in any time and your instructor with help with keeping it in tip top shape (assuming you don’t go and break it in half)

Support Rockin Rentals™, Nor Cal’s only full service musical rental program…

CSOR Student Concert XIII

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

April 9, 2011

Come hear the future of rock!

Saturday April 9th is the day @ Woodstocks Pizza, Downtown Chico 166 E 2nd Street – from 3p – 9p.

Be sure to pick up some fliers inside Chico School of Rock (on the table beside the door) to spread the word, invite friends and family for this FREE event.

Woodstocks Pizza is generously donating a portion of their proceeds the night of our concert – you must present the flier for this to work!

Join the Rockalution!

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CSOR Concert Policy

Please take time to read over the policy regarding your child performing at the Chico School of Rock’s student concert:

-The student concert will take place at the downtown Chico Woodstock’s Pizza, on 166 East 2nd Street (around corner from Pete’s Coffee).

-The total concert runs from 3 to 9pm, and is divided into two time-blocks:  3 to 6pm and 6 to 9pm. Please make sure you know which of these time-blocks your child is performing in. (feel free to contact your child’s instructor if you are unsure). If you have special time needs, feel free to request that from your instructor, but please be aware that the concert schedule is very tight, and try not to demand particular times unless you absolutely need to.

-Prepare to be at the show for at least 3 hours, because we cannot guarantee exact performance  times during your child’s time-block. Therefore, if your child is scheduled to perform in the 3 to 6pm time-block, you need to be there no later than 3pm.  If your child is scheduled to perform in the 6 to 9pm time-block, you need to be there no later than 9pm.

-It is your responsibility to sign up on the performance board as soon as you arrive. Be aware that individual performance times within each time-block are pretty much “first-come-first-serve”, as you sign up.

-Understand that all individual performance times are subject to sudden change, and may be earlier or later than expected. This cannot be helped.

-Students are required to use the equipment provided at the concert, and do not have the right to use their own musical equipment unless by special prior request from an instructor. This is because the is not enough time to set up and remove individual equipment during the show.

-Be considerate with the small quarters for the concert area, and be courteous with sharing seating and table space. After your child has finished, please relinquish your seat to other families of students that have not yet performed.

-Chico School of Rock will never force a student to perform, and disallows to do so as well.

Any child that decides, even last minute, that they don’t want to perform, has the absolute right to not play. By the same token, we reserve the right to cancel any students performance if they are overly late, ill behaved or not musically ready.

-All students of the Chico School of Rock have signed a media release with their enrollment agreement.  This means that you are aware of, and OK with, the possibility of your child being videotaped, photographed, of recorded in any form of media. You do have the right to prevent that media from being used in any fashion without your prior consent. Please contact our administration department if you wish to do so.

-Parents recording the event in any form of media understand that they must include the name of Chico School of Rock in any public release of this media. This includes Facebook “tags”, titles or credits on created video, pictures, etc.

-Parents understand that it is their responsibility to collect media of the show from other parents who have recorded it. The Chico School of Rock is not responsible for providing media to parents.

Thank you for being a part of your child’s musical adventure, and we’ll see you at the show!

New Toddlers Music Class To Start!

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010

We need YOU! Parent members needed for our new “pre-school of rock” group music class THINK TANK…the time is here to have a fun, super easy musical Play Group for tot’s age 3-6 (or so).

This exciting new program is going to be called Rockin Tots™!

If you have experience with early-age musical classes, and a child development background, we are looking for you.

We are going to be including such cool things as a “musical petting zoo” – where children get to play a variety of instruments to decide what they like best. We’ll make available an affordable rental instrument program so kids can change their minds before parents start purchasing instruments.

“Pre-School of Rock” is only possible with you, please get back to us if you are at all interested, incentives will be created and we don’t want to build this without YOU!

Call us…894-2526

Growing Up Chico & School of Rock

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010

Chico School of Rock & Sid Lewis would like to extend a special thank you for the wonderful write up in Growing Up Chico Magazine - Winter 2010 publication by publisher, Marne Larson.  Sid Lewis and Chico School of Rock students, parents, instructors, volunteers continue to inspire and create building upon Sids vision.  Please read the article  to catch a glimpse for what’s to come!

Chico School of Rock….real music by real kids!

A little more about Chico School of Rock…

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

The beginnings
Sid was a home-schooled, and was raised in a nomadic lifestyle by hippy parents. He and his six brothers and sisters taught themselves music from an early age, and Sid began teaching other children guitar when he was 15 years old. His first musical instrument was an old banjo that his dad brought home from a pawn shop. Since it had no strings or bridge, Sid whittled a bridge from a twig, and collected fishing line from trees to string it up.

Because of his lack of formal musical training, he developed a unique system early on placing an emphasis on ear learning and jamming. This was the beginnings of what is now the “Lewis Method”, a unique and widely respected system of musical instruction that has been hailed as “…the answer to our musical prayers” by National Public Radio.

In 2005 Sid was teaching over 60 private music lessons a week, and was at a breaking point. He then had the vision to begin a music school, playfully modeled after the popular movie “School of Rock”. After developing a curriculum and training method, he then brought on his first teacher, local guitarist Brett Johnsen. The school continued to grow, and in 5 short months, the Chico School of Rock grew to three teachers and over 75 students.
The school now boats 5 full time instructors, and over 140 students!

What Chico School of Rock offers
The Chico School of Rock offers a wide array of classes, including all the popular rock and roll instruments, as well as less common acoustic instruments such as banjo, mandolin and ukulele.
Sid has also developed several unique classes, only taught at the school.
These include Band Builders™, where children learn to be a good band member, master communication skills and build team spirit. Buddy Lessons where siblings or friends learn in pairs; and Dots and Squiggles™, a class which makes learning to read music and compose easy and entertaining.
The school also has a “belt system”, like in Karate, ranging from white belt to black belt. These belts are in the form of stickers that go on the students binder, and the student must master the 9 skill sets of each belt before moving on to the next. Some of these early White Belt skills include having a good attitude, focus, and good practice habits. Later on Brown and Black Belt students learn challenging and rewarding skills like performance, creative composition, developing their own style and leading a group. Black Belt students at Chico School of Rock have played at many prestigious events such as the Chico World Music Festival, Chico Palio, KZFR Radio, and alumni of the school have even been featured in People Magazine and on the Rachel Ray Show.
“Once creativity and inspiration take hold, anything is possible!” says Lewis.

Community involvement
One of the factors that set Chico School of Rock apart from other schools, is the many community events that it is involved in. This gives the students at the Chico School of Rock opportunities to play in from of family and peers. The school features a quarterly rock show, complete with lights and fog machine, where students get to be the star.
Mr. Lewis is also a ardent supporter of community alliance, and has worked closely with local groups such as the Chico Boys and Girls Club, First 5 of Butte County, Azads Martial arts, and the Butte Folk Music Society. Chico School of Rock also produces a kid centered music festival called Kid fest, where the students get to perform at as well.
“It’s not enough just to teach music, we’re working to build a culture that allows our children a place to be heard. So many events in our society are oriented towards adults, what about the kids?”

Future developments
Sid is always dreaming of new ways to get kids into music, and among the ideas on the horizon are a two week summer camp, and a toddler program.
“The summer camp is ON, and slated to sometime in July. We’ll be posting it on our website and Facebook page as soon as we get exact details, but keep checkin back. The toddler program is being developed as we speak, with several two years old carving the way. We’re thinking of calling it “Little Rockers”, and it will blend musical play, hands on immersion and kids songs to create effective first musical experiences for small children. We’re always looking for moms feedback, so call us up!”