Rock to the Future, a free music and education program in Fishtown, is now accepting applications for its 2011-2012 season. Low-income students ages 9-14 are encouraged to apply, regardless of musical experience or ability.
The program, which will run September 12, 2011 to mid-June 2012, runs the span of the school year and meets Monday through Friday, 3-6 p.m. at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church (2139 E. Cumberland St.). Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the program each day.
This year, the program will be accepting up to 25 students. Applying means committing to the school year-long program, interest in learning guitar, bass, keyboard, or drums, and ability to pay a $50 deposit at the beginning of the program (refundable upon completion). If students need to rent an instrument, an additional deposit may be required.
A typical week consists of daily homework help, a one-hour music workshop once a week, a 20 minute private music lesson with a staff member or volunteer, a one hour band practice, educational workshops including science experiments and poetry analyses, and recreation/game time.
Students will learn to read sheet music to complete musical theory, will form a band with fellow classmates and perform live showcases at real venues, and have the opportunity to audition for the All-Star Band, which will perform at venues and special events a few times a month. They can look forward to performing a fun repertoire of music including songs by contemporary artists like Muse and The Killers and playing classic covers from artists like Elvis Presley and The Beatles. Above all, students will have fun writing and performing their own music.
Rock to the Future, now in its second year of operation, strives to combat the recent public school funding cuts in the arts by bridging the music education gap to students interested in learning an instrument.
“Low income and at-risk students don’t really have an opportunity for music education,” said Jessica McKay, Founding Director of Rock to the Future. “It’s the only program of its kind in the tri-state area to expose these students to something they may not have otherwise been exposed to.”
Rock to the Future has three main goals: First to improve students’ grades. Last year, 70 percent of the students increased their grades by one level, all achieving As and Bs. One student even raised her PSSA scores from proficient to advanced in Math. The program’s second goal is to increase musical proficiency on an instrument. Lastly, the program works toward building socialization skills and bolstering self-esteem. In an end-of-year survey, 70 percent of students last year self-reported improvement in self-confidence and social skills.
Other benefits of learning a musical instrument include increased focus and commitment and improved abilities in math, science and memorization.
“Learning and practicing music is like learning another language,” McKay said. “They will be able to take their knowledge and keep it with them the rest of their lives.”
Anyone interested in the program is encouraged to apply by August 6th. Visit http://rocktothefuturephilly.org/ and return the completed application to Rock to the Future’s mailing address, 219 Mercer Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19125.
