RSS 2.0 FeedAugust 19, 2010, Bellmore Life
Wanted: Rock stars in Bellmore
Rock n Roll school opens in Bellmore.
A new rock ‘n’ roll school on Bedford Avenue promises to help your kids learn an instrument and play in a rock ‘n’ roll band while it helps them build confidence and self-esteem.
At least that’s the mantra Steve Edlan and Billy Handy, co-owners of The Rock Underground, impart as they opened their new school on Monday at 300 Bedford Avenue. “We hope families will see our rock school as a place where kids can be themselves, express themselves and in so doing build confidence in their abilities,” and bring themselves out of their shyness or reserved nature, remarked Mr. Handy to Bellmore Life during an early walk-through of the school in its construction phases.
Through individual lessons in guitar, keyboards, drums, bass and music writing using set plans, the school then brings together each of the players to practice the lessons they’ve learned on the school’s rehearsal stage. This is designed to emerse them in the real-time environment of playing in a band: what it’s like to play with someone else, and how they have to listen to others’ musical contributions as part of the team (band), or the song, to develop critical, precise timing.
“Once the kids can play together as a band, and understand how the musical contribution of each of the instruments adds to the whole sound of the band, and execute the timing, then we work to book them to play shows in local venues,” said Mr. Edlan. Two venues have included a club in Amityville and E.B. Elliot’s in Freeport. The school is looking for new local venues to bring rock school bands to, and guarantees good turnouts to any new venues they add.
What both Mr. Edlan and Mr. Handy are quick to emphasize is that music is a solid bridge to getting all age groups, from the 7-18-year-olds who are the school’s main age group, to participate together so there is no distinction between the ages.” A 10-year-old could play guitar with a 16-year-old drummer, or bass player,” Mr. Edlan continued. “Music is a great unifier; it bridges the age gap,” added Mr. Handy.
For a monthly membership fee, kids interested in learning chords and tablatures, and playing in a rock band can enroll in different programs, including Rock Starters, where a list of 25 songs is worked on throughout the semester, culminating for many in playing those songs at a local rock show in January; Rock Icons, where students can learn a semester of their favorite rock stars, such as Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin; and Orginal Programming, where they learn to write and produce their own music.
There is also an Alternative Rock program for those more into the “indie” rock scene. Each lesson is 45 minutes long, and these lessons last a semester. The school consists of four rehearsal studios, a recording studio, a rehearsal stage and a top-flight music store with brand-name guitars, keyboards and other instruments, and amplifying equipment.
Reaction on the street Ron Mare, president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores, told Bellmore Life he didn’t think the new school would change the family dynamic of Bedford Avenue at all. “This new rock school will be a positive addition to Bedford Avenue,” and says it could easily increase business for many along the street.
Dave Morris, owner – along with brother and Bellmore resident Dan Morris – of Jimmy Jack’s across the street from the new school, concurred. He said he was excited at the new school’s opening. “The students who will be attending the school are my precise demographic,” he said.
Rick Patti, a student at The School of Visual Arts, said he thought the school could give kids hanging out on Bedford Avenue a place to go, if the school offered a social context in which to go. Mr. Edlan said he hopes the school can add to the family night-out flavor he sees later during the week along the street. “When parents bring their kids in for lessons, they can go to the diner, cafe or restaurant for dinner,” he said, “or eat a light snack across the street or walk around and see what other retailers on the street have to offer.” he concluded.
Oh...the school will also offer music programs for adults, to help them “get the rust out.” For information visit www.rockundergroundmusic.com or call 221-ROCK (7625).
