SPRING 2026

SHOW DESCRIPTIONS

Smashing Pumpkins vs. Stone Temple Pilots

Get ready to turn up the volume and dive into the sound of two of the greatest alt-rock bands of all time! In “Smashing Pumpkins vs. Stone Temple Pilots,” students will explore the music, style, and stage energy that defined the 1990s rock scene. Through hands-on learning, young musicians will master classic songs like “1979,” “Cherub Rock,” “Plush,” and “Interstate Love Song.” Along the way, they’ll build skills in tone, dynamics, performance, and collaboration — all while discovering what made each band’s sound so iconic. Whether your student is a seasoned rocker or just starting out, this show is a fun, high-energy way to develop musicianship and perform some of the most unforgettable anthems of the era.

Best Of The 2000s

The 2000s Show offers a huge variety of music that is sure to satiate any student’s musical appetite. The 2000s has produced more and more artists whose music blends and defies genres, and draws from a greater variety of influences than was available at any previous point in history. At the same time, more traditional bands and artists, including some who started making music in the twentieth century, have adapted to the changing times and continued to thrive. Though it is impossible to place the varied music of the 2000s into one definable style or category, certain themes emerge: 1) an interest in and revival of ‘retro’ sounds using modern technology and sensibilities, and 2) songwriting that draws from a huge diversity of genres and styles, making 21st-century ‘rock’ bands even harder to pin down to one style alone. Examples of blockbuster artists that might be in the setlist include Foo Fighters, RHCP, Evanescence, Fall Out Boy, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Paramore, White Stripes, Adele, The Strokes, Jet, System of a Down, The Darkness, Tool, and many others. This is a perfect show for students of all ages and experience levels and will offer many opportunities to perform across all genres!

Paramore vs. Avril Lavigne

Turn up the attitude and energy, it’s time to rock out to two of the biggest names in pop punk! In “Paramore vs. Avril Lavigne,” students will dive into the bold, catchy, and empowering anthems that defined a generation. From Paramore’s explosive hits like “Misery Business” and “Ain’t It Fun” to Avril Lavigne’s iconic tracks like “Sk8er Boi” and “Complicated,” young musicians will learn what makes each artist’s sound unique and how to bring that same fire to the stage. This show has high-energy rock, powerful vocals, and songs with attitude and heart. Along the way, students will build confidence, teamwork, and performance skills, all while celebrating two of pop punk’s most legendary voices.

Iron Maiden vs. Judas Priest

Iron Maiden and Judas Priest - no two bands better represent the epitome of 1980s Heavy Metal. While each act has their own unique sound, what they share in common is power, precision, technical mastery, and unrelenting energy. In the late 1960s, the earliest version of Judas Priest had begun performing on a regular basis. After several years and many lineup changes, the core band of Ian Hill, Rob Halford, KK Downing, and Glenn Tipton would sign their first record deal, resulting in Rocka Rolla being released in 1974. Throughout the rest of the decade, Judas Priest would steadily grow their fanbase worldwide. Influential albums such as Sad Wings of Destiny, Sin After Sin, Stained Class, and the live masterpiece Unleashed in the East would win over new fans at every turn. As Judas Priest was tearing it up on the road, a young Steve Harris was in the early stages of forming what would become Iron Maiden by enlisting singer Paul Di’Anno (later replaced by Bruce Dickinson), guitarists Dave Murray and Dennis Stratton (later replaced by Adrian Smith), and drummer Clive Burr (later replaced by Nicko McBrain). With their self-titled debut album in 1980, Iron Maiden began a decade which would earn them worldwide acclaim. Following the release of Iron Maiden, albums like Piece Of Mind, Number Of The Beast and Powerslave have cemented the band’s place as a legendary Metal band. Iron Maiden and Judas Priest continue to record and tour to this day. While there may have been some obstacles along the way, both acts have successfully made the transition from hot, new acts to elder statesmen of Metal. Their catalogs leave behind a legacy of music that will inspire musicians around the globe for generations to come. The Iron Maiden vs Judas Priest show will challenge even the most seasoned School of Rock students with the technical demands of the music, while encouraging fledgling players to up their game learning fundamentals of the Metal genre.

Queen vs. Guns N’ Roses

Step into the spotlight and experience the ultimate clash of rock legends! In “Queen vs. Guns N’ Roses,” students will learn and perform the powerful, iconic songs that defined two of the greatest bands in rock history. From Queen’s anthems like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Another One Bites the Dust” to Guns N’ Roses’ hard-hitting hits like “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Welcome to the Jungle,” and “Paradise City,” this show is packed with epic guitar riffs, soaring vocals, and unforgettable hooks. Along the way, students will build their performance skills, teamwork, and stage presence, all while exploring the dynamic styles that made both bands timeless. It’s glam meets grit, harmony meets attitude and one amazing rock experience you’ll never forget!

Best of Country Music: Past & Present

Saddle up and get ready to celebrate the heart and soul of country music! In “Best of Country Music: Past & Present,” students will explore the sounds that shaped country’s rich history from the legends who started it all to today’s biggest stars. Young musicians will learn timeless classics from artists like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson, alongside modern hits from stars like Zach Top, Kacey Musgraves, and Chris Stapleton. Through these songs, students will discover the storytelling, musicianship, and emotion that make country music so special. Along the way, they’ll build their performance skills, confidence, and teamwork while having a boot-stompin’ good time bringing these tunes to life on stage. From twangy guitars to heartfelt harmonies — this show is where country music’s past meets its bright future!

Indie Rock

Unleash your creativity and discover your sound! In Indie Rock, students dive into the vibrant world of alternative music—blending raw energy, expressive lyrics, and authentic performance. You’ll learn to play the styles that define the genre, inspired by artists like Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, Florence + The Machine, Tame Impala, Vampire Weekend, Pinegrove, My Bloody Valentine, and Phoebe Bridgers. This show will also pull music from artists in similar sub-genres including Midwest Emo, Shoegaze and more. From jangly guitar riffs and driving bass lines to atmospheric synths and dynamic vocals, you’ll explore what makes indie rock such a powerful form of self-expression. Whether you’re a beginner eager to jam or a seasoned player looking to refine your sound, this show is all about collaboration, creativity, and finding your unique musical voice. Get ready to write, rehearse, and rock out like your favorite indie icons!

We strive for well-balanced shows where all our students are challenged and get equal opportunity for parts. Please understand that factors such as attendance at rehearsals, behavior at rehearsals and musical preparation for rehearsals can affect the number of songs a student is assigned. The School of Rock method is merit based. While a show’s first casting is as equitable as possible, in subsequent castings we reward commitment, hard work and steady improvement.

We know many students have talents beyond the instruments they study at the school of Rock. We do our best to encourage (and show off) all our students’ abilities! However, students who take lessons on an instrument at school of Rock get priority casting on that instrument in shows. Students are guaranteed to be assigned parts only on instruments they are actively taking lessons at school of Rock. Depending on the makeup of the show’s cast, we may not be able to accommodate students who wish to perform on an instrument (including vocals) that they do not study at School of Rock. If your student is interested in studying an additional instrument, please reach out to discuss options