March 29, 2009
Royal Oak Mirror Newspaper
Diana Wing
FIRST ROCKIN’ ANNIVERSARY
Jason Gittinger, owner of the Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music in Royal Oak, is celebrating the first anniversary of his music school and full-service recording studio. He’s hosting an open house with food and music, 5-9 p.m., today, Sunday, March 29.
“Last year we had professional musicians playing in the building. This year my intent is to have a bunch of students play at our party,” Gittinger said. “We have more kids’ bands than anything, but we have tons of adult beginner students.”
Student young and older have performed over the last year at venues including Memphis Smoke. I saw the student band Watership Down when they performed on Fox 2 news earlier this year, and the all-girls band Stuk N Zero, with a few additional students, rocked the crowd in last year’s Royal Oak Holiday Parade. The school’s motto, “stop practicing and start performing,” is a draw for those who audition to join the program. Summer camp auditions are taking place now, with the promise that students will have the chance to play in a band, write songs, record in the studio, meet industry professionals and musicians, and play in a live concert.
“It’s really small focus. Generally three staff for five to 10 kids at the most per camp,” Gittinger said. “We get a lot done. It’s an intensive three weeks.”
This last year has been an intensive ride for Gittinger who plays drums for the area tribute group Mega 80′s and plays gigs with other bands when he’s not putting his heart and soul into his rock and pop school.
“I’ve invested a lot of time and money so I can still be here a year later…I’m not out of the woods yet. There’s no paycheck for me, my wife, and daughters who hang out here everyday” said Gittinger who is humbled by the attention he’s received in the media and by the talented musicians who have spent time with students.
“We’ve had superstars, superstars’ children hanging out here. People who do big things in music, they chose to spend time with us which is awe inspiring to me.”
The Detroit School of Rock and Pop is located at 1109 S. Washington in Royal Oak. For more info call (888) 988-ROCK or visit www.detroitschoolofrockandpop.com.
Rock on and send Around Town news to Diana Wing at rotown@ameritech.net.
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