STOP PRACTICING... START PERFORMING

Teenage guitarists and a drummer from the Detroit School of Rock and Pop music gave the music at Royal Oak’s holiday parade a hip flavor, as they strummed and sang “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” this morning. (Bill Laitner)

Crowds greet Santa at Royal Oak Parade

BY BILL LAITNER

FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Billed as Santa’s first stop in metro Detroit, downtown Royal Oak’s Holiday Magic Parade kicked off the region’s Thanksgiving-through-Christmas period this morning with a blend of yule tradition and electric guitars.

Organizers estimated the crowd at more than 20,000 that crowded sidewalks from 10 a.m. until noon on both sides of South Washington from Lincoln north to nearly 11 Mile, watching a parade whose date over the years has crept earlier and earlier on the calendar until this year it predates Detroit’s big parade on Thanksgiving Day by five days.

There were plenty of traditional sights and sounds, like the award-winning Ferndale High School Marching band and the Shriners making rapid circles in their mini-roadsters. But right behind the Ferndale marchers, with their shining brass instruments and pressed uniforms, was a float of vastly different notes — those of teen musicians from the Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music, located in a former bike shop on the same street as the parade.

There were seven electric guitarists strumming, one drummer pounding, and one generator electrifying on the platform draped with signs identifying the school whose aspiring rockers also have performed at Royal Oak’s Memphis Smoke nightclub and at the Detroit Zoo.

“We played ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ and the other tune was ‘Greatest Time of Year.’ It’s a Christmas song that was done by Aly and AJ, a Disney act of a few years back,” said Gittinger, who pulled a wagon-load of the school’s brochures behind their float, hoping to interest some newcomers in his school.

As the rockers rolled past, others waited their turn — including two performers who leaned against telephone poles, seated a full 12 feet over the pavement on unicycles. Doug Oliver, 16, of Redford Township and Bryan Alexander, 19, of Dearborn Heights towered over mounted police of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, who as they rode by said, “How’d you get up there? That’s a lot harder than climbing on a horse.”

Contact BILL LAITNER: 586-826-7264 or blaitner@freepress.com

SANDUSKY, OH – The following is a message from Cedar Point:

Cedar Point is searching for talented entertainers and technicians to fill more than 100 positions in the park’s Live Entertainment Division for the 2010 summer season.

Representatives from the Sandusky, Ohio, amusement park/resort will be holding open auditions and interviews in Royal Oak from 3-5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13 at the Detroit School of Rock & Pop Music, located at 1109 South Washington in Royal Oak.

Positions that are available include:

· Performers – singers, dancers, singers/dancers and singers/musicians;

· Musicians – electric guitars, bass guitars, keyboards and drummer/percussionists;

· Technicians – stage managers, sound and light technicians, stage crews, ushers, costume shop personnel and dressers;

· PEANUTS characters – costumed characters and escorts; and

· Karaoke hosts and DJs

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by May 2010 to audition.  Each audition piece should be limited to 16-32 bars.  Applicants should select music that is upbeat and illustrates their personality and ability to interact with audience members.  A CD player and piano will be available, but other instruments and amplifiers will not be provided.  Interested applicants should bring a one-page resume with references to the audition.  Reporting dates run from late April to early September.

Those who cannot audition in person can send audio and/or videotape with a resume to:  Cedar Point Live Entertainment, One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870-5259.

With thrilling rides, award-winning live entertainment, special attractions and resort accommodations, Cedar Point is one of the most popular amusement parks and vacation destinations in the country.  It has been named the “Best Amusement Park in the World” for 12 consecutive years.

For more information, please contact the Live Entertainment Division at 419.627.2388, by e-mail at liveshows@cedarpoint.com or online at cedarpoint.com.

Thursday, January 22 - Saturday, January 24, 2009 DeVos Place and Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, January 11 , 2009

Contact:
Sherry Gittinger – 1-888-988-ROCK

THE DETROIT SCHOOL OF ROCK AND POP MUSIC®  EXECUTIVE PRODUCER TO SPEAK TO MICHIGAN MUSIC EDUCATORS AGAIN AT THE 4th ANNUAL MICHIGAN MUSIC CONFERENCE

(ROYAL OAK, Michigan) – The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music is proud to announce that founder and executive producer Jason Gittinger, has been invited to speak at the 4th annual Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids on January 22nd,  2009.

The purpose of the Michigan Music Conference is to provide an annual in-service opportunity for the professional development of Michigan music educators. An additional and unique component of the Michigan Music Conference is the Technology Pre-Conference event – a premier showcasing of new technology being used in music curriculums. It provides a hands-on opportunity to educators who want to incorporate the latest technology into their lesson plans. The membership of the Michigan Music Conference is comprised of the boards of directors of the: MASTA – Michigan Chapter, American String Teachers Association; MMEA – Michigan Music Educators Association; MSBOA – Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association; and MSVMA – Michigan School Vocal Music Association.

Mr. Gittinger’s presentation entitled, “Keep your classroom full, your students motivated, and your budget sound with Music Technology,” is intended to help music educators learn how the use of music technology can expand every part of their music programs. Specifically, they will learn technology-based ways they can: Increase communication among private instructors, music directors, students, and parents; Inspire and motivate the students enrolled in their program and their parents; Expand the enrollment of their program by implementing technology in your concerts, productions and promotional materials; and Educate and motivate their school administration and community on the benefits of music education and the use of music technology to enrich their lives.

Jason Gittinger is one of Detroit’s most versatile studio and live drummer/percussionists. He has performed extensively in pop, jazz and classical circles. A graduate of Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan with a degree in Jazz Studies, Mr. Gittinger has studied with some of the drumming community’s most notable teachers including: Robert Breithaupt, Ed Soph, Steve Houghton, Jeff Hamilton, and Dave Weckl.

Mr. Gittinger has recorded extensively in a variety of styles. He has been heard on advertising campaigns for companies such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Cadillac, Lincoln, Dodge, and Mazda. He has produced and written music for television on Fox Stations across the country, library music company Gene Michael Productions, and is a member of ASCAP. His performances range from large venues such as The Palace of Auburn Hills, Ford Field, Comerica Park and The Fox Theater; to small scale engagements at country clubs, restaurants and schools like Pleasant Elementary School in Marion, Ohio. International tours have taken him to countries such as Italy, France, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, and Spain.

He is the founder and Executive Producer of The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music®, www.detroitschoolofrockandpop.com, a diverse musical community focused on the pursuit of excellence through a positive, motivating, and educational environment. He has taught drums, percussion, and music technology in the Grosse Pointe School System as well as The Calumet Center for Juvenile Justice in the Wayne County Correctional System. His family has been involved in music education and performance for over 40 years and he has taught privately at various teaching facilities across the Midwest. He frequently gives clinics and has also published articles: most notably “Amusement Park Drumming” in the November 2000 issue of Modern Drummer Magazine. This article was written after he performed as an entertainer at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio. He has also judges the Guitar Center Drum Off regional finals.

His current professional music endeavors include being a member of the highly successful production, The Mega 80’s www.mega80s.com, as well as the musical and technical director for Tangerine Moon Productions, www.tangerinemoonproductions.com. He spends considerable time producing and playing on recordings for various local and national artists as well as his performing and recording with his church, Rockpointe Community Church, www.rockpointe.org. For more information about Mr. Gittinger’s professional music credits visit www.gititproductions.com.

He lives in Warren, Michigan with his wife Sherry and their daughters Jasmine and Samantha.

# # #
Interviews with staff members of The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music are available.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jim Miller
Publicity Works
248.691.4466
millerj@publicityworkspr.com

The Motor City Jazz Orchestra rehearses at The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music for upcoming New Music Detroit Music Marathon at the MOCAD.

Royal Oak, Michigan, September 02, 2008 – The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music, owned by Detroit musicians Jason and Sherry Gittinger is proud to host The Motor City Jazz Orchestra as it rehearses for an upcoming performance at the New Music Detroit’s Strange Beautiful Music II music marathon at the MOCAD.

Founded in 2006, The Motor City Jazz Orchestra is one of the most rocking big bands ever to hit the Detroit scene. They bring a fresh modern twist to the old-school big band format, playing compositions by artists such as Frank Zappa, Herbie Hancock, and Steely Dan. Members of the ensemble include musicians from a variety of other groups such as The Motor City Horns, The Brothers Groove, The Mega 80’s, The Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and Alexander Zonjic.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to show off the most eclectic hard-hitting fusion big band in the region,” says John Rutherford, founder of the ensemble. “It’s a bit different than touring with Bob Seger or playing with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra,” says Rutherford, aluding to the other musical situations the musicians regularly find themselves in. “This is some of the most grooving and challenging music ever written for big band,” he adds.

The group will be performing at 2:00pm till 3:00pm at the MOCAD in Detroit as part of the 12 hour music marathon. The sophomore music festival will host a variety of other artists and ensembles dedicated to performing challenging and dynamic works from the late twentieth century to the present day.

For more information visit www.motorcityjazzorchestra.com, www.newmusicdetroit.com, or www.mocadetroit.org.

Established April 2008 by Detroit musicians Jason and Sherry Gittinger, the Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music is dedicated to
educating students of all ages in the many aspects of making music, in a fun and exciting environment. For more information on the
Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music please visit www.detroitschoolofrockandpop.com or call 1-888-988-ROCK.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jim Miller
Publicity Works
248.691.4466
millerj@publicityworkspr.com

NO NEED TO GO TO LA OR NYC, THE DETROIT SCHOOL OF ROCK AND POP MUSIC EXPANDS CURRICULUM WITH NEW CLASSES COURSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 22ND WITH IMMEDIATE ENROLLMENT

Royal Oak, MI, August 28, 2008 – Jason Gittinger, owner of the Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music, introduces new classes scheduled to begin September 22nd. The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music has been well received since opening April 2008. Positive enrollment has allowed the school to expand its musical curriculum, adding five new classes including: Live Audio 101, Entertainment Law 101, Indie Rock 101, Studio Techniques 101 and Music Theory 101, designed to educate musicians on every aspect of the music industry.

“Our summer camps were well attended. Enrollment is strong, and we anticipate maximizing our building capacity by the end of the year,” said Gittinger, owner of the Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music. “My goal is to positively influence and increase our music community. These enrichment classes will benefit local musicians by giving them hands-on learning sessions with experienced professionals dedicated to either helping begin or advancing their music careers.”

The new two-hour classes begin Monday, September 22, and will last 12 weeks. Enrollment is currently being accepted, and classes are open to all ages. To enroll for any of the classes call The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music at 888-988-ROCK (7625). In addition to these new classes, the Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music offers private lessons, and adult and student band lessons, which are through auditioned admission.

LIVE AUDIO 101
(Some off-site field trips)
Learn the ins- and- outs of operating the equipment that presents music and sound to the masses. Get hands on classroom experience and then join the group at a professional sound gig to see how things are done in the field.

ENTERTAINMENT LAW 101
Study with the experienced professional, Attorney Brian Wassom of Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP, and learn what it takes to protect your art once the creative process is done and commerce begins.

INDIE ROCK 101
Learning the basics on how to take your band out of the basement, and onto the stage, Indie Rock 101 will teach you how to book shows, network, increase visibility, and give you the tools you need to take your band to the next level.

STUDIO TECHNIQUES 101
Get hands on experience on what it takes to make pristine music recordings. Study microphone techniques and placement, effects use, multi -track recording, and other studio skills.

MUSIC THEORY 101
Learn how intervals, chords, melodies and harmonies are used in songwriting. Solidify the music you know already and equip
yourself with the tools to learn and write new things quicker and easier.

Established April 2008 by Detroit musicians Jason and Sherry Gittinger, the Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music is dedicated to educating students of all ages in the many aspects of making music, in a fun and exciting environment. For more information on the Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music please visit, www.detroitschoolofrockandpop.com, or call 1-888-988-ROCK.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jim Miller
Publicity Works
248.691.4466
millerj@publicityworkspr.com

THE DETROIT SCHOOL OF ROCK & POP MUSIC’S STUDENT BAND – THE DETROIT GHOULS OF ROCK
– TO PERFORM FOR NIGHTMARE SINEMA WITH WOLFMAN MAC ON WYMD My TV20 DETROIT
Royal Oak, Michigan, August 18, 2008 – The Detroit School of Rock & Pop Music, owned by Detroit musicians Jason and Sherry Gittinger, announces a collaboration with Nightmare Sinema – hosted by Wolfman Mac airing Saturday’s at Midnight on TV 20 Detroit.
The Detroit Ghouls of Rock – Summer ROCKS! camp students at The Detroit School of Rock & Pop Music – band members include: Nicole Amine, 13, of Troy, Vocals/Guitar; Bubba Ayoub, 14, of Warren, Bass/Vocals; Dan Meredith, 13, of Wixom, Guitar/Vocals; Alie Miller, 13, of Bloomfield, Drums; and Justin Street, 16, of Sterling Heights, Guitar/Vocals.

“The students are thrilled for this opportunity,” said Jason Gittinger, owner, The Detroit School of Rock & Pop Music. “Their Summer ROCKS! summer camp experience at the school has truly been amped-up with the chance to be a part of Detroit history on Nightmare Sinema with Wolfman Mac.”

At The Detroit School of Rock & Pop Music, the Detroit Ghouls of Rock will learn, perform, and record uniquely penned arrangements of songs including: a rock version of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’; The Munsters TV theme song; ‘Helter Skelter’ by The Beatles; Rob Zombie’s ‘Dragula’; Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s ‘Monster Mash’; and more.

“I’m very excited to work with and have these talented kids on Nightmare Sinema,” stated Mac Kelly (a.k.a. Wolfman Mac), creator and host, Nightmare Sinema. “The Detroit Ghouls of Rock is a perfect fit for the show. They are even going to costume-up to fit with our campy horror theme when we film them performing their songs.”

About Nightmare Sinema
Wolfman Mac hosts classic ‘B’ horror and sci-fi movies on Wolfman Mac’s Nightmare Sinema. Since July of ‘07, Nightmare Sinema has been broadcasting in 300,000 homes on public access throughout Metro-Detroit. Now you can catch Nightmare Sinema every week on WMYD TV, Detroit’s My TV20! every Saturday nightat Midnight. Movies like “The House on Haunted Hill”, “Plan 9 From Outer Space”, “The Brain That Wouldn’t Die”, and more, are enhanced with retro TV commercials, music videos, zany skits, and music performances by bands such as The Detroit Ghouls of Rock. Recorded at Stage 3 Productions in Warren, MI, Nightmare Sinema is perfect popcorn eatin’ TV! So stay up late Saturday nights and tune in to Wolfman Mac’s Nightmare Sinema! For more information visit www.nightmaresinema.com,
www.myspace.com/howlatthewolfman.

Established April 2008 by Detroit musicians Jason and Sherry Gittinger, the Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music is dedicated to educating students of all ages in the many aspects of making music, in a fun and exciting environment. For more information on The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music please visit www.detroitschoolofrockandpop.com or call 1-888-988-ROCK.
###

THE DETROIT SCHOOL OF ROCK AND POP MUSIC ANNCOUNCES “SUPERSTAR”
PARTICIPATION WITH SUMMER ROCKS! SUMMER CAMP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jim Miller, Publicity Works
248.691.4466 or millerj@publicityworkspr.com

Royal Oak, MI, July 10, 2008 – Jason Gittinger, Detroit musician and owner of the Detroit School of Rock and Pop
Music, is bringing a few friends over to the school’s Summer Rocks! program for three sessions of teaching students
how to make music in a band while having a rockin’ good time. Jason and his campers welcome Detroit natives/
rock notables who have performed and recorded with Kid Rock, 50 Cent, Eminem, and Aerosmith.

Taking time out of their busy schedules, Luis Resto a producer for Jay Z and Eminem; Paul Nowinski, a bassist who
has performed with Patti Smith; Larry Fratangelo, who currently tours with Kid Rock; and Christophe Zajac-Denek,
drummer from the well-known band the Hard Lessons join Jason and his rock campers for some amplified music
instructions and performances.

Summer Rocks! is a three-week, day camp where students are able to play in a band, write songs, record in the studio,
meet industry professionals and even play in a live concert. The camp has three sessions in June, July and
August; each is for a different age group and music ability.

“It is very important for the students to receive insight to what the music industry is all about and how the guest
speakers have become successful themselves,” said Gittinger. “Plus, they will have a fun time playing along with
professionals from Detroit. It’s great to have Detroiters helping young Detroiters.”

Special guest appearances will begin July 16th, with a second session of three artists on July 21st. Sessions with the
special guest will include a hands-on, master class designed to educate the students about the artists’ chosen field,
while having a good time.

Luis Resto
Beginning as a keyboardist, he has become one of the most successful producers in the business. Resto was one of
the founding members of the 80s funk band, Was Not Was, and has produced albums for Jay Z, 50 Cent, Obie Trice,
Tupac Shakur, Patti Smith, Paul Simon and Eminem. In 2003, Resto won an Oscar for co-writing Loose Yourself,
preformed by Eminem and featured on the 8 Mile Soundtrack.

Paul Nowinski
A bassist native of New York, will join Luis Resto, he has played with a diverse list of artists like Aerosmith, Patti
Smith, Les Paul, Keith Richards, The Boston Symphony/Pops, Hubert Sumlin, Rickie Lee Jones, New York Voices,
Pat Martino, and Paquito de Riviera.

Larry Fratangelo
Larry has recorded and toured with some of the top recording artists in the world today. His name appears on Gold,
Platinum and Grammy award-winning albums. Larry has been featured on albums with Aretha Franklin, Anita
Baker, George Clinton and Ted Nugent. He has performed with the Boston Pops, at the Grammy Awards, the Rock
and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies, on the David Letterman Show and Saturday Night Live. Larry is currently
producing several World Music projects and tours with Detroit native Kid Rock.

Christophe Zajac-Denek
Drummer of the successful Detroit band, The Hard Lessons.

Established in April 2008 by musician Jason Gittinger, the Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music is dedicated to
educating students of all ages in the many aspects of making music, in a fun and exciting environment. For more
information on the Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music please visit, www.detroitschoolofrockandpop.com, or call
1-888-988-ROCK.
###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Contact: Publicity Works – 248-691-4466

It’s time to get out those pencils and pens. The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music® in Royal Oak, Michigan, is getting the word out that writing skills and music skills go hand in hand. They are sponsoring an essay contest for local middle school and high school kids. The winners will receive a scholarship to their “Summer ROCKS” summer camp program.

“In these days of continued decline of test scores and graduation rates, it seems as though students have lost the passion that’s necessary to stimulate learning,” says founder and executive producer Jason Gittinger. “With so many opportunities for young people to participate, it’s tough for them to ever reach a conclusion that this is the one for me. If music is the direction for you and you can show us why, we want to feed your passion and enthusiasm. Music is one means of expression, but writing is another closely related one. We feel that by sponsoring an essay contest, it makes someone commit their enthusiasm to paper and explain why they like what they like,” says Gittinger.

Summer ROCKS is an opportunity to work with some of the best professionals in Metro Detroit learning topics about music such as songwriting, recording, rock and pop history, and everything in between. Students spend time each day on their main instrument playing and jamming in the recording studio with their very own producer, learning the fundamentals of their instruments with private mentors, and in sectionals with other talented students.

This three week day camp stresses team building, the development of confidence, the ability to create win/win situations in life, and the importance of making right choices. Students will create musical experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music® also offers music lessons and the full band program year round.

While auditions are required for the Summer ROCKS program, talent is not a consideration. “We audition each and every participant not to judge their skills and deem them “not worthy”, but to make sure they have the enthusiasm to stick with it,” says Gittinger. Auditions are scheduled each week by submitting online applications to the school’s web site www.DetroitSchoolOfRockAndPop.com. The school also hosts open houses each Sunday from 2-6pm to tour the facility and talk with staff about the various programs offered.

The essay contest is open to anyone between the ages of seven and seventeen currently enrolled in middle school or high school. To enter, students must submit an online application to the Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music’s web site and send an email of 500 words or less about “What I Love About Music.” The school’s email address is info@detroitschoolofrockandpop.com. Please use “What I Love About Music” in the subject line and don’t forget to include your contact information. Two partial scholarships will be awarded for each of the three sessions. Deadline for submissions is June 1st, 2008.

# # #
Interviews with staff members of The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music are available.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Contact:
Sherry Gittinger – 1-888-988-ROCK

THE DETROIT SCHOOL OF ROCK AND POP MUSIC™ WELCOMES THE MOTOR CITY HORNS TO STAFF

(ROYAL OAK, Michigan) – The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music is proud to announce that veteran Detroit horn section, The Motor City Horns, has joined the staff of experienced professionals. They will teach horn players how to practice techniques for playing solo and also as a section in one of the many rock and pop ensembles at the school.

The Motor City Horns are comprised of some of Detroit’s most versatile musicians. Motor City Horns members have worked with a variety of artists, bands, and orchestras including: Yo-Yo Ma, Justin Timberlake, the Verve Pipe, and The Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Jerusalem International Symphony, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Palermo, Sicily, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, and The Michigan Opera Theater. As a group, they have collaborated with artists such as: Clarence Clemons and the Temple of Soul Band, Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, R. Kelley, Alexander Zonjic, and local artists like The Brothers Groove, The Mega 80’s, and The Motor City Jazz Orchestra. Recording credits for Motor City Horns members range from orchestral recordings with Yo-Yo Ma and The Detroit Symphony Orchestra, pop recordings with Justin Timberlake, blues with Johnnie Bassett and the Blues Insurgents, jazz with The Bird of Paradise Orchestra, Bop Culture, and The Scott Gwinnell Big Band, as well as numerous radio, television, and web commercials.

The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music’s mission is to establish a diverse musical community focused on the pursuit of excellence through a positive, motivating, and educational environment. They strive to teach people how to excel in music whether they’re an experienced professional, a beginner, they’ve never played in a band before, or they’re completely scared to play in front of people. They offer private music lessons to hone one’s skills, production bands and concerts to put those skills to use, and a recording studio to capture it all for posterity. Their tag line puts their mission succinctly: Stop Practicing… Start Performing.

# # #

Interviews with staff members of The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music and The Motor City Horns are available.

Please visit www.detroitschoolofrockandpop.com and www.motorcityhorns.com for more info.