Local musicians team up for CD, concert of hope, healing for Haiti

by Kristin Lukowski of The Michigan Catholic
Published March 5, 2010

ROYAL OAK — Louis Canter can’t travel to Haiti and rebuild a house, or help heal the sick and injured. In fact, not many people can.

But what he and several other area musicians are doing is putting together a CD, and organizing a concert, that will benefit the people of Haiti through the funds they hope to raise.

Canter, the archdiocese’s coordinator of music ministries, and local musicians Susie and David Taylor, with the help of Detroit School of Rock and Pop executive producer Jason Gittinger, worked together last weekend to record a track to be played at the concert. They have several other pre-recorded tracks to add to what will be a four-song CD, “Songs for a Time of Healing.”

He’s hoping to fill St. Isidore Church, Macomb Township, and raise as much money for Haiti as possible. “The opportunity we have to minister to brothers and sisters that we don’t know and have not seen is incredible,” he said.

Canter said the project came out of a poem, written by Diana Macalintal, associate for liturgy in the Diocese of San Jose. As Canter was reading it, he thought that it needed to be put to music. “In two days, I had it,” he said. “It was right. It worked.”

Working against fast deadlines — writing music quick enough for performers to learn it, recording tracks in time for CDs to be pressed before the concert — they hope to have everything in line before the concert, and are working to have CDs available through the archdiocesan Web site, www.aodonline.org/haiti. A previous concert had been done earlier in the year, not long after the earthquake.

Susie Taylor, director of music at Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Clair Shores, has worked with Canter before, lending backup vocals for him while he provides her with original songs, for example. “Louis is so talented,” Taylor said. “He gets a thought, and he can see the full picture in here,” she said, indicating her head.

Her husband, David Taylor, professor of music at Wayne State University, and who helps in parishes’ music departments, was also on hand Sunday to lend a musical ear, to make sure all the correct notes were hit. They named the song “A Prayer in Time of Hope, a Prayer for Haiti.”

“We don’t even know who is going to be ministered (to) by this,” Canter said. “It’s our gift. It’s what we do best. The disaster there is so complete — 200,000 people are dead. That’s a lot of futures, a lot of grieving, a lot of loss.”

The money will be given to Catholic Relief Services for them to distribute to the needy of Haiti.

Stop Practicing… Start Performing®

]]> http://www.detroitschoolofrockandpop.com/2010/02/24/access-to-superstars-103-chuck-bartels/feed/ 0 00:01:01 DSRP Faculty member Chuck Bartels stops in to chat about his journey from adolescent bass player from Lapeer, Michigan to international bass traveller. The Access to ... DSRP Faculty member Chuck Bartels stops in to chat about his journey from adolescent bass player from Lapeer, Michigan to international bass traveller. The Access to Supertars podcast is presented by The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music. The podcast serves to motivate and inspire people who have a passion for music by providing insight, candid interviews and backstory of some of the most successful artists and industry people, both locally and nationally. Stop Practicing... Start Performing Education,,Music,,Lessons,,Musicians,,Detroit,,Interviews,,Inspiration,,Motivation The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music no No http://www.detroitschoolofrockandpop.com/2010/02/21/access-to-superstars-102-liz-larin/ http://www.detroitschoolofrockandpop.com/2010/02/21/access-to-superstars-102-liz-larin/#comments Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:37:50 +0000 jason http://www.detroitschoolofrockandpop.com/?p=1264

Thanks for checking out our lesson on how to play the first riff of “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple with your friends!

Be sure to have each instrument of your band watch the video for their instrument, then watch the final video to see how to put it all together!

1. GUITAR

2. BASS

3. DRUMS

4. KEYBOARDS

5. PUT IT ALL TOGETHER!

]]> http://www.detroitschoolofrockandpop.com/2010/01/02/lesson-play-the-first-riff-of-deep-purples-smoke-on-the-water-with-your-friends/feed/ 0 http://www.detroitschoolofrockandpop.com/2009/12/18/photos-the-hard-rock-cafe-december-2009/ http://www.detroitschoolofrockandpop.com/2009/12/18/photos-the-hard-rock-cafe-december-2009/#comments Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:32:45 +0000 jason http://www.detroitschoolofrockandpop.com/?p=1207

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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

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.

The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music rocks the Royal Oak Holiday Magic Parade

Join us as the students of The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music show us what happens when you “Stop Practicing…” and “Start Performing”. The City of Royal Oak will usher in the holiday season with one of metro Detroit’s most festive holiday celebrations. The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music will showcase some of the most talented music students in the region as they light up their float in this holiday extravaganza.

Where: Downtown Royal Oak

When: Saturday November 21, 2009 – 10am

For the past 7 years Jason Gittinger has been providing a rock-solid foundation for Detroit’s premier rock production, The Mega 80’s. Now is your chance to get one of the region’s most sought after drummers on your project!!!

Available for studio projects and select live dates, Jason can take your project to the next level.

FOR MORE INFO CALL –  THE DETROIT SCHOOL OF ROCK AND POP MUSIC –  1-888-988-ROCK

Jason S. Gittinger

Bio/Resume

Jason S. Gittinger is one of Detroit’s most versatile studio and live drummer/percussionists. He has performed extensively in popular, jazz and classical circles. A product of musician parents and 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, and Mazda as well as produced and written music for television on Fox and library music company Gene Michael Productions. His live performance experiences have been at venues as diverse as The Palace of Auburn Hills for the Detroit Pistons and Pleasant Elementary School in Marion, Ohio. International performances and 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 Calumet Center for Juvenile Justice in the Wayne County correctional system. He has also taught privately to select private students at various teaching facilities in the Midwest. He frequently gives clinics and writes articles and blogs such as “Amusement Park Drumming” in the November 2000 issue ofModern Drummer Magazine written after tenure as an entertainer at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio. He speaks regularly to the Michigan Music Educators, Technology Institute for Music Education, various local civic organizations as well as presents clinics to professional entertainment companies such as Cedar Point Amusement Park.

His current professional music endeavors include being both a member of the highly successful production, The Mega 80’s, www.mega80s.com ; as well as the musical director for Tangerine Moon Productions,  www.tangerinemoonproductions.com ; “home of the nation’s greatest tribute acts and imaginative entertainment.” He also spends considerable time producing and playing on recordings for various local and national artists as well as his church, Rockpointe Community Church, www.rockpointe.org .

Jason, an avid “community builder,” goes out of his way to educate and nurture young and aspiring musicians about being a professional.  He supports causes that teach people that being a success in life is not a singular pursuit but a team endeavor. He sits on the board of the Royal Oak, Michigan Chamber of Commerce and through The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music provides music lessons, entertainment and support to many local charities, organizations, and students that may need help.

The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music® has accomplished a lot in it’s short existence. The students have played numerous concerts at places and events such as, The Palace of Auburn Hills, The Royal Oak Holiday Magic Parade (televised),  The Henry Ford Museum, The Detroit Zoo, The Royal Oak Clay Glass and Metal Show, The Milford Memories Festival and played on television shows such as Fox 2 News and Wolfman Mac’s Nightmare Sinema. They have also hosted clinics with artists such as; Larry Fratangelo (Kid Rock), Kris Pooley (Smashing Pumpkins, Gwen Stefani, Morrissey), Ginger Pooley (Smashing Pumpkins), Luis Resto (Eminem, Was Not Was, Producer),  Robert Breithaupt (Capital University), as well as others. They have been featured in articles on CNN.com and The Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, Metromode.com, The Marion Star and various other features.

CEDAR POINT AUDITIONS:
Audition Alert
Cedar Point Auditions
Thursday, November 13, 2009

DETROIT SCHOOL OF ROCK & POP MUSIC HOSTS CEDAR POINT AUDITIONS FOR THE 2010 SEASON ON THURSDAY,
NOVEMBER 13TH IN ROYAL OAK

WHO: The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music, will host auditions on behalf of Cedar Point.

WHAT: The Detroit School of Rock & Pop Music will host auditions for Cedar Point’s 2010 season. Interested musicians, technicians or administrative personnel are welcome to audition. Please note: Auditions and interviews are closed; only the person auditioning (and an accompanist, if needed) will be permitted in the audition room. Bring resume and music selection of rock, pop or country to comply with Cedar Point music standards.

WHEN: Thursday, November 13th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music
1109 South Washington Avenue
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067

CONTACT: The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music
(888) 988-ROCK

AUDITION INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION:
Cedar Point 2009 Auditions Information

http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/jobs/applying/auditions/index.cfm

Celebrate fall at the zoo

SEPTEMBER 27, 2009

The weather may still be summer-like, but the calendar says fall is here. The Detroit Zoo is celebrating the change of seasons with the third annual Fall Festival Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 3-4.

The two-day festival features live entertainment, children’s activities, hayrides and seasonal food. All activities take place in the Main Picnic Grove from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., rain or shine. Entrance to the Fall Festival is free with regular Zoo admission.

Student and faculty bands from The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music will entertain visitors and a fun-filled children’s activity area will include arts and crafts, fall-themed games, a giant inflatable slide, straw maze, pumpkin painting and face painting. Admission to the children’s activity area is $5 per child in addition to regular Zoo admission.

Visitors can hop aboard a hayride for $2 per adult and $1 per child (ages 2-14) and enjoy the sights at the front of the Zoo. Fall-inspired food such as polish sausage, bratwurst, apple strudel, caramel apples, beer and soft drinks will be available for purchase.

The Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile and Woodward, just off I-696, in Royal Oak. The Detroit Zoo is open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through October and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. November through March. Admission is $11 for adults 15 to 61, $9 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7 for children ages 2 to 14; children under 2 are free. For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org