Hundreds of School of Rock students tune up before performing at Summerfest
MILWAUKEE (CBS58) — Young musicians from around the world are here in Milwaukee getting ready to perform at Summerfest this weekend.
Before they kick off the Big Gig, each group participated in a full day of sound checks and exclusive artist workshops at The Rave.
It's not your typical classroom, think more guitar riffs than geometry. The School of Rock is turning up the volume right here in Milwaukee and their students are getting ready to hit one of the biggest stages of the summer.
"I mean, Summerfest is so well known, it's iconic. This is really a great way for the next generation of musicians to walk in their footsteps," said Demi Iskandar, head of marketing at School of Rock.
More than 600 School of Rock students from 15 states and seven countries are getting ready to rock out and kick off Summerfest.
"For all of us, it's our first time, so I think we are the most excited ones," said Leonardo, School of Rock student.
Some students hail from the capital city of Peru, Lima, and they say they're excited to share their culture with Milwaukee.
"We are pretty cultural and all the music we play is from Peru. It's really new for people from here and they will learn how we express our culture," said Fatima, School of Rock student.
Others are from across the border in Plainsfield, Illinois. They say this isn't the first time they've played the Big Gig.
"It was really cool, we got to play on awesome stages that a lot of iconic bands have played on, but the biggest part was getting to know the other kids from other schools," said Riley, School of Rock student.
The head of marketing for School of Rock says this program gives students the skills they need on stage and in life.
"Through music, they're learning many skills outside of just learning their instrument. They're learning how to be good teammates, confidence, how to be good leaders," said Iskandar.
Over 75 bands will rock out on six different stages at Summerfest Thursday and Friday.
School of Rock has more than 400 locations around the world. To learn more about how to get involved, click here.