Fun fact: This was our first-ever show theme! The mid-1960s cultural phenomenon known as “The British Invasion” refers to the sudden and ubiquitous popularity of British rock and roll among the American youth of the time. The catalog of music created by these artists - including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, and The Kinks among others - propelled Rock & Roll music to the mainstream of cultural relevance where it remains to this day. The British Invasion bands took inspiration from Blues, Folk, and early Rock & Roll and combined these influences in an exciting way that can teach both our students and audiences the foundation of modern pop and rock music. (Psst! Be on the lookout for songs from smaller "invasions" that took place between the 60s and now.) This is a prime show choice for all instruments and experience levels to learn the foundations of Rock music.

Bonus! This is School of Rock's system-wide fall featured show, which means this show will include custom artwork, merch, and a video competition/celebration at the end of the season!

The mastermind behind Motown Records’ success was the endlessly entrepreneurial Berry Gordy. Gordy’s meticulous approach to the creation, performance, and distribution of music fueled the growth of one of the most successful black-owned businesses in American history. With over 100 hits in Billboard’s top 10 from 1961 to 1971, Motown and its subsidiary labels more than earned the right to become known as “Hitsville, U.S.A.”. The explosive success of Motown broke new ground by tearing down racial barriers in the music industry, helping to open the door to mainstream success for countless black creators. In the 1960s, Motown’s star-studded roster featured groups like Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Diana Ross & the Supremes, the Jackson 5, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, the Marvelettes, and the Temptations. Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson and Diana Ross would eventually enjoy successful solo careers like label-mates Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. In the next decade, the label’s headquarters migrated from Detroit to Los Angeles and saw the artistic and comparatively more experimental offerings from Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. Motown’s influence has impacted generations of artists since its heyday in the 1960s. Its contributions to the racial integration of the music industry will never be forgotten - nor will its infectious sound.

Entering the 1970s, as rock'n'roll flourished in global popularity, new and creatively exciting pockets formed. Zeppeln and Sabbath led the way to a heavier realm. Studio geniuses like McDonald, Fagan (Steely Dan), and Zappa brought rock a virtuosic, jazz-like obsessiveness and revelry. Rush, Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, Kansas et al. synthesized and warped the genre into new, progressive dimensions.

Lurking beneath this polished, popular, prosperous rock'n'roll machine was Punk Rock, the genre's most raw and rebellious form. This show pays homage to the two bands widely credited for defining the core Punk sound—Queens, NYC's Ramones—and launching it into the global zeitgeist—The Clash from London, England.

Be not deceived, dear rocker. This show is anything but easy. The Ramones's speed and bottomless energy. The Clash's generous dosing of Punk with dub, reggae, funk and more from London's electric, eclectic scene. This show offers much to learn for musicians at any level. Prerequisite: a chip on your shoulder.

The Blues is a genre that transcends time and cultural boundaries, and has influenced, in some capacity, nearly every song that has come since its original inception. This show is a crash course in the great blues players over the years and within its setlist, it shows how the torch was passed throughout the years. From the original blues pioneers to the '80s blues revival and beyond, this show is not only a great lesson in instrument improvisation, but also why the blues will never fade away! Traditional artists like Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Koko Taylor, and Albert King will be showcased, along with more contemporary blues masters like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmy Page, and Gary Clark Jr. Throughout the many changes in blues music over the years, it still remains the most influential genre from which all modern rock is derived. One of the greatest aspects of the genre is the way it remembers its creators, innovators, and pioneers. It truly is music that will continue to stand the test of time as we celebrate those that we call “Blues Legends”.

Green Day rose to prominence in the early '90s as one of the largest bands in the world. Mixing Pop-style songwriting with Punk Rock aesthetics, Green Day has continued to be one of, if not the most, successful acts in the sub-genre of pop-punk. Ranging from their early hits off the album Dookie to later releases like American Idiot, this show is sure to excite any student. The Green Day show will offer a wide variety of guitar parts which are perfect for beginner and intermediate players. Advanced players will be challenged with marrying musical accuracy with stage showmanship. Drummers will be challenged to gain the endurance necessary to power through high tempo songs while more beginner players can build their chops with some of the slower more ballad centered material. Vocalists will focus on Billie Joe Armstrong’s fast staccato delivery, the use of chest voice and belting, as well as exploring the use of the major scales. In addition, proficient vocalists will be challenged by the various harmony concepts. When it comes to punk-style bass parts, Mike Dirnt lays down solid punk rock bass tracks, ranging from driving root notes to dynamic riffing.