Internationally Known Music School Celebrates Its Second Anniversary, with an Open House in Support of Make-a-Wish® South Florida

Southwest Ranches, FL, October 09, 2013 --(PR.com)-- School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education inspiring the world to rock on stage and in life, West Broward franchise, announced it will be celebrating their second anniversary with an Open House and Fundraiser in support of Make-A-Wish Foundation's South Florida Chapter on October 19, 2013 at 6880 Dykes Road, Southwest Ranches, Florida from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This event is sponsored in part by MAE Music and Tribut Apparel.

Families, neighbors and residents of all ages are invited to rock the day away. Attendees will enjoy free trial lessons on guitar, bass, drums or vocals, jam on instruments, meet the instructors and current students and their families, take a tour of the facility, Live Music by the House Band, refreshments, enjoy special one day enrollment promotions, Raffles with great prizes, like an electric guitar, giveaway and more. 100% of raffle proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida. 10% of program enrollment fees during the open house will also benefit Make-A-Wish Southern Florida.

Burny Pelsmajer, General Manager of both the School of Rock West Broward and their sister, School of Rock Coral Springs, is pleased at how fast this music program has grown since this location opened two years ago. “I am so glad to be able to be part of School of Rock and spreading the music gospel, so to speak, to the community,” says Pelsmajer. He’s especially pleased to join forces and help raise funds for Make-A-Wish Foundation, South Florida chapter, at the Open House. “I love when we and our students can give back. Our students know how fortunate they are to be able to participate in our program; there’s no better way to show their appreciation than helping other children. Kids helping kids, it’s a win, win situation.”

Pelsmajer has worked with the School of Rock since January 2008, when the first Florida franchise opened in Coral Springs. He plays 17 different instruments professionally, and has been teaching for over 20 years. He has a degree in Jazz Saxophone performance from the Oberlin Conservatory.

Christian Davis, Music Director of the School of Rock West Broward since the opening in October 2011, is glad that he can play a part in keeping the importance of music education alive in Southwest Ranches and the surrounding communities. "With the lack of music education in our school systems it is more important, now more than ever, for students to have the opportunity to learn music in an afterschool setting,” says Davis. “I’m looking forward to meeting some new ‘future rockstars’ at our open house. Teaching music is my life’s dedication; I’m so lucky to be able to share that with my students.”

All School of Rock programs are performance-based and emphasize the message that music is not just about playing an instrument; it’s about teamwork, building confidence, and creating leaders. The first stage is “School of Rock 101”, teaching basic skills through 45-minute private lessons and 90-minute group sessions. Next, students reach the main program, the heart and soul of School of Rock – the “Performance Program.” This stage consists of 45-minute private lessons and a final show. The students are cast in songs and rehearse them in a 3-hour rehearsal each week, preparing for the big show. After 12-13 weeks, the students transform into rock stars in a blowout concert in front of a real live audience. Additionally, School of Rock also offers 5-10 day intensive summer, spring break and winter camps, involving rehearsals with a big show at the end. These 5-10 day intensive camps are guaranteed to transform a want-a-be into a true rock performer. School of Rock also recently launched an adult performance program and a pre-school program called, “Little Wing,” designed to introduce toddlers to the joy of music.

Through School of Rock’s “Guest Performer Series,” students have the opportunity to learn from and jam with some of music’s most iconic names, including Nicko McBrain, drummer from Iron Maiden, Jon Anderson, lead vocalist from the legendary rock band Yes, Earl Slick, David Bowie’s guitarist, seminal post-punk bass player, Mike Watt, and collaborator of the groundbreaking, pop-rock duo The Eurythmics, Dave Stewart.

School of Rock West Broward is open Monday through Thursday, 3:00pm - 8:30pm and Saturdays 10:00am - 4:30pm. For more information on the school, please contact us 954-252-ROCK (7625).