(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- bergenPAC’s Performing Arts School is excited to announce the launch of a new music program featuring Kathy Sheppard, founder of the first School of Rock in the New York area.

The idea behind the new rock school at bergenPAC is that the best way to learn is by doing, with students playing music from the moment they join. The program is for students ages 5 and up and will feature a variety of performance opportunities at bergenPAC and across the region.

“Our primary goal is to foster a new generation of musicians by introducing them to the classics and essentials in the genre, while challenging them at their individual skill levels,” says Becky Serico, Director of the Performing Arts School. “We will teach the fundamentals of music, such as sight-reading, theory, and technique, in a rock music format.”

Students will enroll for weekly 30-, 45- or 60- minute private lessons on guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, or vocals, while also participating in weekly skill-appropriate ensemble rehearsals. The school year will culminate with a showcase on bergenPAC’s stage. Sample show themes include The Beatles, Frank Zappa, progressive rock, jam bands, funk and soul, and tributes to the 70's, 80's, or 90's.

“What makes this program so great is that with so many rock acts coming to bergenPAC, we can find opportunities for our students to share the stage with them,” Serico said.

Students can meet the instructors and learn more at the Performing Arts School open house during September 11-14 and September 22-23. The rock program will have free trial lessons and a jam session on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.  For more information, visit www.bergenpac.org/education or email [email protected].

“We are excited to reenergize our musical instrument program with so many talented professional musicians,” says Alexander Diaz, bergenPAC’s Executive Director. “This is a great way for aspiring rockers to strengthen their skills and enjoy rocking out on a big stage!”   

The program instructors include: Kathy Sheppard, piano and vocals; Carlos Mena, bass; Mario Giordano, guitar; Luke Becker, drums; and Kyle Crouchelli, saxophone.

Sheppard began her career with the all-female hard rock band Scarlet Fever. She also spent time as the New York Area Regional Admissions Representative for her alma mater, the famed Berklee College of Music, while teaching and performing in diverse musical situations from the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra to Tinseltown Rebellion, a tribute to Frank Zappa. After connecting with Paul Green, founder of the School of Rock, she was granted a license to open a rock school branch using his name. That school opened in South Hackensack in 2004. She also directs the Saturday performance program at the New York School of Rock. Sheppard’s students have gone on to perform with Jon Anderson of Yes, John Wetton of King Crimson and Asia, jazz saxophonist Anthony Braxton, and many more.

Founded in 2003, the 1,367-seat Bergen Performing Arts Center, or bergenPAC, is the area’s cultural mecca. Housed in a historic Art Deco-style theater boasting one of the finest acoustic halls in the United States, bergenPAC attracts a stellar roster of world-class entertainment. The jewel in our crown is The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC – the innovative, educational performing arts initiative that, through programs, classes, outreach, school shows, and main theater presented shows, reach more than 30,000 students and community youth annually. The Performing Arts School provides community youth, age 2 months to 21 years, with unique, “hands-on” training in music, dance and theater by industry professionals. It is through the ongoing generosity of sponsors, donors, members, and patrons that the not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation bergenPAC and The Performing Arts School are able to thrive and enrich our community.