Nonprofit Accepting Applications for Free ‘Rock Group’ Program for Teenagers

Lots of high school kids dream of growing up to be rock starts, and one non-profit wants to help make those dreams a reality. 

Students are invited to sign up now for the new, free Rock Group Program at The Attic of The State Theatre, put on by the State College-based nonprofit Sounds.

There will be six weekly sessions on Wednesdays from April 1 through May 6 from 4 to 6 p.m., with a finale performance at a Sounds show at 8 p.m. Friday, May 8. Matt Price, local music teacher, musician and Sounds sound technician, will teach a group of six to eight students the skills needed to perform together as a band. 

To be eligible for Sounds Rock Group, you must be between ages 12-17, have some prior experience playing an instrument or singing, and be able to attend all six weekly sessions as well as the finale. Sounds has electric, acoustic and bass guitars, a mandolin, a keyboard and a drum set available for Rock Group participants. So if you play an instrument but don’t own one, no problem. Preference will be given to applicants with less group performance experience and limited financial resources.

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Mar. 31. For more information, email or call Sounds executive director Misha Cleveland at misha@soundshv.org or (814) 933-6731.

In the Rock Group, students will learn methods and techniques to help increase their skills and confidence as musicians. Classes will focus on teaching students the skills needed to learn songs based on arrangement analysis, short hand chart reading and writing, ear training and listening skills, improvisation concepts and learning about how each member of the band contributes to a rock group sound.

Sounds is well-know for its series of open mic nights, singer-songwriter shows and drug/alcohol free concerts with local bands.

“I like going to Sounds events because music is a great way to release energy,” says high school student and Sounds volunteer Matt Whereley. “At Sounds I can be myself and play music I love and know that people will be kind and supportive of what I do.”

Matt Price, the Rock Group instructor and a State College native, started playing drums when he was 8 years old and has been performing with bands since eighth grade. He’s a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and has extensive experience in both group and one-on-one instruction.

“Young musicians need an outlet for their musical expression. Sounds provides one of the only venues in State College where teens and teen bands can perform,” Price says. “I never had guidance from an older musician growing up and my goal is to help students by providing my experience as a learning tool for them.”

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