Apr 07, 2016

Rock Workshop Surpasses 100 Bands

2008 was the inaugural year for the Foundry's Rock Workshop. In this educational program participants get placed into bands based on age, ability, and interests. They then rehearse for seven weeks with an instructor, write original songs, record twice at the Foundry's Blast House Studios, and play a gig at the High Noon Saloon. 

In the same year that the Foundry turns 10, the Student Showcase on April 24, 2016 at the High Noon will feature Rock Workshop bands number 95-102. The number of participants will surpass 300 (314 to be precise. And it's over 500 if you count students who participated in more than one round). 

Many of the bands have gone on to play their own gigs, record albums, and participate in battles of the bands such as Wisconsin School Music Association's (WSMA) statewide contest Launchpad (video about Rock Workshop).

Bands who participated in Rock Workshop who you may have heard around town include:
Precocious (2015)
Distant Cuzins (2013, 2014)
Take the King (2013, 2014)
Flash Drive (2014)

Individuals who participated in Rock Workshop:
Andy Yaun (2011, 2012) was voted Student of the Year by the 2015 Madison Area Music Awards (MAMAs)
Alivia Kleinfeldt (2010, 2011) founding member of Modern Mod (which itself has some roots in Rock Workshop), which won MAMAs in 2015 for Alternative Song of the Year and Alternative Album of the Year

There are many more. Are you a Rock Workshop shop alumn? Let us know what you've been up to. 

Rock Workshop Homepage

EVENT INFO
Madison Music Foundry presents
Student Showcase
featuring
Student Jam (over 60 students play nine songs)
Rock Workshop (8 bands, 39 students)
Student Jazz Ensemble (8 students)
Student Rock Band (9 students)
and introducing
Three Split Blend: Foundry Vocal Band (7 students)

Sunday, April 24, 11am-5pm
High Noon Saloon
$3 suggested donation
Event website