School of Rock: A Life-Changing Experience!

The 2018 Mark Munson Memorial School of Rock wrapped up Thursday night at Tornstrom Auditorium in Brainerd. It consisted of 6 days of camp across two weeks, followed by a grand performance by each of the 5 student bands, the student mentor band, and the instructor band.

I was told just before camp started that this would be a life-changing experience, and it absolutely was. I'd been looking forward to it since missing out on the inaugural camp last year because I'm an idiot and forgot to turn in the paperwork.

I was paired up with my lolah bandmate Ron as co-instructors for a band that would become Bad Plaid. It rhymed, was kinda funny, and we got to dress in plaid. Ron and I were joined by student mentor Jayce; and student rockers Julla (vocals), Callie (vocals), and Jake (saxophone and guitar).

Due to being a few students short of a fifth band; Ron (bass), Jayce (drums), and I (guitar) were enlisted as the rhythm section for the student rockers.

This entire experience - from the first rehearsal to the epic Queen grand finale - was absolutely life-changing for me. I feel like a different person...a better person. The energy these kids brought to the camp has energized me. I seriously barely got any sleep Thursday night!

Please check out the amazing photo gallery for pics from the concert, from rehearsals, and some other behind-the-scenes fun.

See you next year, School of Rock!