ROOTS Academy
Band Program2024-04-18T09:51:49-05:00

OnStage Band Program

OnStage Band Program

Bands, Ensembles and Courses For Beginner through Advanced Level Musicians

Register today for the NEW OnStage Bands and Courses Starting in August 2024
Josh Ashley - OnStage Coordinator

Josh Ashley

OnStage Coordinator

Welcome!

Thanks for stopping by and learning more about our band program and courses.

At ROOTS, we are passionate about growing dedicated and well-rounded musicians. We train and challenge our students as musicians as well as mentor their character and hearts. Our goal is to have a positive and safe environment where musicians can learn exceptional techniques, see their full potential, and gain self-confidence.

Below you’ll find details about our OnStage band program, mentors, schedule, tuition, and more.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out: [email protected].

-Josh

OnStage Courses

Start your venture into the OnStage Band Program with one OnStage Courses! These courses are designed for students, in 4th-8th grade, interested in playing with other musicians – an excellent way to build community while improving as a musician.

Register now to take the next step in your musical journey and learn the ins and outs of playing your instrument as part of a band! No Auditions Required.

Foundations Course: Ages 8-11

No Audition Required
1 Year of Instrument Experience Required

Dates: August 12 – November 18, 2024

Learn the basics and experience performing in a band, including:

  • Understanding Band Dynamics & Roles
  • Developing Musical Skills
  • Communication & Collaboration
  • Rehearsal Techniques
  • Performance & Stage Presence

Course Price:

$349.00

Foundations Course: Ages 12-14

No Audition Required
1 Year of Instrument Experience Required

Dates: August 12 – November 18, 2024

Learn the basics and experience performing in a band, including:

  • Understanding Band Dynamics & Roles
  • Developing Musical Skills
  • Communication & Collaboration
  • Rehearsal Techniques
  • Performance & Stage Presence

Course Price:

$349.00

OnStage Bands

OnStage Bands features weekly group rehearsals, where students collaborate with peers to perform group selected songs. Band placement is tailored to each student’s age and skill level. Bands members will work with mentors to select songs and parts to enhance their learning.

The program’s primary goal is to prepare students for live performances, culminating in shows at local venues where they experience playing before an audience.

Auditions for the Fall 2024 Season are June 7, 2024. Register today!

Gold Bands

1+ Year Experience • Audition Required

Ideal for students with at least one year of instrument experience, or completion of the Foundations course.

  • Meets weekly for two hours.
  • Performs at local venues, events & showcases.
  • Placement based on audition

Genres

  • Pop
  • Rock

Tuition:

$199/month

Platinum Bands

2+ Years Experience • Audition Required

Ideal for musicians with 2-4 years of instrument and 2+ years of band experience.

  • Meets weekly for two hours.
  • Performs at local venues, events & showcases.
  • Placement based on audition

Genres:

  • Rock
  • Girl Pop
  • Indie Pop

Tuition:

$199/month

Diamond Bands

Ages 15+ • 5+ Years Experience • Audition Required

Ideal for advanced level musicians with a minimum of 5 years of instrument and 3 years of band experience.

  • Meets weekly for two hours.
  • Performs at local venues, events & showcases.
  • Placement based on audition

Genres

  • Pop Punk
  • Indie Pop
  • Pop
  • Hard Rock

Tuition:

$199/month

OnStage Ensembles

OnStage Bands features weekly group rehearsals, where students collaborate with peers to perform group selected songs.

Band placement is tailored to each student’s age and skill level. Bands members will work with mentors to select songs and parts to enhance their learning.

The program’s primary goal is to prepare students for live performances, culminating in shows at local venues where they experience playing before an audience.

OnStage Bands offer three different band experiences…

A Capella Ensemble

Ages 11+ • Intermediate+ Skills • Audition Required

Ideal for voice students with intermediate to advanced singing & sight-reading skills.

  • Meets weekly for two hours.
  • Performs at local venues, events & showcases.
  • Placement based on audition

Tuition:

$199/month

Strings Ensemble

Ages 11+ • Intermediate+ Skills • Audition Required

Ideal for intermediate to advanced level string students.

  • Meets weekly for two hours.
  • Performs at local venues, events & showcases.
  • Placement based on audition

Tuition:

$199/month

OnStage Band Details

How OnStage Bands Work

Prior to beginning the program, students will be required to attend an audition to help determine which level of the band is right for them. After the audition process is complete, the bands will be formed based on the results of the auditions in conjunction with the criteria specifications listed for each OnStage classification.

The bands will then be assigned a ROOTS Music Mentor as their acting OnStage Band manager and rehearsals will begin. Each session will conclude with a live performance showcasing all of the bands formed during that particular session.

In addition to playing music, students will also experience multiple other facets of being in a band. From deciding on their band name, designing their own logo, determining their image, and posing for the camera at their very own photo-shoot, students enrolled in the OnStage program will get a real-life glimpse into what it means to be part of a band.

OnStage Live Auditions for the 2024 Band session are June 7, 2024. Auditions will take place at the end of our OnStage Summer Intensive week. While attendance isn’t required, it is HIGHLY recommended. Click here to learn more about OnStage Summer Intensive.

Click here to register for auditions.

Live Auditions will consist of a brief interview in addition to a demonstration of musical ability and stage presence. All material will be made available prior to auditions.

*If a student is not available on the date of auditions, please email us for makeup details.

It’s also important to note that not everyone who auditions will be accepted into the program. This doesn’t necessarily mean the student isn’t ready for the program but rather an indication of too many like instruments auditioning and or not enough compatible students within that student’s proficiency level. All efforts will be made to accommodate as many aspiring musicians as possible!

All auditioning musicians will be evaluated on the following criteria:
– Instrument Knowledge (30%)
– Preparedness (20%)
– Stage Presence (15%)
– Technique (15%)
– Theory Knowledge (10%)
– Attitude (15%)

Important Links:

Audition Registration Form

Audition Materials

Students 11+ who are intermediate-advanced level musicians are welcome and encouraged to audition to be part of the Rock Band program.

All musicians are required to attend auditions. This allows our staff to get to know each student individually and helps to place them in a group with other like-minded musicians.

Students are not required to be enrolled in private lessons at ROOTS to audition.

Band size and composition will follow a general line up to include the following; 1 vocalist, 2 guitarists, 1 bassist, 1 keyboard player, and 1 drummer.

Though this is not always possible, bands will never include less than 3 members (i.e. guitar/vocals, bass, drums) or more than 7 members. This is to allow maximum playing time and attention for each student while also staying true to a group experience in music-making.

All rehearsals will occur at ROOTS Academy, be between 1 to 2 hours in length, and directed by the ROOTS Music Mentor that has been assigned to each band as their acting band manager.

Bands will rehearse once each week on the same day and time with exact days and times being determined at the beginning of each session prior to auditions.

ROOTS will provide a majority of the gear needed for auditions, rehearsals, and performances.

However, guitarists and bassists are expected to bring their own instruments, and drummers their own sticks. Amps, vocal mics, keyboards, and drums/cymbals will be provided.

Bands will create a setlist of songs for their live performance based on several factors. In addition to musical proficiency, song selection will also be determined based on educational value, lyrical content, and age appropriateness.

Students wishing to participate in the Rock Band program will be allowed to perform on multiple instruments with their band if and when the situation is in favor of all band members. For example, vocalists that also play guitar or keyboard players that also sing.

These circumstances will be dealt with in a case by case scenario and any student wishing to play more than one instrument within their band should make this known prior to auditions so it can be considered when the bands are formed.

Such students will also need to audition on each instrument individually and simultaneously to properly gauge musical proficiency.

Bands will participate in multiple Live Performances throughout the year.

Performance opportunities will range from playing at the semi-annual Music Showcases, as well as at music venues in the Franklin or Nashville area. This venue can change with each session and will be announced once the venue, date, and time of the performance(s) are confirmed.

Show length will be determined by the number of bands and how many songs each one is ready to perform.

Audition Details

New Bands Launch in August 2024

Important Dates

  • April 1 – Audition Registration Opens

  • June 6 – Registration Closes for Auditions

  • June 7 – Live Auditions for the 2024-25 Season (August-May)

Meet Our Band Mentors

Band Performances

Band Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

How old does my child have to be to participate in a band?2023-06-28T08:54:53-05:00

Students who have been playing at least one year and are no less than 11 years old are welcome to audition for the band program.

When do bands start and end?2023-06-28T15:30:44-05:00

The 2023-2024 season will begin the week of August 7th, 2023 and end the week of May 13th, 2024.

Do I have to have a mentor referral in order to join a band?2023-06-28T15:31:46-05:00

Nope! While a Mentor may refer you to the program, any musician 11 years of age or older may audition.

Can my child participate in a Band with multiple instruments?2023-02-27T21:27:01-06:00

Students wishing to participate in the OnStage Band program will be allowed to perform on multiple instruments with their band if and when the situation is in favor of all band members. For example, vocalists that also play guitar or keyboard players that also sing.

These circumstances will be dealt with in a case-by-case scenario and any student wishing to play more than one instrument within their band should make this known prior to auditions so it can be considered when the bands are formed.

Such students will also need to audition on each instrument individually and simultaneously to properly gauge musical proficiency.

What gear is provided for band class?2023-06-28T15:32:26-05:00

ROOTS will provide the majority of the gear required for rehearsals and performances, however members will need to bring everything they need for their instrument.
Guitarists will need to bring their instruments and are strongly encouraged to bring their own amp, pedals, and cables. They will need to bring any accessories as well such as capos and guitar picks.
Drummers will need to bring their own drum sticks and ear protection (recommended).
A bass amp, guitar amps, vocal mics, keyboards, and a full drum kit will be provided.
When and where are band rehearsals?2023-06-28T15:33:08-05:00

All rehearsals are 2 hours long and are held in our Band Rehearsal Studio in the ROOTS Academy Annex building (328 Southgate Court).
Bands will rehearse once each week on the same day and time with exact days and times being determined at the beginning of the season.
How many people are in a band?2022-05-09T16:08:19-05:00

Band size and composition will follow a general line up to include the following; 1 vocalist, 2 guitarists, 1 bassist, 1 keyboard player, and 1 drummer.

Though this is not always possible, bands will never include less than 3 members (i.e. guitar/vocals, bass, drums) or more than 7 members.

This is to allow maximum playing time and attention for each student while also staying true to a group experience in music-making.

What’s involved in the OnStage audition process?2023-10-19T10:17:09-05:00

OnStage Live Auditions for the 2023-24 Band session are July 14* from 10AM-2PM. *If a student is not available on July 14th, makeup auditions are July 21.
Live Auditions will consist of a brief interview in addition to a demonstration of musical ability and stage presence. Audition materials can be found here.
All auditioning musicians will be evaluated on the following criteria:
– Instrument Knowledge (25%)
– Preparedness (20%)
– Stage Presence (15%)
– Technique (15%)
– Theory Knowledge (10%)
– Attitude (15%)
Does every musician who auditions make a Band?2023-06-28T15:34:55-05:00

Due to the limited number of Bands and the limited number of slots in each group, not every student will be placed in a Band. During placement we take into account both skill level and age, while doing our best to build well-balanced Bands. If you are not initially placed in a Band, and another student denies their offer into the program, you may be extended a late offer to fill the open spot!

Does my child have to be enrolled in private lessons at ROOTS to audition for a Band?2023-06-28T08:46:28-05:00

Band Auditions are open to musicians 11 years and older, even if they’re not currently enrolled in private lessons at ROOTS. However, once accepted into the OnStage program, all members must be committed to private lessons at ROOTS (recommended) or show proof of enrollment elsewhere.

How often will OnStage Bands perform live?2023-06-28T15:35:30-05:00

Bands will participate in multiple live performances throughout the year. Performance opportunities range from playing at the semi-annual OnStage Band Show, RMA FEST, as well as at local festivals and music venues in the Franklin/Nashville area.

When are the 2023 Fall Session Band Auditions?2023-06-28T15:39:27-05:00

OnStage Live Auditions for the 2023-24 Band session are July 14* from 10AM-2PM. *If a student is not available on July 14th, makeup auditions are July 21.

Where can I register for OnStage Band Auditions?2023-06-28T15:37:47-05:00

Registration for 2023-24 Onstage Band Session is open! Click here for audition details and to register for Auditions July 14th.

Are current OnStage Members guaranteed a spot for the next session?2022-07-27T16:19:16-05:00

No. All OnStage members — new and returning — are required to audition for acceptance into the program each year.

How long is the Session Commitment for OnStage Bands?2023-06-28T08:48:27-05:00

OnStage Band Sessions run from August – May.

Questions?

If you have any questions about our program, please don't hesitate to call or email one of our team members:

Emily Lindsey - Music Director
Jamie Catalfamo - Music Operations Manager
Josh Ashley - New Student & OnStage Band Coordinator
Lori Kairdolf - Scheduling Coordinator
[email protected]
(615) 804-1177, ext. 1

ROOTS Music offers in-studio, in-home, and online music lessons on piano, voice, guitar, drums, violin, ukulele, songwriting, music production, and more! Band, ensemble and group classes are also available.

ROOTS Dance offers a wide array of preschool, recreational, and competitive dance classes for ages 18 months to 18 years. Classes are available Monday through Saturday in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, acro, and more.

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