Chris Morris, Reagan Hardy, Matt Lauren and Kendall Pattison take the stage at Brothers Lounge to play at their show. As the guitar riffs of “Dream On” by Aerosmith drift towards the crowd, the spectators begin clapping and stomping their feet to the music. As Morris’s fingers fly over the guitar, playing various chords and notes in an intricate solo, the audience explodes into applause.

Morris, a Revere High School sophomore, has attended the School of Rock at Rocky River for two years, since the spring of 2012. Morris plays bass guitar as well as the drums in a group that was put together by the School of Rock. His group performs at various venues such as the Brother’s Lounge and the Beachland Ballroom.

Morris’s mother, Mindy Morris, talked of how Morris got started at the School of Rock. The School of Rock is an afterschool school for people to further their interest in music, especially rock music specializing in guitar and drums. The School of Rock is a franchise and has locations all over the United States and international locations in every continent but Europe.

“We had gone to a show in Columbus that [Morris’s] cousin had been in. It was really cool, so we looked for a location in Cleveland,” Mindy said.
Morris also expounded on his prior experiences with music.

“I used to take lessons with a private instructor but it was always boring and I didn’t feel like I was improving drastically so I tried the School of Rock Program my cousin suggested and it turned out for the better,” Morris said.

Morris commented on why he enjoys School of Rock because he found music uninteresting before taking lessons at the School of Rock.
“I really enjoy the fact that I am surrounded by people who enjoy the same stuff that I do, and playing with my friends is a really unique experience that School of Rock has provided me with,” Morris said.

Morris talked about his ambitions for his career at the School of Rock and what his goals entail.

“I am not really a part of a band right now as it is more a group formed by the school, but I would like to hone my skills so I can get into the Headliners and All Stars Program at the School. These programs allow the performers to go on tours and form their own band sponsored by the school,” Morris said.

Mindy added on the additional opportunities offered by these programs at the School of Rock.

“As Chris becomes one of the Headliners or All Stars, he can take on more of a leadership role to the younger kids,” Mindy said.

Chris Bohcey, Morris’s teacher, voiced the necessary skills for success in the area of music.

“I think that practice is one of the key things that will allow students to become successful. I personally think that if the students practice for about two to three hours a day they will become very successful over the long run,” Bohcey said.

Mindy explained what she enjoys most about her son participating at the School of Rock.

“It has been great to see him improve as a musician and a performer and to see the group work as a team,” Mindy said.

Mindy commented on what she feels are the most valuable lessons that Morris has learned.

“The friendships he has made with other students in the program are invaluable, and I enjoy seeing him do something he loves. I enjoy going to the shows,” Mindy said.

Morris explained what he feels he learns through the school.

“I developed my social and speaking skills greatly and I am more confident after attending School of Rock.” “I am much more confident about talking in front of people after performing in large concert halls,” Morris said.

Morris hopes to establish his own band soon and join the Headliners to go on tours with his friends. He also would like to assume more of a mentor role through the School of Rock and help kids pursue their passion as he was able to at the School of Rock.