School Of Rock House Band Tour Internationally

"MOM! WE MADE IT!" I picked up the phone and barely let out a "Hello?" before being steamrolled by the excited teenager on the line. "Made what?!" I asked, still confused that I got a phone call instead of the usual text communication. "WE ARE GOING TO ROCK IN RIO! THEY ACCEPTED OUR AUDITION TAPE!" The urgency, shock, and elation was palpable in his voice including all the other voices I could hear in the background - as other House Band kids were undoubtedly having the exact same phone conversation updating their equally stunned parents.

The chance that the House Band members took, a newly formed band with less than a few months together, and just as many live performances, was a 'Hail Mary' type of shot you take when you're on the far side of a basketball court... and you don't even stick around to see if it lands. The amazing Team at School of Rock Streetsville encouraged the kids to audition for Rock in Rio as a means to gain experience in the auditioning process, without putting much stock in a reality in which they'd actually be selected. It's Rock in Rio after all, a music festival institution that draws the most powerful names in music (Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat, Scorpions, Evanescence, etc.) while offering side stage exposure to amateur bands. Again, with our House Band in its infancy, expectations were quite tempered for the sake of all involved.

Well, the Leadership at School of Rock Streetsville had clearly tapped into more potential and raw talent than most of us were aware our children had. The coaching and training provided to a group of youngsters who were motivated enough to listen and apply feedback resulted in the near-impossible: with very little collective experience, they got the coveted invitation to perform at Rock in Rio!

With the news having settled in, the reality of timely planning, preparing, and funding is priority! The parents have rallied to bring our various experience in fundraising, taking many avenues to raise as much as we can to ensure all of the House Band kids can seize this opportunity. The expenses will be challenging as this year's Rock In Rio is being held in Spain and Portugal.

By donating to this Go Fund Me, you are reiterating the importance of creating music while building confidence amongst our youth. Additionally, you are giving homegrown talent an opportunity to shine on an International stage. And last but not least, you are providing a platform for Mississauga to be recognized as a very real musical hub brimming with rockstars of the future!"