No Doubt v Sublime - (Mon 6-8pm) This summer, go back to the 90s for an ultimate showdown between two titans of the "SoCal Sound": No Doubt vs. Sublime! On one side, we have No Doubt, the Orange County powerhouse that brought ska into the mainstream with Gwen Stefani’s iconic vocals and high-octane energy. On the other, we have Sublime, the Long Beach legends who seamlessly fused punk, reggae, and hip-hop into a laid-back, "party-at-the-beach" vibe. Students will master everything from punchy horn lines and driving punk rhythms to deep, groovy reggae basslines and catchy pop hooks. Vocalists will tackle Gwen Stefani's powerful, emotive belts and Bradley Nowell's smooth, reggae-inflected melodies. Guitarists and bassists will explore a wide range of styles, from crunchy punk riffs and surf rock to rhythmic reggae "skanks" and melodic, walking bass lines. Keyboardists will learn essential '90s synth-pop textures and bright ska-organ stabs. Drummers will learn the art of the "one drop" reggae beat alongside fast-paced punk energy. Expect to play a mix of chart-topping hits and deep cuts, including "Just a Girl," "Don't Speak," and "Sunday Morning" from No Doubt and "Santeria," "What I Got,” and "Badfish" from Sublime. The show might even feature "Saw Red" or "Total Hate," legendary tracks where Gwen and Bradley originally shared the mic! This season is about more than just music—it’s about the spirit of rebellion and the fusion of cultures that made the '90s rock scene legendary.
Songwriting - (Tue 4-6pm) Unleash your inner rockstar and transform your musical ideas into sonic reality! School of Rock’s Songwriting Program turns the rewarding, thrill-ride experience of creating original music into a reality for young musicians. Get ready for much more than a weekly rehearsal - this is a songwriting class where you’ll master the art of songwriting and arranging while composing your very own, authentic hits. Each week will feature high-energy workshops and lyrical sessions designed to shatter writer’s block, using professional-grade techniques to turn sparks of ideas into blazing anthems. As your song develops, watch your solo vision come to life with the full band! You’ll work as a team learning arrangement techniques and providing backing for your fellow musicians, building a collaborative, high-energy environment. The season explodes with a live, final performance where you showcase your original creations to a roaring crowd. Stop just playing the hits and start writing them!
Greatest Hits of Movies & TV (Tue 6-8pm) - Lights, camera, action! School of Rock Sacramento presents The Greatest Hits of Movies & TV: a cinematic journey through the iconic songs that defined our favorite visual moments of the big and small screens! Whether it’s the head-banging energy of Queen’s "Bohemian Rhapsody" from Wayne’s World, the rebellious howl of Steppenwolf’s "Born to Be Wild" from Easy Rider, or the modern-day resurgence of Metallica’s "Master of Puppets" from Stranger Things, students will learn what it takes to perform music that carries the weight of a story. Guitarists will master everything from the driving, simple riffs of "Iron Man" (Iron Man) to the complex, epic layers of "Purple Rain". Vocalists will take on diverse vocal styles, from the power-ballad belts of Aerosmith’s "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" (Armageddon) to the quirky, high-energy hooks of theme songs like "Ghostbusters". Bassists and drummers will lock in with the heavy grooves of "Another One Bites the Dust" or the atmospheric, haunting rhythms of The Pixies’ "Where Is My Mind?" (Fight Club). Keyboardists will be able to lean into the synth-heavy 80s vibes of "Danger Zone" (Top Gun) or the bright, pop-rock textures of "The Power of Love" (Back to the Future). Expect a blockbuster mix of hits, including "Don't You (Forget About Me)" (The Breakfast Club), "Eye of the Tiger" (Rocky III), and "Old Time Rock and Roll" (Risky Business). This summer, step into the spotlight for a high-energy performance featuring the most legendary rock songs ever to grace a soundtrack!
Guitar Gods (Wed 4-6pm) - Prepare to melt your face! Guitar Gods is not just a show; it’s a high-octane sonic celebration of the divine architects of rock history. We’re talking about the titans—the icons known by only one name—Beck, Jimi, Clapton, Page, Orianthi, Santana, Van Halen. But that’s just the beginning. This show pays homage to absolute trailblazers who ripped up the rulebook: Nancy Wilson, David Gilmour, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ritchie Blackmore, Lita Ford, and Duane Allman. This show is an exhilarating journey through the evolution of Rock and Roll, tracking the raw, gritty evolution from the Blues to the blistering speed of modern shredding. While honoring these virtuosic guitar deities, we also shine a spotlight on the incredible bandmates who shared the stage and defined the sound. Featuring songs that are as challenging as they are epic, this is an incredible opportunity for musicians of all levels to rock out.
Iron Maiden v Judas Priest (Wed 6-8pm) -Heavy metal titans go head-to-head in this epic battle of legendary British riffs, soaring operatic vocals, and absolute leather-and-spikes mayhem! This season, our students are bringing the ultimate classic metal showdown to the stage. In one corner, we have Iron Maiden, the kings of epic storytelling, complex galloping basslines, and mythic scale. In the other corner stands Judas Priest, the architects of dual-guitar speed attacks, razor-sharp riffs, and piercing high-octane screams. Guitarists will master lightning-fast alternate picking, harmonic minor scales, and legendary synchronized twin-guitar solos. Bassists will learn to lock into Steve Harris's world-famous "gallop" rhythm and master aggressive finger-picking techniques. Drummers: Get ready to build incredible stamina, double-bass precision, and driving heavy metal tempos. Vocalists: It’s time to push your range to the edge by channeling the soaring operatic delivery of Bruce Dickinson and the glass-shattering screams of Rob Halford. Keyboardists will learn the dramatic atmospheres and dark, symphonic textures of metal's greatest masterpieces. Expect to learn classic metal songs such as: "The Trooper," "The Number of the Beast," and "Fear of the Dark" by Iron Maiden, and "Breaking the Law," "Painkiller," and "Electric Eye" by Judas Priest. This high-energy program is designed to challenge our intermediate and advanced students, pushing their technical limits and stage presence to the absolute maximum.
The Beatles (Thu 6-8pm) -John! Paul! George! Ringo! Arguably the most musically diverse and iconic band of the 1960s British Invasion, The Beatles set the standard for which bands still strive in today’s music. The Beatles are one of the few bands to literally create their own mythos - the lads from Liverpool are as enigmatic intellectually as they are musically. This show doesn’t merely center around the most well-known band of all time, it also happens to employ the most diverse musical range and skill-level window of any artist show. There are raucous three chord garage rock bangers of the early Beatles era, and late sixties era proto-prog technical masterpieces. Drummers will learn the true artistry that is Ringo’s style; bassists will be blown away by Paul’s melodic yet rhythmic bass lines; guitarists will know the sophistication and complimentary guitar skills of John and George which are interwoven in every selection; and vocalists will understand the brilliance of their harmonies. With great material for all instruments, The Beatles show is a can’t miss opportunity for any SOR student!
Deftones (Fri 6-8pm) -This summer, School of Rock dives deep into the heavy, atmospheric, and groundbreaking world of Deftones. The Deftones season theme explores the evolution of a band that refused to be boxed into the "Nu-Metal" label, instead carving out a unique space where heavy alternative meets shoegaze and post-rock. Students will explore the "quiet-loud" dynamic that makes this music so visceral. From the raw, skate-punk energy of their debut Adrenaline to the lush, experimental masterpieces found on White Pony and Diamond Eyes, this show challenges musicians to balance aggressive, down-tuned grit with delicate, ambient beauty. Vocalists will master Chino Moreno’s incredible range, transitioning from breathy, melodic whispers to intense, rhythmic screams. Guitarists will learn the art of the "wall of sound” as they work with dropped tunings, heavy distortion, and the creative use of effects pedals to create atmospheric soundscapes. Bassists will hold down the low end with thick, driving grooves that provide the backbone for the band’s experimental melodies, while drummers will tackle Abe Cunningham’s legendary "ghost notes" and his unique ability to blend heavy-hitting power with sophisticated, jazzy syncopation. The setlist will span their iconic career, featuring tracks like: "My Own Summer (Shove It)," "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)," "7 Words,” "Rocket Skates," "Digital Bath," and "Rosemary." This show is a masterclass in dynamic control, mood, and raw power. It’s not just a concert—it’s an immersive experience in tone and texture.