Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
Rockit Academy, New Jersey’s number one rock band program for young aspiring musicians, ages eight to 18 (high school seniors) and Brookdale Community College students, will hold auditions on Saturday, January 11 at the Academy’s new home on the campus of Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, NJ.
Rockit Academy (also known as Rockit Live Foundation) is a registered 501(c)(3) charity that endeavors to build character as well as talent, instilling confidence and team skills, with an emphasis on community service. The Foundation’s defining focus is outreach and music education, and, unlike similar programs, auditions students and offers full and partial scholarships to the program.
“The secret ingredient at the heart of our program is passion and charity, with music being the international language to bridge all cultures, and reaching all aspiring artists at every level of economic status,” says Bruce Gallipani, Founder and Executive Director, Rockit Live Foundation. “We are proud and honored to make this happen and announce our new partnership with Brookdale Community College.”
The Academy will offer several scholarships in the coming year, valued at $5,000 each. Scholarships include free private lessons, band class and live performances. The Rockit Academy curriculum takes on full-length albums and themes to deliver outstanding renditions of classics like The Who’s Tommy, Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, Janis Joplin’s Pearl, a tribute to Woodstock and The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Students have the opportunity to perform at professional venues as well as meet and perform with celebrity mentors.
“As arts education continues to disappear from school curriculums, I realize more and more the importance of programs like Rockit,” says Rockit Artist Advisory Board member Maureen
Van Zandt. “My time spent with the Rockit musicians and their amazing staff led by Bruce Gallipani has given me hope that rock music will continue to be respected and cherished, and will live on. They inspire me, astound me, and make me very proud to be involved.”
Since its inception, Rockit has worked with more than 1,700 young musicians to kick-start their careers and assist in leading them to the most prestigious music colleges in the United States. Currently, Rockit hosts twenty percent of its student body funded through scholarships. Participants in Rockit Academy are selected through an audition process. All levels of experience and musical genres are welcome, including beginners, who progress quickly with personal goals and determination. Rockit offers two levels of programs – one for ages eight through 18 (high school seniors) and one for Brookdale Community College students.
For more information on Rockit Academy, its programs and applications, please visit www.rockitacademy.org.
