There’s a hidden gem in our community that is turning budding musicians into rock stars, and it has been doing so for the past 18 years.
Real Rock Band was started by Curt Gordon at the Angelus Theatre in 2008 as a summer student band program. Many of the students in this program are still performing or are still involved with music professionally today.
The program has grown as the years have gone on, and in the fall of 2019, a year-round band program was started in collaboration with Real Rock Band at Olde Main Studios in Springville. The rehearsals for both programs currently take place at Olde Main Studios. Many of these bands and students have started writing and recording original music at the studio and releasing that music on all the streaming platforms. Many have also been invited to perform at multiple music venues along the Wasatch Front; competed in and won Battle of the Bands competitions; performed at city celebration events and festivals; appeared as guests on local radio stations,; and performed at private events.
This hidden gem has helped grow the music community tremendously in the last 18 years. It has brought enjoyment, entertainment, and unity to many people in our community. As a coach and director of the program, I love to see the growth in music ability and confidence in the youth in the program. Many of the students have never even spoken in front of a crowd of people.
The dedication and work they put into learning the songs together and then stepping out on the stage and performing is admirable. There is a lot of anxiety and panic often the week before the concert. The stage fright kicks in for many hours and moments before their time to shine. They face that fear and step on the stage and shine!
The joy and excitement in their faces when the audience claps and cheers, is the result of the hard work and illustrates the growth in confidence occurring. I love to share that moment with them. One student described it best when she told me, after watching my reaction as a band was performing, that I “looked like a proud dad!” These students all have proud dads, moms, and family members, but I am just as proud of these students.
So, how does the program work?
Students sign up and are placed with other students similar in age and musical taste. Once a week they rehearse with a coach for two hours. They pick the songs to learn and come up with a band name as a group. At the end of summer, they perform in concert at the Angelus Theatre. The bands that continue year-round perform at various places throughout the year. There are five concerts per year organized by Olde Main Studios, and many other opportunities at other venues and events for these bands to perform at.
This year the Real Rock Band Summer 2025 End of Summer Concert will be September 5 and 6 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. each night. This year we have four new bands that started in June and five veteran bands that have been in the year-round program.
Cost is $10 per person and tickets can be purchased at angelustheatre.com or at the door the night of the show. The ticket price is split between the Angelus Theatre and the students. Not only are the students learning to play and perform as a group, but they also make some money!
We hope to see you there!
