In true 2020 fashion, our Winter Music Showcase was one that we’ll never forget.

Our theme was Comfort & Joy and that was because, in a pandemic year, we needed a little bit of both.

The Joy of being on stage and performing music again, in front of up to two family members in a cafe style performance venue—socially distant of course.

and…

The Comfort of performing virtually, but still being able to participate in our bi-annual show.

In case you missed the performances, check out our “Live” page where you can still watch the Livestream recordings of the performances here.

On Friday, December 4th, we kicked off our first night with performances from our six bands. Not only was this a first—joy!—but it was a special night where both students, family, and mentors got to enjoy live music again.

Our band program isn’t something we’ve widely promoted (yet), but during quarantine, the band program became a thing.

Lead by select mentors, 26 students meet together for 1-2 hours a week to learn how to make music as a band. These sessions become the foundation of learning group dynamics, stage presence, parts, Nashville number system and the list could go on.

Here are some snapshots of some highlights of night one…

Beginning at 11 am on Saturday, December 5th through Sunday night at 6 pm, we hosted 138 students over seven shows, both in-person and virtually, in a weekend full of wonderful performances.

Checkout some of the performance pictures below…

At the end of each showcase, we gather all of the performers for a group picture.

Here are a few photos from the weekend…

A tradition at each showcase is the opportunity for a photo opp on the red carpet with friends, family, mentors, and bands.

Here are a few red carpet photos from the weekend…

We concluded the weekend celebrating Mike Wessner and Alison Stevens—both of whom have been teaching at ROOTS for 10 years! We are so grateful for these two pillars on our mentor team. They are well-loved by students, parents, and their fellow colleagues.

We believe that music showcases (aka “recitals”) shouldn’t be drab, long, or boring.

It takes a team of 8 people a full day to set up the stage, lighting, sound equipment, live stream, piano tuning, gear, slides, videos, swag bags, performance certificates, programs, photography, video cameras (yes two!), and countless other behind-the-scenes details.

We do this not because we have to, but because we get to.

To us, performing is a BIG deal, and we want the experience to be BIG too!

Plus, when it’s one of only two opportunities a year that our students get to showcase their work, we go all-in!

Music showcases are hosted at ROOTS in Studio A twice a year: April and December. Students are not required to participate but are strongly encouraged.

There’s a small performance fee to participate, which helps us cover the production, rentals, staff costs, and other expenses that go into creating a memorable experience for all.

We hope to see you at the Spring 2021 Music Showcase!