School of Rock Calgary students rehearse ahead of Stampede appearance
Posted Apr 23, 2025 9:12 am.
Last Updated Apr 23, 2025 9:13 am.
School of Rock Calgary is handpicking some of their top students to play at the Coca-Cola Stage at this year’s Stampede.
The band is made up of teenagers who have under three months to prepare to share the stage with award-winning artists.
Most of the young musicians are set to make they’re stage debut, like 12-year-old drummer Shea O’Sullivan.
“I’m super super excited — being like 12-years-old and playing at the Coca-Cola — that’s a very big step from like playing small venues then going up on like the Coca-Cola stage,” he told CityNews. “That’s a pretty big step for me.”
The kids say the program has given them a chance to play on a big stage.
School of Rock Calgary director, Ryan Marchant, says he’s proud to be able to give them the opportunity.
“There’s a good amount of first timers that haven’t played on the Coke Stage before and to be able to give them that opportunity, it just feels so awesome,” he said.
Tuesday was the first jam session for some members of the band. As many of them have never played together before, they’re looking looking to build chemistry in time for the big show.
“We’ve all worked hard to get to this point, to play the Coke Stage,” said vocalist Emma Gaudette. “So that’s already something we have in common.”
“You just got to communicate with your bandmates,” added bassist David Balaton. “Make sure everybody’s on the same page.”
School of Rock Calgary takes the Coca-Cola Stage in Stampede Park on July 10.
