In Rhapsodies over Advanced Rock On

May 2, 2024—Playing music spanning more than two decades, Advanced Rock On commanded the stage in the David E. and Stacey L. Goel theater during all-school assembly. 

A music elective, Advanced Rock On is designed for experienced instrumental and vocal musicians to hone their performance skills. Students spend the semester deepening their understanding of reading chord charts, tabs, and notation while forging a dynamic, interdependent, top-level band. The course culminates with an all-school performance during weekly assembly, and the band also plays at the Commencement ceremony in June.

Kicking off their performance with “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder (1976), the band got the whole auditorium singing along to “Life Is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane (1991). As part of the class, students may focus on a particular instrument, including voice, and are also asked to try other instruments. 

Upper School student Mina Feldman ’25—who has been involved in the program since Class IV Rock On in Lower School—received screams of support for an electric guitar solo during “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon (1972) and later, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” As the band played “Just the Two of Us” by Bill Withers, William Salter, and Ralph MacDonald (1980), Charlotte Holmes ’26 executed an incredible solo on alto saxophone. A power ballad of the ’90s, “Don’t Speak” by Gwen Stefani and Eric Stefanit (1996), showcased harmonizing vocals from Niko Matsuzaka ’24 and Aimy Huynh ’24 while Pru Sullivan ’24 tackled an acoustic guitar solo. The class covers a variety of musical styles including but not limited to rock, pop, indie, hip hop, jazz, and Latin. 

The finale was a rousing Winsor take on “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Freddie Mercury (1975) with school choir Illumina singing back-up vocals for the band. It became an emotional ending for the band as they relished in the final moments of being on stage together. “Thank you to the members of the senior class in this band,” said Mina Feldman ’25. “I’m so glad to get to play with you guys one last time and I’m so grateful to you for being such an important part of my high school experience.” Feeding off the energy from the musicians on stage, students in the balcony expressed their appreciation for the music by getting up to jump, dance, and sing along.

Thank you to Head of Performing Arts Felicia Brady Lopez, Choral Director Andrew Marshall, Technical Theater Director Andres Puigbo and the students in his Theater Design course for running the show, Sound Engineer Michael Healey, and the Advanced Rock On parents and guardians who helped make this show come to life. 
Watch the recording. 

Full set list:“Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder (1976)“Life Is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane (1991)“You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon (1972)“Just the Two of Us” by Bill Withers, William Salter, and Ralph MacDonald (1980)“Don’t Speak” by by Gwen Stefani and Eric Stefanit (1996)“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Freddie Mercury (1975) with Illumina

Advanced Rock On musicians and vocalists:Sophia Bub ’27 – electric bass and electric guitarMina Feldman ’25 – electric guitarCharlotte Holmes ’26 – alto saxophone, electric guitar, tambourineAimy Huynh ’24 – vocals, percussionTalya Le ’24 – drumsNiko Matsuzaka ’24 – vocals, percussionBeatrix Picotte ’24 – electric bassSofie Robinson ’24 – keyboardsKenna Schneider ’24 – electric guitar and congasPru Sullivan ’24 – electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocalsTheo Zarrow ’26 – vocals