The West Des Moines and Cedar Rapids/Marion house bands are getting ready to take their talents on the road this summer. Learn how your financial support go a long way.

This year, there are first-time students traveling with the School of Rock on the road to the Queen City Rock Fest in Cincinnati and the New Moon Mountain Festival at the University of North Carolina’s Asheville Campus.

There are also plenty of students going on their second tour. One of them is Alek Graham. The house band member from the West Des Moines School plays the guitar and sings.

His mom, Cherish Graham, says sending Alek on these trips away from home was the best decision she ever.

“It was really good growth. He felt comfortable meeting people and they also learn from each other and play with each other,” she said.

The experience was so memorable, Alek still talks about last year’s trip to Milwaukee for Summerfest.

“He loved every second of it,” Cherish said.

Dozens of people packed Uptown Garage Brewing Co. in Ankeny as we hosted the second fundraiser for this upcoming trip. Alek and his band Gilded Cage, performed before the house band performance.

His mom says the growth in confidence and skills she sees in Alek is partly because of his time away from home. She hopes supporters will consider giving to the young musicians, so other members can experience the same growth and opportunity.

Besides the experience, the donations also alleviate stress for her as a parent, because everyday expenses and higher gas prices along with being a single mom can add up. So, she says the contributions are deeply appreciated by the entire School of Rock family.

Our instructor Austin Corrick and his band No Vacancy also took the stage along with Sarah Tonin with Cameron Mertes and Vivien Shutters. 

The Cedar Rapids/Marion School also hosted a fundraiser in June. 

Didn’t make the shows but want to contribute? Venmo: @schoolofrock-westdesmoines

Read about our previous fundraiser here.