We teamed up with Janie Hendrix, sister of Jimi Hendrix and President/CEO of the official family company Experience Hendrix, Sony Music, Fender Musical Instruments Corp., and Hal Leonard to hold a Jimi Hendrix video performance competition. School of Rock locations all across the globe were invited to submit a video audition of their students performing one of two popular Jimi Hendrix’s songs, “Purple Haze” or “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”. 

The students of School of Rock Guarulhos, Brazil, are the winners of the exclusive Jimi Hendrix 80th Birthday Tribute Contest. The students, Alex, 17 on vocals and guitar, Caio, 17 on drums, and Arthur, 17 on bass, of School of Rock Guarulhos performed "All Along the Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix.

Janie Hendrix, Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock, and Mark Czuchran, of Fender Musical Instruments Corp., then evaluated the performances of six finalists based on the following criteria: overall musical proficiency, accuracy, band cohesion, stage presence, tone, professionalism, flair, visual aesthetics, and the ability to capture the spirit of Hendrix.

"It's incredibly moving to see young guitarists so immersed in Jimi's songs, stretching themselves to give their best performance,” said Janie Hendrix. “The level of commitment to the competition shows tremendous respect for his music. A new generation of gifted performers is in the making, and what an honor to know they're influenced by Jimi."

Each of the students in the winning band was awarded an special edition gear bundle that included a Fender® Affinity Series™ Stratocaster®, a Fender® Voodoo Child coiled cable, a set of Fender® Voodoo Child electric guitar strings, the book Jimi Hendrix: The Stories Behind Every Song, a Fender® Vintage Tweed Guitar Strap, Fender® guitar picks, a two-pack of purple Experience Hendrix wristbands and a souvenir metal photo. 

“Thank you to all of the talented students that participated in the contest,” said Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock. “We look forward to giving our students these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to expand their knowledge, experience, and love of music, all while paying tribute to one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time.”

School of Rock provides students of all ages an exciting and engaging music education experience, which includes bass lessons, guitar lessons, singing lessons, drum lessons, and piano lessons. Drawing from all styles of rock and roll, School of Rock students learn theory and techniques via songs from legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Lenny Kravitz, and Led Zeppelin. Thanks to the school’s performance-based approach, students around the world have gained superior musical proficiency, with some moving on to record deals and larger platforms such as American Idol, The Voice and Broadway.