Music Rocked ‘the Shed’ – the exciting Monday Morning Feedback!

“Just thought you would like to know – thoroughly enjoyed Saturday!  Great fun and very proud!  Wasn’t sure if she would go to pieces – which she has done before!  Tears…shaking the works!!  But she was great!  Just proves whatever you’re doing WORKS!  Her clarinet/sax teacher will be amazed!  I brought her daughter along to watch aswell.  Well done – nice and relaxed for the kids and no stress!” J Manning

“I am lost for words!!! All the bands  that I saw were awesome! They get better every time I see them perform. You are doing wonders with the kids, along with your support staff. You are an inspiration. Needless to say R and the boys blew me away! When R told me he wanted to do my fave song I thought “what the!” How the hell can he reach that note that blows your brains out? It was faaaantastic, and the boys’ music was spot on. You are so encouraging and supportive and I gotta tell you R absolutely loves and adores you! He wants you at his 18th birthday bash next year so don’t forget it! S was good too, he found his range and Ive been telling him for an age that style of song is perfect for him. R smirked a bit when you said he could be the new front man!!! He won’t like that idea much!! haha! Anyway so much for lost words, I managed to find a few descriptive adjectives!!! You are the best” L Tana

“Some of you would be aware that Aaron and Bryce are in a band called “The Blue Door”.  Today they had their second ever gig at a pub called The Shed in Northbridge around lunch time.  Below is the link from the gig filmed via my phone.  Bryce sings and Aaron drums, Josh is on the keyboard (he’s aged 16) and Justin is on base (he’s 20 yrs old and is dressed like Angus).  It’s really important to note that all these boys have some form of Autism and it’s just amazing what music can do for them and all the other children that were involved today. I’m so so proud of Aaron, Bryce, Justin and Josh they all did such a superb job. But especially Aaron and Bryce.  I think Bryce has been holding out on us, such a groover!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i1ytba9aJo    Rock stars of the future!  Eat your heart out Bon Scott! ” L Cocks (One of the proudest mum’s in Perth!)

“Im the Father of Jene and Jarrod Jackman Skele who are ten and eight years of age and are participants and preformers of this fantastic experience that Music Rocks Australia has organized. They both are about to participate in there second performance at The Shed in Northbridge. I have sat through practice sessions at Hillcrest Primary School and have noted the excitement of the children. I have also seen the dedication of Dean taking the young rockers along the process of what it takes to do this. His way with the children is awsome and both they(chidren) and myself are totally energised by the opportunity to practice and then perform at a professional level. My children continually want to practice, research the songs and use my instruments,(they have there own too) in which Im so proud of their dedication. Not only are they playing contemporary songs but also the classics of Rock which is resulting in the neighbours and the district to tap their feet. With all the negative violence and vandalism of some of our youth in the wider community, Music Rocks offers a ‘Ray of Light’ and a sound alternative to keep the children inspired and off the street, creating and not destroying with all there wonderful energy. I highly recommend this initative and know that in the future we may see some of these little talents achieving thier goals in Music and in Life. Thank you Dean for your unflagging effort and thanks children” Jason Skele

Lina’s Thumbs up on the Civic Concert and the difference Music Rocks makes!

Dean, I just wanted to tell you what an awesome job you are doing with the kids! It was a fantastic show, totally blown away with the talent and how they have grown. You have a great support group too, Julian is great! You are filling in a very important and greatly needed gap. Keep up the brilliant work you are doing, the difference in Rio is amazing, thanks to YOU!!! How amazing, you have been so good for him. and yes, no problem using my email, every word is straight from the heart.xxLove love love

Lina Tana

Education Support Centre will be re-contracting Dean

Mr Dean Blanchard began working at Cloverdale Education Support Centre in February 2006 to establish our first Rock Band. Mr Blanchard inspired our students from day one and their enthusiasm has continued to grow throughout the year. He has a wonderful rapport with all the children and manages to be supportive and encouraging whilst also maintaining strong discipline. The students have voluntarily given up two lunch breaks each week to practise their band items because they realise that without commitment they will not improve.

Incorporating the Rock Band into our program has had a positive effect on the student’ attendance, particularly for two students whose attendance increased from 42% in term one to 75% in term two and 85% in term 3. The Band has also helped to instil positive values such as cooperation (with peers and staff), perseverance, resilience, enthusiasm, self discipline and diligence. Performing in the Band has increased the students’ self confidence and self esteem.

I feel that Dean’s idea of taking contemporary music into schools to inspire students who have lost their enthusiasm for learning is a wonderful one.

These students need to feel good about themselves and Dean has the ability to bring out the best in them. I would recommend Dean’s program for all students, but particularly for those who have become disenchanted with school.

Cloverdale Education Support Centre will be re-contracting Dean for 2007 and I hope that many other schools and Centres will consider doing the same. I wish Dean all the best for the future and hope that his Rock Band venture goes from strength to strength… [Music Rocks Australia is still currently teaching Cloverdale ESC kids 4 years later]…

Trudie Hunter (Ms)
Principal
Cloverdale Education Support Centre

… his attendance rate increased to 50%

Music Rocks Australia was implemented for the first time at Hampton Senior High School during Term 2, 2007. After meeting with Dean Blanchard it was decided that this type of activity could be used to improve student attendance, behaviour and self confidence for a group of students at educational risk. The program ran smoothly during the year and as part of the process students were monitored for attendance and behaviour. The success of the program could be measured in many ways – students engaged in their music lessons, parent approval and support of the program but most importantly use the hard data of attendance and behaviour.

During 2006 an Aboriginal student had an attendance rate of 31% whilst in 2007 his attendance rate increased to 50%. We attribute this increase to Music Rocks as he needed to attend the previous 4 days to be able to participate in the music lesson.

For two of the other students involved inappropriate behaviour in normal classrooms caused a disruption to their education and that of other students. These students became involved in Music Rocks and the incidents of inappropriate behaviour reduced by approximately 50%.

Many teachers took the time to attend a music lesson to observe the students in action. This resulted in a shared understanding of the music lesson and a point of interest in which to establish a relationship with the student.

Increased confidence is easily seen but not easily measured by a student or teacher. However, the only evidence I needed was when I took four of the six students involved in Music Rocks to the annual BP Awards dinner. The students interacted with many adults from BP Australia and The Department of Education and Training. I do not believe this would have been possible without the guidance and support from the staff at Music Rocks Australia and the staff at Hampton Senior High School.

After seeing the success of the program in 2007 it was decided to finance the continuation of the program into 2008 and beyond… [Music Rocks is still achieving massive results at Hampton SHS 3 years on for students at educational risk]…

Yours truly
Paula McMahon
Student Services Coordinator
18 February 2008

Professionalism of Dean Blanchard and Music Rocks Australia

In April 2008, Music Rocks Australia founder Dean Blanchard and five of his staff delivered an intensive five day music program in our community.

The program was received well by the local youth, with 17 students from Merredin Senior High School participating in the workshops and showcase concert. The program participants were of varying ages, and while some of the students had previously demonstrated considerable musical skill, many had never picked up an instrument before.

The capacity of the Music Rocks Australia tutors to work with groups within these varied skill levels was outstanding, and the resulting performances from the collective ensemble reflected the dedicated efforts of all who were involved.

The program was instrumental in developing new friendships and networks amongst the youth of our community, and a number of the participants have continued their involvement with music, becoming members of the Merredin Music Club.

The support and professionalism of Dean Blanchard and Music Rocks Australia in developing and delivering a program which was responsive to the needs of the participants was a significant factor in the success of the endeavour, and has produced ongoing artistic and social benefits for the youth of Merredin and the broader community.

I have no hesitations in recommending Music Rocks Australia to anyone considering implementing a professional musical tuition program in their school or community, and wish them all the best for their current and future engagements.

Yours faithfully,

Jane Bandurski

Cummins Theatre Manager

20th August 2008

Her confidence in her self and her singing has improved…

My 12 year old daughter has attended two terms of music rocks programs as a lead singer. Her confidence in her self and her singing has improved significantly. C was having trouble making and keeping friends at school and had general low self esteem.

Through being involved with Music Rocks, she now has a small close group of friends and is so much happier in herself and much more confident and mature. Her social skills have improved 100 fold. My daughter is at her best when in front of a crowd and a video camera! She shines!

Thank you music rocks and staff for allowing my daughter to show her true self through music. We will definitely continue in the program for as long as possible. I would recommend Music Rocks to all children and families regardless of their child’s temperament as this teaches team work, confidence and obviously musical skills. Thanks guys!

You know what, I can’t put into words just how much the program has meant to me (and Caitlin)  as she has changed sooo much in the last 6 months. I think it’s a combination of counselling, puberty and music rocks but whatever is responsible, I have a very different child to the one I had 12 months ago. Sooo much better! Still a way to go yet… think she’d make a great diva! Ha ha.

Thanks dean

Kind regards

Marcia Wilks
Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
YMCA Perth
PO Box 2155
Carlisle North WA 6101