Opening Act: School of Rock Coming to Norwood

Does your garage or basement often have the wailing and clamor of a young musician reaching for the stars?

You might want to sign him or her up for the School of Rock, opening this Saturday on the Norwood/Walpole line.

School of Rock is a growing business with over 100 locations across the country that teaches young musicians the skills to hone the rock star in all of them.

Walpole resident Ed Jackowski is opening the franchise, located at 1250 Washington Street in Norwood, with his long-time friend Tom Brunelle who lives in Los Angeles and is a producer for E! entertainment television. Both men grew up in Holyoke, Mass.

They will host a grand opening celebration Saturday, March 30 where potential students and their parents can learn more about the school.

According to Jackowski, what sets School of Rock apart from a typical music lesson is that they offer group lessons as well as one-on-one lessons rolled into one curriculum.

A typical program will include a private lesson once a week and then a three-hour group lesson on weekends.

The school has a fully equipped stage with lighting and sound equipment to give students a feel for what it is like to be in a real band.

The end of each semester culminates with students playing music in a band setting in a live venue outside of the school.

“We believe as much in the live performances as we do in the individual lessons,” Jackowski said.

Students will be taught to play music from legends like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Who and Pink Floyd and from modern bands like Foo Fighters and Black Keys.

“We really try to stay true to the roots of rock and roll and teach some of the kids about music they may not know in the past that set up the artists that they listen to today that they admire,” he said.

The Norwood/Walpole school is one of three the pair are slated to open up on the South Shore.

“They’re great communities. I personally have lived in Walpole for nine years and I have two kids in the Walpole school system,” Jackowski said.

The grand opening will be from 1-4 p.m.

The School of Rock house band will be performing sets at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

They will be raffling off prizes including a new guitar and a rock and roll birthday party package.

They will also be giving kids rock and roll hairstyles.

“There are going to be a couple people there spiking up kids’ hair and spraying them with colors and temporary tattoos,” Jackowski said.

For more information about Norwood/Walpole School of Rock visit their website at www.norwood.schoolofrock.com.