Bach to Rock Student Band Wins Prominent Local Talent Competition

Throwing Wrenches, a band formed at a Maryland Bach to Rock music school, took home top prize in a contest modeled after “America’s Got Talent”

Throwing Wrenches, an alternative rock band formed and developed at a Bach to Rock music school in Maryland, recently took top honors at a talent show modeled after the hit television series, “America’s Got Talent.”

The second annual “MoCo’s Got Talent” brought a crowd that packed the Fillmore of Silver Spring and featured several up-and-coming acts from Montgomery County, Maryland. Those who performed were hand-selected by local celebrity judges after proving their talent in a two-step audition process that brought out more than 65 acts.

As Throwing Wrenches blazed through their set, it was evident that the local band deserved the top prize. Judge P. Stew, Imaging Director with rock radio station WKYS 93.9 FM, encouraged the audience to whip out their cell phones and purchase the band’s music on the spot. Angie Ange, an on-air personality with WKYS, echoed her colleague’s sentiments with a Tweet sent to her nearly 45,000 followers:

“Had to buy this band’s song after hearing them perform it live today at the MoCo’s Got Talent competition #firstplace.”

The band Angie was referring to was Throwing Wrenches, and she linked to a website where her followers could purchase the band’s music.

Bach to Rock music franchise fosters young talent

So how did Throwing Wrenches go from being a local band to being the toast of a major rock radio station? The band was formed and developed at a Bach to Rock music school in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where the members still attend and continue to hone their sound. We encourage students at every Bach to Rock music franchise to lead the way in their music education. Gone are the days of the out-of-touch piano teacher who doesn’t cater to the student’s interest. We want music to be a lifelong passion for our students, and we give them the tools to make that a reality.

“I learned everything I know from Bach to Rock,” says Jacob Elder, bass player with Throwing Wrenches. “They know how to teach, and they know how to make it so you understand it. Playing music isn’t as simple as a lot of people believe. Once you’re in a band there, the staff also makes sure that you get gigs, which I really like. They take care of you. They make sure you are able to get your name out there and perform for people.”

Not only is Bach to Rock meeting the demand for quality music instruction, we’re doing it in a way that gives students the thrill of feeling like a star. A typical Bach to Rock student is an old hand at taking center stage — and an instant star to their family members, friends, classmates, and wider communities. Our nontraditional approach to music education allows our students to take individual lessons, but also to form bands of their own. That band dynamic fosters collaboration and community with peers, which boosts individual confidence and self-esteem.

“The amount that Bach to Rock has helped us is priceless,” Jacob says. “Every week we go to Bach to Rock and work very hard at writing original music and practicing covers for all of our upcoming concerts. It’s been a huge part of my life, especially in terms of my social life, because I don’t play any sports or do anything like that — so having Bach to Rock really means a lot to me.”

Music education is important to children’s development

In a research paper written for Psychology Today, neurologist and educator Judy Willis explains how joyful learning leads to far better results. Indeed, Judy writes that “brain research tells us when the fun stops, learning often stops, too.”

At every Bach to Rock music franchise, our rooms are filled with children who are laughing and learning. This makes a big difference to the franchisee because parents whose kids are learning are willing to continue to pay for lessons over time — because they love seeing their kids succeeding.

Brian Gross, President and CEO of Bach to Rock, understands how important music education is.

“If you look at a hierarchy of parental needs, education is at the top, and music education and sports are right up there,” Brian says. “While we’re an extracurricular activity, we have a lot more depth and substance than other things, whether those other things are swimming or karate or dance or something else. When parents are forced to cut back, thankfully, music education is pretty safe. For us to get cut, there have to be really dire financial circumstances.”

Bach to Rock is a franchised music education school for students of all ages, from early childhood through high school and beyond. Its unique twist is that it turns music into a “team sport” by creating student bands that learn to play sets, record in a studio, and perform in public. It provides individual music lessons, too, but in an engaging way that offers students exposure to whatever kind of music they like — Top 40, classical, hip-hop, blues, country, gospel, jazz, a cappella, bluegrass, electronica and more.

Learn more about Bach to Rock

For in-depth details about a Bach to Rock franchise opportunity, download our free franchise report. You can also learn more by visiting our research pages.