Rock City School of Music

Our own website

2008-11-19T15:56:00.004+08:00

Hi everyone,

Just wanna let you know that Rock City now has it's own website http://www.rockcityschool.net/

Besides getting more info bout us and what we are up to, you can also listen and download songs there.

And by the way, the report and pics of the Rock City Blazing Guitar Challenge Finals is also there.

2nd Round Results (9th Nov)

2008-11-10T18:49:00.002+08:00

Hi guys, the results are out. Congratulations to those that made it to the last round whose names are here. To those that didn't, we salute you for the good effort and hope to see you again at the next challenge.

The briefing on the format for the last round will be at 12pm and soundcheck will commence immediately after that. Here are the names of the last 16.

1. Wong Kar Wei
2. Alvin Gideon Doss
3. Mohd Fazly
4. Mohd Anas Firdaus
5. Asraf Raiz b. Mohd Songib
6. Mohd Zairul Azreen Shah
7. Abdullah Abdul Rahman
8. Low Wen Fei
9. Mazlan b. Sheik Anib
10. Hasnol Sheiyh
11. Mohd Najeeb b. Ab Manan
12. Mohd Harith b. Mohd Soffian
13. Ihzwan Omar
14. Mohd Nadzir b. Adnan
15. Bejaya Ak Jarum
16. Saiful Nizam Shukor

Will try to post some pics later. :)

Tony

Format for Semis and some Pictures :)

2008-11-06T12:26:00.005+08:00

UPDATE :- The soundcheck and the briefing on the format this sunday will be at 12pm instead of 10am. Show starts at 3pm. Thank you.

Hi there, as promised here is the format for the semis which is this coming sunday 9th Nov. Just want to inform also that we will be keeping in touch with you through this blog only and there will be no further sms from us so do check in from time to time.

Introducing "Rockcity's Guitar Duel". This will be the format for this coming sunday 9th Nov. There will be 2 contestants playing over the same backing track where one will take on a 16 bar improvisation followed by the other who will also take on another 16 bar improvisation immediately after the first contestant is done. Points will be given on creativity, technique and expression but points will be deducted if the improvisation is longer than 16 bar so that means if you overplay you will lose out on points. There will be 2 rounds with different backing track for every contestant.

On another note the judges commented that the sound set by some of the contestants during the Heats is inappropriate for them to judge accurately as either the sound is jarringly sharp or lack clarity. If the judges can't hear you then they can't judge you accordingly so try adjusting your sound again. Just some pointers for your effects sound adjustment, try cutting down on treble...boost up the mid higher than the treble, cut down on bass cause bass will muddle up clarity and you should do fine on that day.

All the best and may the best guitar slinger wins.

Tony

RESULTS 1st Week Heats

2008-11-03T13:10:00.002+08:00

Here are the results of the Heats. Congratulations to those that made it and farewell to those that didn't. There will be 24 contestants moving to the next round on the 9th Nov instead of 12. If your name is stated below that means we will be seeing you this coming sunday.

Wong Kar Wei
Alvin Gideon Doss
Mohd Fazly
Emmanuel Lim
Ihzwan Omar
Asraf Raiz b. Mohd Songib
Hasnol Sheiyh
Mohd. Nadzir b. Adnan
Raiwe Peter
Mazlan b. Sheik Anib
Ahmad Nazri b. Zakaria
Norfairuz b. Mohd Nazmi
Mohd Najeeb b. Ab Manan
Abdullah Abdul Rahman
Mohd Harith b. Mohd Soffian
Wan Amirulfazly b. Wan Ahmad
Bejaya ak Jarum
Kieran David Jumawan
Mohd. Anas Firdaus b. Mukaram
Mohd. Zairul Azreen Shah
Saiful Nizam Shukor
Low Wen Fei
Mohd Nur Afendi
Ahmad Hazli Hasmi

Please check back this page before friday for more information on the format for the next round. Guitar duel will be introduced this week so stay tuned. It will be unlike what you have done before. Feels very much like a gunslinging western showdown just that you will be holding a guitar instead. :)

Tony

(UPDATES) Rock City Blazing Guitar Challenge

2008-10-31T13:22:00.003+08:00

Hello, to all the contestants of Blazing Guitar Challenge. There will be a briefing and soundcheck at 10am at the event venue, Sungei Wang 6th floor known also as T-Hop. Your punctuality will be to your own advantage. The backing tracks will be unveiled then so make sure you are present as the backing tracks will not be played again until the competition begin.
There will be 2 Marshall JCM amps provided so you don't have to bring your own. Due to the large number of contestants, each contestant will be given less than 10 min for soundcheck. Please come prepared. We advise that you go through the necessary list of things that you would need to setup your equipment. Eg: Extension power cords, 3 way adaptors, guitar cable, etc.
Thank you and looking forward to meeting all of you on sunday. All the best!

Tony

Rock City Blazing Guitar Challenge

2008-09-12T12:43:00.005+08:00

Attention all guitarists! Think you have what it takes to be a Guitar Superstar? Then join this blazing challenge!

1st Prize: RM 1200.00 (plus Aria PE Gothic Guitar worth RM1469.00 sponsored by La Floresta)
2nd Prize: RM 600.00
3rd Prize: RM 300.00

Venue: T-Hop (6th Floor), Sungei Wang Plaza
Heats: 2nd November 2008
Semis: 9th November 2008
Finals: 16th November 2008
Time: 3 pm onwards

This is the first challenge of its kind for guitar players. You will have the opportunity to shine with your solo skills with and without music accompaniment. Challengers will be playing against each other in guitar duels that judge you on creative improvisation, technique and showmanship (so dress up in your best rock & roll gear while you strut your stuff).

The challenge is open to all from ages 13 to 30, except those with current or prior recording contracts or music endorsement deals. So if you think you have what it takes, join this blazing challenge.

For more details, call 603 2070 2141, 012 6655 450, 016 607 2200

(Each challenger is subjected to a RM 10.00 registration fee. Closing date 31st October 2008)

Celebrating the United Family of Malaysia: 51st Merdeka 08

2008-09-12T12:41:00.001+08:00

During our last performance in the house (80s Nite) I mentioned that the students of Rock City are too comfortable playing in front of family and friends and that it was time to take them outside to perform for strangers.

And this we have done (way before our year end deadline) when we put on a rapturous show at Jalan Bukit Bintang in front of Sungei Wang plaza for the 51st Merdeka on 30th August 2008 night. And since our students come from various walks of life, comprising of different races and religion, we find it appropriate to celebrate the United Family of Malaysia with songs of different languages and cultures. We even threw in a Japanese number for our foreign friends…(though of course we can’t represent every visitor to Malaysia present by singing a song of your nation, but our hearts are with you and we want to thank you for celebrating our country’s independence with us)

Our grateful regards to all the teachers and students involved for your invaluable sacrifice for coming for the countless practices to perfect the music and in the process I think we unearthed hidden talents and gems in many of you.

I am inspired by all of you for taking on this challenge and making it a success, but most of all I’m glad you had fun…a crucial element of life. I know most of you had butterflies in the stomach, but fret not; even the most seasoned performer gets nervous before going on stage. But you know once up there rocking it out, the fear disappears. So I’m very encouraged you chose to face your fears to live a part of your dream, developing that confidence in you that gets you going in life.

Therefore I’m already looking forward to more performances by the students of Rock City School of Music in public in the future…up to the time you are so damn good the public is screaming for you to grace the stage.

Kit

Recording the Rat

2008-06-11T18:18:00.002+08:00

Finally! After months and months of practice, planning, logistic nightmares we finally got to the studio for the recording of the Year of The Rat, (though the album may be named something else - have not really decided on the name)

For most of the students it was a new experience, first time stepping in to a recording studio, so you can imagine all the cameras snapping away - you know everyone looking cool on their instruments in a room of warm lights, timber flooring and a rustic carpet...now you know why everyone likes to hang out in studios. Some pretended to be sound engineers (when Chee Meng the engineer was not looking) in the control room.

But it was great, we had fun, recorded 5 tracks - Fazly, Razak and Tony letting out in the smooth rock tunes of Left Behind and Happy Birthday, the younger ones - Afendi, Fauzan and Felix ripping it with the punk infused Goddesses and Onion Rings...with the solid Rock & Roller guiding them on bass, and of course finally our rose amongst the thorns Siew Yee who laid down her laid back hypnotic keys on VDentata after David and the Rock & Roller recorded the raunchy riffs and pulsating basslines.

3 takes each song , and I'm now going through them to choose the best to lay the vox and solos. Will be going back in to the studio to polish things up a bit while the vox students rehearse and the guitar soloists perfect their runs.

So happy practising guys...will let you know when we will be recording the Rat part 2.

We caught the rat!

2008-06-11T17:18:00.004+08:00

Mad Jan Guitar Workshop

2008-06-11T16:34:00.002+08:00

The phenomenal Mad Jan from the unassuming sleepy town, Ipoh. For those who miss the workshop fret not, for we have compiled an Instructional Guitar DVD featuring Mad of course and its on Sale Now!

Mad Jan

Wan (Bass), Mad (Guitar), Shah (Drum), Mad's brother (sorry forgot your name)

more pics from the " 80's "......

2008-06-11T16:26:00.001+08:00

A big 80s thank you!

2008-05-08T19:48:00.001+08:00

It was a blast. Every performance, it keeps on getting better and better. I'm really happy how things are progressing. Thank you again to all the students that participated especially to Hakim and Izzah cos they only had 1 practice with the teachers and 1 practice together. Also thanks to all the teachers, especially Jonie who did such a splendid job with the vocal students in such a short time. I love the fact that the singers are now dancin and shakin on stage!

Next round, we will be taking you all outside. I think everyone is very comfortable performing in our hall, so the next one (end of the year) will be a big one in public space...maybe Bukit Bintang or the Curve or depending who we can work with. Will fill in the details as we have them. It's high time we performed to strangers, take the level one notch up.

Also want to thank Mad Jan and his team from Ipoh for the guitar clinic in which his turbo powered fingers sped with blistering pace. We were all left in awe...especially when he said he's not a very good guitarist...haha. The DVDs should be ready soon.

So thanks again to everyone for making this a success.

Kit

80s Night and Guitar Clinic

2008-03-05T15:51:00.001+08:00

Our next performance is on 30th April 2008 (ignore the earlier mentioned date on the 18th). It’s a Wednesday, but the next day is Labour day so it's a holiday! This time we are going back…way back, to a time of big hair and bigger earrings. A time of tight gaudy pants, carrot cuts and even more ridiculous hairstyles. Thankfully we are musicians and not a fashion school.

Come listen to your favourite 80s hits like Sweet Dreams, Every Breath You Take, Pour Some Sugar On Me and more.

So remember to make a date with us.

Then in order to celebrate Labour day, we are having a guitar clinic on 1st May from 2pm-4pm conducted by a guitar master from Ipoh who was the teacher of one of our very own guitar masters. Call us for more details.

We're Back!

2008-02-26T09:38:00.002+08:00

Hi there fellow musicians, rockers and fellow students, sorry for our amazing dissappearing act for the past 2 months. :) Did not get to greet anyone during the recent festive season and the calendar new year so here it is .... drum snare..........HAPPY NEW YEAR AND HAVE A ROCKING YEAR be it in your work, relationship, social but most of all d music.
The Album which Kit talked about The Year of the Rat will be in motion this year as we will start the work this March. For those of you that's interested to know more about it please talk to Kit and he'll be unloading the goods on ya!
Also we are now working on getting the next performance ready for April which, will be dubbed 80's night. As we found out, there's a large number of 80's lovers in the school so we will be organizing this performance specially for you. Have a good rocking time and we'll see you soon. :)

Some more got pictures : )

2007-12-15T14:27:00.000+08:00

Our back up singers. First time got sing in parts all...dun play play

All the girls went crazy when Azim crooned. He sang "Janganlah ucap selamat tinggal" and they cried when he finally "ucap selamat tinggal"

The guy basking in Masjid Jamek. We gave him a job and now he is a punk rocker

"I See Her Dance" Siew Yee playing her keyboard solo

The Green Lantern moonlights as a singer

Even more pics from the party!

2007-12-15T13:40:00.000+08:00

Lin Kit singing with a whole lotta love

Sekhar (or rather "the Shaker") caught eating when he was specifically told not to by vocal teacher Michele cos it'll affect his voice. Naughty boy

The Green Lantern and his Green Buddy trying to camouflage in front of the Green Wall. Not very successful.

The Rock City Chick band

Yummy! This Nasi Briyani vely vely good. From where? I heard it's from Chennai

More pics from the Rock City Christmas Party

2007-12-15T13:06:00.000+08:00

One of our youngest students Wai Sheng on stage

Emcee: Nervous kah?
Afendi: Tak ada lah
Fauzan: Saya dengar Siti Nurhaliza pun nervous bila naik stage

Our lovely and fabulous emcee Ms.Esther Lim

Zeal's performance was so electrifying even the camera was a blur...hehe

Our friends Project Rush

The Christmas Party Report

2007-12-14T10:29:00.000+08:00

Hui Min: You look so cool on the guitar but I look cooler on bass.
Wendy: Who say??? I look cooler! Guitar got 6 strings. Bass only got 4!

Wah! So many cymbals! Which should I hit first ah?

Irene rocking on the guitar

Jude showing the Korg who is boss.

Part of the cheering crowd...ok they have not start cheering yet becos the show not yet start

What a blast everyone had in Rockcity's Christmas Party. The students gave their 150% on stage much to the delight of everyone that was there and the atmosphere was simply electrifying.

It's not easy going on stage to perform before an audience due to the agonizing personal preparations you put yourself through and the many, many rehearsals to get your act right and the infamous "butterflies in the stomach" syndrome which even seasoned artists experiences as well. So we would like to acknowledge the passion, courage and determination of the students that took to the stage and delivered a fantastic show in style that I'm sure will remain in our thoughts for a very long time. Thank you. :)

You are only as good as the teacher that teaches you but every teacher in Rockcity prefers to see their students better than them at least by a country mile wide difference. Hence to my fellow co-workers, I would like to say well done and keep on rocking! A big round of applause also to the emcee, the fabulous Esther Lim of IBM for doing such a fine job in getting the crowd over and in stitches often. I didn't know IBM employ humour in their software. :)

(Update: The guy that Esther introduced as the wanderer from Masjid Jamek is actually our keyboard teacher David)

Finally to everyone that showed up, we love you and we would like to see you return the favour by signing up at our school once the new semester start next year January. I'm sure it's going to be a lovely year next year with you in it. :) To our special invited guest Project Rush, you guys do deserve to win an award for the excellent showmanship. We appreciate your presence and hope to see you again soon. Since many of you commented that the nasi briyani is good we'll keep them in our good books for our next function. Thats all for now.

Thank you.

Tony

P.S. Laffy, thank you for taking over the left wing of the hall....you and your enthusiastic gang are hired for the next show. :)

Videos from the show.

Rockcity School of Music Performance on Dec 13

2007-11-20T15:28:00.000+08:00

Great to be back posting in the Rockcity blog after a month's hiatus. We are proud to announce that the next upcoming Music Performance by the students will be held on December the 13th which is a Thursday at the school itself. Since we are a generous bunch, dinner will be provided. :)
About 7 student bands that will be showcased in this performance plus a special performance by the rock band ZEAL. All in all there will be loads of music mayhem comes the 13th of Dec and yes the entrance is free. :)

Update: Pictures from some of the upcoming performers. (Dec 3rd)

50hours!!! We did it!!!

2007-09-11T14:39:00.000+08:00

Woah!!! 50 hours! We made it. That's right 50 hours non stop drumming at Sungai Wang plaza. Started at 4pm on Friday and ended at 6pm Sunday. I think I slept like about 7 hours from Friday morning till Sunday night. Great job by all the drummers both young and old, pros and beginners. There was never a moment anyone played halfheartedly. Even at 4 in the morning they were still banging away like it was a rock concert! Also the crowd was great. We had an audience no matter what time of the night or day, and many stayed for many hours just to hear the powerful but intricate rhythms. Zeal (our band) had a great time performing too after the event and we look forward to more shows to play.

Cheers
Kit

50 Hours Event This Weekend

2007-09-04T11:12:00.000+08:00

Just to inform that the 50 hours event will be up this coming weekend at Sg. Wang Plaza. Rockcity School of Music will be at the ground from Friday morning onwards. Come down and have a rocking time with us as we attempt to break into the Malaysia Book of Records with our 50 hours non-stop drumming feat. See you there.

The Year of the Rat

2007-08-22T13:14:00.000+08:00

Next year is the year of the Rat! And its gonna be different. Cos this coming new year, Rock City will be releasing its first album called...yup...yer got it, The Year Of The Rat. The songs are all original compositions by the teachers as well as contributions from some of our students.
I would dare to say that we are the only music school in Malaysia that will have an album out for commercial release, perhaps the only music school in the region...and maybe even the world!
The album is eclectic, a mixture of rock, alternative, pop, folk and a touch of jazz.
Students would have the opportunity to be involved in the recording, to see their work in the finished product of a CD. Guided by the teachers, you will have the chance to contribute your ideas for your instrument to the songs.
We will be entering the studio by November and December in order for the album to be ready for release by Chinese New Year. As such preparations have begun and rehearsals with the students will begin the 1st week of Sept.
With the recording in mind and the general progress of our students, class structures are modified with 3 weeks of individual lessons with your teacher and the final week of the month will be a group class so that you understand how your instrument works in context with a band. Techniques will be taught and incorporated in to the arrangement of the song. (That's why we learn techniques anyway, so that we can put them creatively in a composition.)
It will naturally be an exciting project, not only will you learn how to play an instrument, you will have the experience of recording in a studio.
During our last Monday Night Jam showcasing the performance by our students we had a chance to perform 3 of the songs that will be featured on the album. We had a great rocking time, and kudos to the students who performed so brilliantly and gutsyly as well as the teachers for the great arrangements.
So if you wanna be part of this interesting project, come join us at Rock City where you have a chance to be part of an all-original album and stake your inmvolvement and ownership it.

Cheers...Kit

“We Are The Champions”

2007-08-22T10:58:00.000+08:00

“Parrarum… parrarum… parrarum… wooooh!!!” rang the voices of some ecstatic high school girls as they huddled together, hands piled, one on top of the other to execute their customary cheer! Congratulations were in order for the day for one Sekolah Menengah Convent Bukit Nanas (CBN). It was official – they’d won 1st place in the state’s inter-school choir competition. Words could hardly describe the electricity in the air fueled from weeks of grueling rehearsals, the pressure of having to keep up with last year’s win, the teachers’ hopes as well as just plain wanting it bad!

I was privileged to coach some of the most hard-working and dedicated girls I’d ever met. Between sessions of learning up their notes, polishing their pitching, incorporating dance moves, responding to the drill sergeant-like commands (which they thoroughly enjoyed – I swear!), and some really funny “meatball” moments (Girls, you know what this is all about!) these young ladies put in many, many hours of practice by themselves. They were already champions by nature.

Farah Hanna and Naili, you girls shone like stars; Liana, what would they do without your guiding hands? Edeline – that Justin’s gotta call someday! Celine a.k.a. “meatball”, I’m still pushing for that mascot’s outfit! And who could forget the genius of an arranger – Annette, you go way beyond your years; and many of the other girls whose names are too numerous to mention – you are all in my heart.

A special thanks goes out to Mrs. See Tho for caring only like a mother would; Mrs. Chee, for your oversight; and the talented and dedicated Miss Joaan Foo – the girls are indebted to you! I would also like to honor Mrs. Ann Khoo – the Principle, for your support.

Well, it’s off to the nationals now for the young Wilayah representatives. The competition will be held on the 4th of September in Terengganu. Here’s rooting for the best. And girls – I’m so proud of you!

Michele

50 Hours of Non-Stop Drums Action

2007-08-21T13:38:00.000+08:00

In conjunction with the 50th Merdeka celebrations of our beloved country, Rock City School of Music together with Vince Seah of Drummer for Christ (Main Organiser) will attempt to create a record breaking feat that is endorsed by the Malaysian Book of Records where many drummers will take turns to play the drums Non-Stop for 50 hours right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur at Sg. Wang Plaza. Here is some excerpt from the poster.

"Participants will begin drumming at 7th September 2007 Friday (4.00pm) all the way to 9th September 2007 Sunday (6.00pm). Not one but many drummers will be taking turns to drum around the clock.
Participants in this event can be drumming as an individual or as a group (2 or more). All instruments MUST be under the drums and percussions category. At the end of the 50th hour, there will be live performances by artistes & live bands. Participants will be allocated time slot (shift) throughout the event. This is set by the organiser. This record attempt will be entered into the Malaysian Book of Records!
Every participants will be entitled to a certificate of participation and a "50hours" T-shirt and a chance to be a part of setting a Malaysia record!"
The Venue: Sungei Wang Plaza, Kuala Lumpur Time Duration: 7th September 2007 Friday (4.00pm) - 9th September 2007 Sunday (6.00pm)

Do make time and come for this record breaking event as we usher in the 5oth Merdeka celebrations in pure drumming mayhem Rock City style. :)

Here's the link to the poster.
http://www.drummerforchrist.com/50hours/50hoursposter.html

Monday Night Jam Photo Update

2007-08-21T13:30:00.000+08:00

Here's the link to more photos from Monday Night Jam.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10846940@N02/

Monday Night Jam Report Aug 13, 07

2007-08-14T17:04:00.000+08:00

Aug 13, 07' will definitely be one of the nights where the students of Rock City will never forget as they played their hearts out in one of the finest and most exhilarating shows ever put together. Strutting their stuff like only the most seasoned performer could, they rocked the audience and put a whole new meaning to the word Rock! The rollercoaster like show featured staple rock numbers by metallica, bon jovi to the tasteful 80's with hits like uptown girl all the way to the 90's with renowned hits like zombie and finally in the closing stages of the show, a student G3 is served featuring 3 of the hottest guitarist the establishment of rock cocoon has ever witnessed.

Rock City would like to appreciate all those that were there both in putting the show together and as partakers of this whole new generation of talented emerging musicians. More photos will be posted for this event later. Until then Rock On!

Monday Night Jam

2007-08-02T14:13:00.000+08:00

Rock City School of Music organizes bi monthly shows for our students to learn how to play together in a band. Do check us out on our upcoming show on AUG 13, 2007 at our School. Admission is free. See you there.

Welcome to Rock City

2007-08-02T12:55:00.000+08:00

Hi there, Rock City has touched down in blogosphere if there is such a term for it. Will be using this page to keep everyone uptodate on the latest and upcoming events from Rock City. :)