CMDS Kid Rockers Get Their First Taste of the Music Business

Three newly formed all-kid bands from the Maxine Moore Music Academy cut their first record Tuesday, May 3, at the first ever ROCK 3:16 Showcase. Before an audience of friends and family, students performed live at Young Avenue Sound Studio in midtown. The musicians greeted guests after the show at a reception where “fans” ordered autographed posters and compact discs of the live performance.

ROCK 3:16 instructor Rick Forbus assembled the bands -“The Snippets,” “DEPR” (pronounced deeper), and “Shiny Objects” - based on the ages and ability levels of the students who enrolled for his class. Leading up to the showcase, each band met for seven weekly sessions, where they learned and played rock and roll standards, as well as contemporary Christian praise and worship songs.

Forbus is not new to the ensemble concept of music instruction. By the time Jack Black’s 2003 performance in “The School of Rock” had generated a cult following, Forbus had been teaching for four years at his own Rock School right here in Memphis. Some of his former students, in fact, have since gone on to platinum winning success.

All Academy instructors are dedicated Christian professionals with college degrees or Music Conservatory certificates in their respective fields.  Private music lessons (including voice) and praise band classes are offered through Christ Methodist Day School and are open to the community. To learn more, contact Jeanie McQuinn at 901-261-2116.