When a multinational services firm requested a fun, team building activity to launch their National Sales Meeting, Marisa Dimuzio of Toronto based event planner, AReA, contacted Rock the Stars to explore ideas. The result: a themed activity based on the movie School of Rock that transformed 80 participants into rock stars for a day.

The event took place at White Oaks Conference Resort in the picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake region of Southwestern Ontario. Attendees arrived in the morning to register and catch-up with colleagues from across the country. After lunch participants gathered in the ballroom where Stewart Hall, Executive Director of Rock the Stars, introduced School of Rock and explained what would take place over the next few hours.

Participants were formed into 8 bands and led to breakout areas where they found rooms filled with musical instruments (drums, guitars, bass, keyboards and microphones) and a facilitator ready to teach them to play a classic rock song. After choosing instruments leaders pointed out what makes a good band work - communication, accountability, creativity and trust - while encouraging participants to take risks and have fun with the music.

Almost everyone has the same reaction when told what they will be doing through Rock the Stars - there s no way I can do that! explained Stewart. But within a few minutes of picking up a guitar or microphone the nervousness disappears replaced by feelings of joy and delight.

Bands rehearsed for 90 minutes each in shifts of two. Songs covered included Mustang Sally, Glory Days, London Calling, and If I Had A Million Dollars with each band learning a different song. While not rehearsing participants attended classes in the art of being a rock star. Choreographers taught rock star moves and dance steps while stylists worked with costumes and accessories to achieve the ultimate rock star look.

For dinner the group was taken to Peller Estates winery for a gourmet meal and musical entertainment supplied by Rock the Stars. Over dinner there was a sense of excitement and camaraderie in the air with everyone anticipating what was to take place that evening.

The day s finale was a gala show where the bands performed their song on stage, dressed in costumes, in an epic Battle of the Bands. The groups made up for their lack of musical experience through electrifying showmanship, trying to outdo each other to win the competition. After each band performed company executives, taking on the role of judges, commented on the performances with observations that brought howls of laughter.

When the show was over, the Rock the Stars band hosted an evening of Jamaoke with everyone getting a chance to sing along to their favourite song accompanied by a live band. As the evening concluded participants were dancing to the music or swaying arm in arm watching their colleagues perform on stage.

School of Rock was unique and unforgettable thanks to creative planning and a fresh approach to team building. A few days after the event Marisa reported "the client was very happy with the results and everyone had a great time. Mission accomplished!"

Rock the Stars Description
Rock the Stars is a team building and entertainment program for meetings and events where participants form a rock & roll band, learn to play songs with real instruments, and perform them in a live show. It's a memorable experience that fosters a renewed sense of team spirit offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform in a rock and roll band.

Rock the Stars offers a variety of interactive activities and corporate entertainment suitable to almost any meeting or event. From themed programs such as "School of Rock" or Canadian Idol to an evening of Jamaoke where clients perform with a live rock and roll band. Rock the Stars programs are unique, adaptable and scaleable to any budget. Call 905-891-0289 or visit the website at www.RocktheStars.com for more information.