Montville School of Rock Hits the Stage Monday

After eight years, the annual Montville School of Rock is still going strong and this year’s first performance was Oct. 14 and “marked the eighth anniversary of the group’s debut,” said according to the school.

Now they’re gearing up for the next performance on Monday. There will be two shows, one at 10:30 a.m. and another at 7 p.m. The show is open to the public and people of all ages. T-Shirts will also be on sale.

This year’s lineup includes drummer: Michael Gelvan, lead guitarist: Jacob Fleisig, lead vocalist: Anthony Claus, lead vocalist: Anthony Pizzi, and lead vocalist: David Vinder. All of them are seniors who have performed with the School of Rock for the last four years.

Singers/soloists also include The “X-Factor’s” Emily Michalak, also appearing: Emma Fleisig, Jen Cappuccio, Jessica Caprio and Maje` Lustbader.  Instrumentalists include Nelson “Bueno” Moreno on guitar, Sam Chapman on bass, and Isha Saxena, Chris Martinez, and Oliver Paul on keyboards.

Since its founding, the group has raised thousands of dollars for worthy causes, appeared on cable television, performed at Montclair State University and received gifts and grants from students, parents, the parent teacher’s council and the Montville Educational Foundation.

Some of the band’s alumni have pursued careers in music and several have written compositions, which can be purchased on iTunes. Others have been accepted into top universities such as the Berklee College of music.

“Joining the club was a great decision. I found students of all ages that shared my interests in music and met the people that eventually became my closest friends,” said “East of Insanity’s” lead guitarist Zack Kressaty, who now attends Berklee.

“The Montville School of Rock teaches you how to use technology in your performances and that means students get a chance to sound great,” said Amanda Lustbader, of Water Music Publishing who sings professionally under the stage name “Alus.”

“We were lucky to have the School of Rock,” said Ken Jinks, who has since graduated college. “Performing for your friends in a band that sounds like that is something you never forget.”         

Many of the organization’s alumni continue to attend the band’s rehearsals, concerts and social events long after they graduate high school and even college. But some give back as well.

Sean Galley of the Boonton Music Shop actually hand built a guitar for Anthony Sia, the School of Rock’s advisor. It’s become an icon, which appears in every one of their performances. Sean’s younger brother Eric assists with the band’s equipment after shows, even though he graduated more than three years ago.

Here’s a look at some of the band member's bios, according to the school release.

• Anthony Duke Claus sings and records the greatest hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s. He is currently working on an album, which will be called “Anthony Duke Claus singing the Golden Oldies.” Anthony has been involved in many acting, and theater roles. Most recently he appeared on the hit ABC soap opera “One Life to Live.” Anthony has been singing at many restaurants all over the county and he has been receiving a huge following from his work.
• In addition to producing and recording other local talents, Anthony Pizzi, also performs and records original compositions. His newest releases “Jersey Strong” and “Far Away” are available on iTunes. Anthony has also headlined at the Stone Pony.
• Jacob Fleisig, Michael Gelvan, and David Vinder (left to right) recently formed a new band called “We Stole the Weekend,” which released its first single, aptly entitled “Before the Storm,” since it was written just before hurricane Sandy.

Future School of Rock concert dates will be announced here on Montville Patch. You can also visit www.mthsrocks.com for more information about the Montville School of Rock.