The Woodstock Playhouse buzzed with energy Saturday, May 31, as more than 100 student musicians took the stage for Rock Academy’s “Best of Season” performance, a year-end showcase and fundraiser for the school’s scholarship program.
About 30% of Rock Academy students receive financial aid, according to co-founder Jason Bowman, who runs the school with his wife, Acacia Ludwig.
“We’ve had kids come here who are literally living in their cars,” Bowman said.
Founded in 2018, the Rock Academy continues Woodstock’s long musical legacy by nurturing young performers—most between the ages of 8 and 17—in both technical skill and stage presence.
“Woodstock is mostly famous for its musicians,” Bowman said. “We want to put as many really solid playing musicians out into the world. That’s been our goal from the beginning.”
The Playhouse was alive with anticipation as students moved on and offstage in colorful costumes, playing guitars, drums, and singing in rotating ensembles. The event featured 120 student performers—the Academy’s full enrollment—with each receiving a spotlight moment.
“We try to give everyone a moment to shine,” Bowman said.
All instructors at the Academy are working professionals.
“They have to have done it. They have to have gone out and put their name on a marquee,” Bowman said.
In addition to music, students learn teamwork, discipline, and how to contribute to a creative community. Their individuality was visible in expressive hairstyles, bold outfits, and confident stage presence.
During performances, each group looked to the musical director in the orchestra pit, who routinely checked in with a gentle, “Everyone good?”—a gesture that spoke to the Academy’s culture of support.
The Academy’s facility features a large rehearsal space and several rooms for private lessons, fostering both group collaboration and one-on-one instruction.
Bowman noted that while most students are in middle or high school, a few “precocious six-year-olds” have made their way into the program as well.
Jane Davis is a contributing reporter. Send correspondence to reporting@theoverlooknews.com.