The iconic Asbury Lanes recently played host to a night of cinematic nostalgia and rising talent during the “Rock on the Silver Screen” showcase. A highlight was the opening performance by seven students from the Red Bank Middle School (RBMS) “LIVE TO ROCK” program, who delivered an electrifying rendition of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’ classic, “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
Backed by a band of veteran Rockit Academy students, the RBMS performers commanded the stage with confidence. For many of the participants, the performance represented the culmination of a semester spent building musical skills and personal bravery.
“Witnessing their growth and bravery over the semester has been truly inspiring,” said LIVE TO ROCK director, Brittany Iafelice. “It takes a lot of courage to step onto a professional stage, and these students absolutely owned it.”
The LIVE TO ROCK initiative is a free after-school music enrichment program hosted at Red Bank Middle School. Funded by The Rockit Live Foundation, the program removes barriers to entry, requiring no prior musical experience for students to join.
Under the guidance of program director Iafelice and a team of seasoned instructors, students are immersed in a curriculum that covers music history, genre exploration, and the technicalities of live performance. A core component of the program is its peer-mentorship model, which pairs newcomers with experienced Rockit Academy musicians—such as mentor Emersyn Freund—to help bridge the gap between rehearsal and live performance.
The program is currently accepting new students for the remainder of the school year on an open and ongoing basis. Organizers encourage any interested RBMS students to get involved, regardless of their current skill level or instrumental background.
