The historic stage at Asbury Lanes played host to a vibrant musical journey through the decades yesterday as the Rockit Academy presented its latest showcase. The event, which highlighted the growth of students ranging from newcomers to seasoned performers, served as a powerful testament to the academy’s rigorous eight-week development program.
The academy extended a special congratulations to four new students who successfully navigated their debut performances, marking a major milestone in their musical journeys.
A standout moment of the afternoon came from the LIVE TO ROCK ensemble, composed of five students from Red Bank Middle School. In only their third public performance, the group displayed remarkable poise, delivering a rendition of “Die With a Smile” that drew huge smiles from the audience. Their performance, honed under the guidance of instructor Brittany Iafelice, underscored the success of the academy’s mentorship model.
The production was made possible by the dedication of the academy’s instruction team, including Brittany Iafelice, Stephen Honoshowsky, Corey Markowitz, Justin Gallo, and Paul Foschino. Leadership from Executive Director Bruce Gallipani was also highlighted, with attendees and staff alike acknowledging the personal dedication he pours into every detail of the program.
The event also served as a moment to thank the broader network of support that keeps the program thriving, including parents, volunteers, and alumni.
This show was supported in part by Monmouth Arts through funding from the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, further emphasizing the importance of community partnerships in sustaining live music education.
