Music Makers: Rock Band

Program Spotlight featuring Music Makers: Rock Band (Ages 16+)

As we say goodbye to our spring session of group programs and look toward an exciting and very busy summer, we want to take the opportunity to highlight a program that is near and dear to our hearts. For almost a year now, we have had the great fortune to enjoy the musical stylings of our very own GiGi’s Rock Band. These dedicated musicians have met weekly during the fall and spring sessions and will return to practice again this summer. Each new session allows new friends to join in on the fun, which means if your older teen or adult participant is interested, now is a great time to give Rock Band a try! We asked some program regulars to share what Rock Band means to them, and after reading about their experiences, we’d love to see even more of our friends take part in this fabulous program.  

Members of the Rock Band music program are encouraged to try all kinds of different instruments while channeling their inner rock star.  The instructor, Misty, has created a fun, collaborative environment that engages everyone in the group and encourages them to try new things. While attending the sessions with my sister, Caitlin, we have played various kinds of drums, guitars, shakers, bells, hand-clappers, and even the kazoo! Misty also frequently asks members which songs and artists they like to listen to, and she finds ways to incorporate the suggestions into our sessions.  

Ashley Ghere

Rock Band has performed at the annual GiGi’s Playhouse Gala, the Parking Lot Party, the Holiday Party, and at the Quad Cities Music Therapy Center. Members have a say in which songs they perform and what instruments they’d like to play during these performances. Oftentimes, they each get a chance to shine with a brief solo, too!  

Misty also likes to mix it up at the end of our weekly sessions. Sometimes they’ll get out a big parachute and take turns running underneath it, or they end with a silly dance party. One time, they all batted around a big bouncy ball with pool noodles! 

Caitlin has gained a lot of confidence through the program, and it’s something that she looks forward to every week. It’s been fun watching her interact with everyone and add her own personal flare to each song – like some extra cha-cha moves during “Hot, Hot, Hot,” or extending the hand-clappers just a LITTLE longer than everyone else during “Handclap.” 

Ashley Ghere 

The Rock Band rehearsals have truly become a highlight of my week.  All of the participants are so supportive and encouraging of one another, which fills each week with smiles, laughter, and joy.  The group has gained confidence and a willingness to try new things, and the participants are taking ownership of the group by making song choices and selecting which instruments to play.  Over the past year, we’ve also seen a big increase in how much everyone is expressing themselves through singing, humming, and talking with one another.  Our GiGi’s Rock Band has my heart, and I’m so thankful to be their guide.   

Misty Dais, Quad Cities Music Therapy owner, and program leader 

Additional photos from the Rock Band’s recent performance can be seen at this link.

This program is for participants 16 years old and older. If your loved one wants to try their hand at banging some drums, strumming a guitar, or singing their heart out, make sure to register asap. Click here to learn more and register. The new session begins Thursday, June 12^th, at 6:30 pm at Quad Cities Music Therapy.