Rock and Roll Academy (RRA) was founded by Telluride, Colorado educator/musician Mark Galbo in 2003. The mission of Rock and Roll Academy is to create and protect a space where students can make choices, take ownership of their learning, and develop independence of thought and spirit. University Academy embraced this simple idea that students could come to music on their own terms, play the music they love with classmates, and have a creative, collaborative experience in which they are fully in charge. Check out the original at: http://www.rockandrollacademy.com/

Mark Galbo traveled to Panama City to assist UA, and train RRA’s Facilitator, professional musician Jennye Shaling. Dedicated University Academy parents helped fund the start-up of the program, the only one in Bay District. As a result, students have music as part of their daily schedule, with upper grades alternating music class with Rock and Roll Academy each semester.

Students in each class form a band, select a song, and choose which instruments they want to play. This develops understanding of musical structure, teamwork, and live performance. The RRA Facilitator assists the students in learning their musical parts and each semester culminates in a full-blown rock concert.

.