By Krystle J Bailey
ROCK-ED, a musical experience for young aspiring performers, is coming to Ocean City this summer. Hosted by Ace Enders, lead singer of The Early November, ROCK-ED is unlike traditional music classes. With a focus on musical performance and collaboration, ROCK-ED was created to bring young musicians together in a 10-session band rehearsal setting that will culminate with an on-stage performance at Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City.
Ace and Jen Enders recently moved their recording studio from Hammonton to Ocean City, New Jersey. Ace, who has worked in the music industry as an artist, producer, and songwriter for over 20 years, was inspired by his own children’s musical interests.
“Our kids have always been semi-interested in music, but they both recently got really into it,” explained Enders. “I work with adults and full-time artists all the time, but the most important time in a kid’s life is when they are discovering who they are and are able to express themselves in a way that is genuine and unique to them.”
Ace, who signed his first record deal in 2001 and continues to tour with The Early November, began to coach his children and their musically inspired friends in their basement. After a month of regular rehearsals, the kids took their talents to the local talent show stage for a showstopping performance.
The seed was planted, and Ace, along with his wife Jen, who works as an educator, made the decision to bring the kid rock band experience to more local youth.
“We were able to take what they knew and gear it towards performance,” explains Jen. “Now we are taking kids interested in music and building rock bands that they can work together with.”
ROCK-ED is for aspiring musicians of all skill levels, ages 10-18. Sessions begin in July, with a performance scheduled for the end of August. The 90-minute sessions will teach kids how to practice music with other musicians, work together as a band, and how to prepare for a show. The Enders are seeking vocalists, keyboardists, drummers, bass and guitar players, and anyone interested in electronic music. Bands will be assembled based on interest and experience. The first session begins this July and will include 15 hours of performance coaching. A second semester is scheduled for the beginning of 2024 after Ace returns from a North American tour with The Early November.
“It’s a cool lifestyle that a lot of people don’t have access to,” shares Ace. “it’s cool to give that to more young kids and create an environment for them to get off screens and connect with their friends. I love seeing them realize their potential.”
Jen goes on to explain, “As teachers, we both love working with kids, and we love alternative education. We’ve always let our kids explore in a creative way.”
Interested families can meet Jen and Ace and explore their space at an open house on June 3rd. The private recording and production studio is located on 11th Street in Ocean City. For more information, visit rockedmusicschool.com.
Krystle J Bailey is a multimedia journalist, author and poet. Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
