READY TO ROCK – SLIGO'S “SCHOOL OF ROCK” LAUNCHES NEW TERM Sligo's very own version of “School of Rock” launched its new term in September 2009 with a whole range of courses for all levels in guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and saxophone. Officially known as Sligo Contemporary Music School (SCMS) and working out of Sligo School of further Education ( Ballinode College) , the school enters its second year of “Rockschool” tuition. The syllabus comes from “Rockschool”, the organisation accredited by Trinity College London and offers the opportunity of achieving internationally recognised grades in instrumental performance. Catering for all ages and performance levels, SCMS takes its students on an all round instrumental performance course which provides basic theory and instrumental technique whilst concentrating on specific performance pieces. Most styles of rock and pop are covered by the Rockschool course, with Grades from debut to Grade 8.

SCMS was set up in 2007 by well known Sligo bassist Eddie Lee and drummer Ken McDonald. “We concentrate on tunes as early as possible" says Eddie, known locally for his performances along with colleague Ken McDonald as the rhythm section with jazz trio The Odd Couple, "The Rockschool method allows the student to get playing entire pieces quite early the course, soon after basic technique has been taught. The whole course is very performance-oriented”. Rockschool also provides examiners for students wishing to take Grades in their chosen instrument.

SCMS at present offers instrumental courses in electric and acoustic guitar and bass (Glenn Garrett), electric and acoustic bass (Eddie Lee), drums (Ken McDonald), keyboards (Heidi Wilson, Eddie Lynch) and saxophone (Stan Burns). Classes will take place at Ballinode College after school hours, from 3.45pm to 9pm weekdays. SCMS at present accepts students aged 8 or over and there is no upper age limit. Beginners to advanced students will be catered for.