Rockit Foundation Brings Old and Young Together to Rock-N-Roll

September 12, 2019

Young and Old ROCKIT with Stageprompter in concert

The Rockit Live Foundation was created in 2004 by Brooklyn-born drummer Bruce Gallipani. The program was inspired by Little Steven's Underground Garage radio show and the concept that rock music can provide positive reinforcement and well-being for today's youth. Gallipani would then go on to follow in his mother’s footsteps, devoting time within his community and sharing his musical experience with others.  He began taking music lessons alongside plenty of other kids, and then teaching. ‘Those lessons are so important, but young artists rarely have the opportunity to learn through collaboration’ says Gallipani.  He founded Rockit with the vision to bring aspiring musicians together to perform with their peers.  

Since its inception, Rockit has worked with more than 1,700 young musicians to kick-start their careers and assist in leading them to the most prestigious music colleges in the United States. Currently, Rockit hosts twenty percent of its student body funded through scholarships. They host year-round shows throughout the New Jersey/New York City metro area and has opened for big names like the Marshall Tucker Band, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes and Steven Van Zandt (who, with his wife Maureen, is on the Rockit Advisory Board).  The Rockit Academy brings in young musicians, who must audition, age 8-18 for a seven-week program designed to enable collaboration, receive instruction, and learn the basics of the art of performing.  At the program’s end, the participants perform on stage with high-production gear, lighting, sound, and accomplished artists. “Now, it’s thrilling to see these kids inspire each other…on stage, alongside, rock and roll legends!”, says Gallipani.

The opportunity to play with veteran rockers such as Eddie Brigati, Carmine Appice, Zakk Wylde, Ricky Byrd, and many more, is very exciting for the students.  Imagine playing classic songs on stage with the artist who made them famous, and in front of an audience who grew up listening to them - it’s understandable to have some stage fright.  To help ease nerves and keep the performances to a high standard, these veteran artists use a Stageprompter Wedge03 on stage with the Rockit Academy. 

Having the lyrics on stage in case they are needed is professional stage protocol, so Stageprompter lyric monitors have been a vital piece of equipment for many performers. One might think that by writing the originals and performing 100s or 1000s of times, an artist would never forget their lyrics, but that’s just not the case.  The Stageprompter is a covert teleprompter, so artists can see lyrics if they need them, yet stay focused on the audience and their fellow rock and roll collaborators.

The Rockit Live Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to help develop, nurture, and inspire young musicians to reach their full artistic potential through live music education offered at legendary venues. The foundation's defining focus is outreach, music education, and scholarships. The Rockit Live Foundation also endeavors to build character as well as talent, instilling confidence and team skills with an emphasis on community service.

To learn more about Rockit Live Foundation, visit www.rockitacademy.org

For more information about the Stageprompter Wedge 03 or other Staffords on Stage products visit www.stageprompter.com

 

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