Basile Westfield Playhouse rocked so hard it might have cracked the foundation

Submitted by Kellie Miles
Owner & Co-Director, Bach to Rock Fishers

Last Sunday, Bach to Rock Music School of Fishers celebrated the changing season with an electrifying Autumn Showcase held at the Basile Westfield Playhouse, 220 N. Union St., Westfield.

The event, which serves as the school’s version of a formal recital, was a testament to the diverse musical talents nurtured at the school, featuring 39 students and five staff members in a day filled with vibrant performances across various genres.

Bach to Rock Music School, a nationwide franchise known for its comprehensive and engaging music education programs, offers students of all ages the opportunity to explore and excel in a range of musical disciplines. Early childhood classes, private lesson programs, and ensembles at the school provide a wide selection of opportunities to either begin a musical journey or develop a particular instrument. From classical to contemporary, the school’s curriculum is designed to foster a love for music while honing music literacy, technical skills, and stage presence.

The Autumn Showcase was a dynamic display of this ethos, showcasing a rich variety of musical styles and instruments. Students took the stage with performances on violin, piano, voice, saxophone, drums, and guitar, highlighting the breadth of talent cultivated at the school.

In a nod to the enduring appeal of modern rock, several students delivered renditions of iconic hits such as Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “There’s a Light That Never Goes Out” by The Smiths.

The Showcase also included enchanting musical theater pieces that brought a touch of Broadway to the Basile Westfield Playhouse. A particularly memorable moment came with a piano performance of “City of Stars” from La La Land from a student who was excited to be performing for her first time ever in public.

While some students made their performance debut at the Showcase, there were many returning performers from past recitals. For these returning students, the Showcase is an opportunity to demonstrate their hard work as well as commemorate their growth from season to season.

Many students also came prepared with classical repertoire, performing pieces such as Rieding’s “Concerto in B Minor” on the violin and Clementi’s “Sonatina, Movement 1,” on piano demonstrating their technical precision and deep understanding of classical music’s intricate structures. Other students just beginning their exploration of classical music presented arrangements of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” melody from Symphony No. 9, and Mozart’s “Minuet in C” for piano.

As student after student walked on stage in varying stages of pre-performance jitters, their love of music shone by the time they returned to their seats in the audience in flourishing bows and beaming smiles. Cheered on by staff and audience alike, each student brought their best to the stage.

The event also featured performances by five talented staff members, who added a professional touch to the Showcase. Many Bach to Rock instructors are working musicians in the greater Indianapolis area, and embraced the opportunity to share their talent with their students to inspire them in their continued study of the art form. Their contributions spanned various genres, further enriching the day’s musical tapestry.

Parents, friends, and music enthusiasts in attendance were treated to a celebration of talent and hard work. Each performance served as a testament to the students’ dedication and the supportive environment fostered by the school. Not many programs offer both Bach and Noah Kahan in the same performance, and the audience cheered every student’s musical offering with enthusiasm. The variety of instruments, performance styles, and song selections throughout the day offered a glimpse into the dynamic and inclusive musical community that Bach to Rock strives to create.

As the final notes of the Autumn Showcase echoed through the Basile Westfield Playhouse, the music school celebrated yet another memorable and impactful event. The Showcase grants students the opportunity to put into practice the school’s commitment to musical excellence and fostering performance opportunities as part of a holistic music education. Bach to Rock Fishers continues to nurture musical expression and celebrate the diverse expressions of creativity that makes each student unique, both on and off stage.

For more information about Bach to Rock Music School, visit fishers.bachtorock.com or call the Fishers location directly at (317) 588-9900.