OnStage Band & Ensemble Program2026-07-10T21:06:12-05:00

OnStage Band Program

OnStage Band Program

Bands & Ensembles For Beginner through Advanced Level Musicians

Josh Ashley - OnStage Coordinator

Josh Ashley

Music Program Manager

Welcome!

Thanks for taking the time to learn more about ROOTS Academy’s OnStage Program!

At ROOTS, we believe some of the most meaningful musical growth happens when students create music together. Whether it’s joining a first band in our Foundations program, performing on iconic stages like Exit/In, or developing musicianship in an ensemble, our goal is to help every student grow in confidence, skill, creativity, and character.

Our OnStage Bands, Foundations Band, and Ensembles are designed to challenge students, encourage collaboration, and provide unforgettable performance experiences in a positive, supportive environment.

Below you’ll find everything you need to know about our programs, including rehearsals, performances, mentors, tuition, and what to expect throughout the season.

Hope to see you OnStage!

-Josh

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out: bands@rootsacademy.com.

One+ Year Experience ~ Auditions Required

OnStage Bands

OnStage Bands bring musicians together for weekly rehearsals focused on collaboration, creativity, and live performance. Students join bands matched by age and skill level, where they choose songs as a group and work closely with mentors who help shape arrangements and assign parts that stretch their abilities. Each season ends with a live show at a local venue — giving students the chance to take the stage, showcase their progress, and experience the energy of performing in front of a live crowd.

Registration for the 2026 - 2027 Season is open

Gold Bands

Designed for students with at least one year of instrument experience or completion of the Foundations course. Rehearsals meet weekly for two hours, with placement determined by audition.

Platinum Bands

Designed for musicians with 2-4 years of instrument experience and at least 2 years of band experience. Rehearsals are held weekly for two hours, with placement determined by audition.

Diamond Bands

Designed for advanced-level musicians with at least 5 years of instrument experience and 3 years of band experience. Rehearsals are held weekly for two hours, with placement determined by audition.

important dates

New bands launch every Fall. The full Band Season runs from August to May.

Registration is Open for the 2026-27 Band Season.

June 26th Auditions

Fall Session Begins For New Bands August 2026

July 10th Auditions

Fall Session Begins For New Bands August 2026

No Audition Required

OnStage Foundations Band

The OnStage Foundations Band is the perfect starting point for young musicians who are excited about playing in a band but aren’t quite ready to audition. Designed for beginner players, this program introduces the core elements of band life — teamwork, rhythm, stage presence, and song structure — in a fun, low-pressure environment. Foundations members get hands-on experience, collaborate with peers, and build the confidence and valuable skills they’ll need to join a OnStage Band when they’re ready!

Foundations | Fall 2026

Ages 7-9

No Audition Required
1 Year of Instrument Experience Recommended

Dates: August 8 – December 19, 2026
When: Saturdays at 9:00am

Foundations | Fall 2026

Ages 10-13

No Audition Required
1 Year of Instrument Experience Recommended

Dates: August 8 – December 19, 2026
When: Saturdays at 10:30am

Ages 10+

OnStage Vocal Ensembles

ROOTS Ensembles offer a dynamic group experience where musicians grow through collaboration, precision, and expressive performance. Students are placed in small groups by instrument, age, and skill level, and work together in weekly rehearsals to prepare a curated selection of repertoire. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, they refine technique, learn to listen as a unit, and develop the musical awareness essential to ensemble playing. Each season culminates in a formal performance, giving students the opportunity to share their work in a polished, concert-style setting.

The ROOTS Academy Singers

Ages 10-13

Dates: Starts August 2026
When: Saturdays, 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Sign Up Only
No Audition Required; No Mentor Recommendation Required

Cadence

Ages 13+

Dates: Starts August 2026
When: Fridays, 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Mentor Recommendation Required

Not a ROOTS student and interested in joining Cadence? Email music@rootsacademy.com to schedule an audition.

OnStage Band Details

Prior to beginning the program, students will be required to attend an audition to help determine which level of the band is right for them. After the audition process is complete, the bands will be formed based on the results of the auditions in conjunction with the criteria specifications listed for each OnStage classification.

The bands will then be assigned a ROOTS Music Mentor as their acting OnStage Band manager and rehearsals will begin. Each session will conclude with a live performance showcasing all of the bands formed during that particular session.

In addition to playing music, students will also experience multiple other facets of being in a band. From deciding on their band name, designing their own logo, determining their image, and posing for the camera at their very own photo-shoot, students enrolled in the OnStage program will get a real-life glimpse into what it means to be part of a band.

OnStage Live Auditions occur in the Summer (June/July) for the Fall/Spring session and Winter (January) if more bands will open for the Spring session.

*If a student is not available on the specific dates, please contact a member of our team to schedule a makeup audition.

Live Auditions will consist of a brief interview in addition to a demonstration of musical ability and stage presence. Audition materials can be found here.

*If a student is not available on the date of auditions, please email us for makeup details.

It’s also important to note that not everyone who auditions will be accepted into the program. This doesn’t necessarily mean the student isn’t ready for the program but rather an indication of too many like instruments auditioning and or not enough compatible students within that student’s proficiency level. All efforts will be made to accommodate as many aspiring musicians as possible!

All auditioning musicians will be evaluated on the following criteria:
– Instrument Knowledge (30%)
– Preparedness (20%)
– Stage Presence (15%)
– Technique (15%)
– Theory Knowledge (10%)
– Attitude (15%)

Important Links:

Audition Registration Form

Audition Materials

Students 11+ who are intermediate-advanced level musicians are welcome and encouraged to audition to be part of the Rock Band program.

All musicians are required to attend auditions. This allows our staff to get to know each student individually and helps to place them in a group with other like-minded musicians.

Students are not required to be enrolled in private lessons at ROOTS to audition.

Band size and composition will follow a general line up to include the following; 1 vocalist, 2 guitarists, 1 bassist, 1 keyboard player, and 1 drummer.

Though this is not always possible, bands will never include less than 3 members (i.e. guitar/vocals, bass, drums) or more than 7 members. This is to allow maximum playing time and attention for each student while also staying true to a group experience in music-making.

All rehearsals will occur at ROOTS Academy, they are 2 hours in length, and directed by the ROOTS Music Mentor that has been assigned to each band as their acting band manager.

Bands will rehearse once each week on the same day and time with exact days and times being determined at the beginning of each session prior to auditions.

ROOTS will provide a majority of the gear needed for auditions, rehearsals, and performances.

However, guitarists and bassists are expected to bring their own instruments, and drummers their own sticks. Amps, vocal mics, keyboards, and drums/cymbals will be provided.

That said, we recommend that guitarists bring the amp and pedals they normally use at home so they can get the tone and setup they’re most comfortable with — but we’ll have amps available if needed.

Bands will create a setlist of songs for their live performance based on several factors. In addition to musical proficiency, song selection will also be determined based on educational value, lyrical content, and age appropriateness.

Students will also have input on the songs their band performs — our band mentors work with each group to find a balance between student interest and what will best help them grow as musicians.

Students wishing to participate in the Rock Band program will be allowed to perform on multiple instruments with their band if and when the situation is in favor of all band members. For example, vocalists that also play guitar or keyboard players that also sing.

These circumstances will be dealt with in a case by case scenario and any student wishing to play more than one instrument within their band should make this known prior to auditions so it can be considered when the bands are formed.

Such students will also need to audition on each instrument individually and simultaneously to properly gauge musical proficiency.

Bands will participate in multiple Live Performances throughout the year.

Performance opportunities will range from playing at the semi-annual Music Showcases, as well as at music venues in the Franklin or Nashville area. This venue can change with each session and will be announced once the venue, date, and time of the performance(s) are confirmed.

Show length will be determined by the number of bands and how many songs each one is ready to perform.

onstage band MOMENTS
Graphic

Swipe to view some of our favorite OnStage moments from past seasons.

aRE YOU READY TO GET ONSTAGE?

Experience the energy and talent of OnStage Bands as student musicians bring their hard work and passion to life, showcasing their growth and creativity in every performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old does my child have to be to participate in a band?2023-06-28T08:54:53-05:00

Students who have been playing at least one year and are no less than 11 years old are welcome to audition for the band program.

When do bands start and end?2026-01-23T12:49:28-06:00

The OnStage Band season runs from August to May. Auditions are held in the summertime for the Fall/Spring Bands and again in January if new Spring bands will be formed.

Do I have to have a mentor referral in order to join a band?2023-06-28T15:31:46-05:00

Nope! While a Mentor may refer you to the program, any musician 11 years of age or older may audition.

Can my child participate in a Band with multiple instruments?2023-02-27T21:27:01-06:00

Students wishing to participate in the OnStage Band program will be allowed to perform on multiple instruments with their band if and when the situation is in favor of all band members. For example, vocalists that also play guitar or keyboard players that also sing.

These circumstances will be dealt with in a case-by-case scenario and any student wishing to play more than one instrument within their band should make this known prior to auditions so it can be considered when the bands are formed.

Such students will also need to audition on each instrument individually and simultaneously to properly gauge musical proficiency.

What gear is provided for band class?2026-01-23T12:50:22-06:00

ROOTS will provide a majority of the gear needed for auditions, rehearsals, and performances.

However, guitarists and bassists are expected to bring their own instruments, and drummers their own sticks. Amps, vocal mics, keyboards, and drums/cymbals will be provided.

That said, we recommend that guitarists bring the amp and pedals they normally use at home so they can get the tone and setup they’re most comfortable with — but we’ll have amps available if needed.

When and where are band rehearsals?2023-06-28T15:33:08-05:00

All rehearsals are 2 hours long and are held in our Band Rehearsal Studio in the ROOTS Academy Annex building (328 Southgate Court).
Bands will rehearse once each week on the same day and time with exact days and times being determined at the beginning of the season.
How many people are in a band?2022-05-09T16:08:19-05:00

Band size and composition will follow a general line up to include the following; 1 vocalist, 2 guitarists, 1 bassist, 1 keyboard player, and 1 drummer.

Though this is not always possible, bands will never include less than 3 members (i.e. guitar/vocals, bass, drums) or more than 7 members.

This is to allow maximum playing time and attention for each student while also staying true to a group experience in music-making.

What’s involved in the OnStage audition process?2026-01-23T12:52:30-06:00

OnStage Live Auditions for each new Band session takes place in June and July for the August-May session.  January auditions are held if new bands will be formed for the Spring session.

*If a student is not available on one of our audition dates, a makeup audition date will be provided.

Live Auditions will consist of a brief interview in addition to a demonstration of musical ability and stage presence. Audition materials can be found here.

All auditioning musicians will be evaluated on the following criteria:
– Instrument Knowledge (25%)
– Preparedness (20%)
– Stage Presence (15%)
– Technique (15%)
– Theory Knowledge (10%)
– Attitude (15%)

Does every musician who auditions make a Band?2023-06-28T15:34:55-05:00

Due to the limited number of Bands and the limited number of slots in each group, not every student will be placed in a Band. During placement we take into account both skill level and age, while doing our best to build well-balanced Bands. If you are not initially placed in a Band, and another student denies their offer into the program, you may be extended a late offer to fill the open spot!

Does my child have to be enrolled in private lessons at ROOTS to audition for a Band?2023-06-28T08:46:28-05:00

Band Auditions are open to musicians 11 years and older, even if they’re not currently enrolled in private lessons at ROOTS. However, once accepted into the OnStage program, all members must be committed to private lessons at ROOTS (recommended) or show proof of enrollment elsewhere.

questions?

If you have any questions about our program, please don’t hesitate to call, text or email us. We’re here to help you Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm CST.

Emily Lindsey – Music Director
Josh Ashley – Music Program Manager
Marta Palombo – Music Program Coordinator
Kinsey Overdeer – Customer Experience Lead

EMILY LINDSEY
Music Director
JOSH ASHLEY
Music Operations Manager
ALEXYS HALSTENSGARD
Music Operations Coordinator
LORI KAIRDOLF
Schedule & Billing Coordinator

Music offers in-studio, in-home, and online music lessons on piano, voice, guitar, drums, violin, ukulele, songwriting, music production, and more! Band, ensemble and group classes are also available.

Dance offers a wide array of preschool, recreational, and competitive dance classes for ages 18 months to 18 years. Classes are available Monday through Saturday in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, acro, and more.

Musical Theatre combines acting, singing, and dancing into one story-filled show. Classes, camps and productions are available for ages 7-18 years.

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