School of Rock helps young singer get rollin'

She credits the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical "The Phantom of the Opera" with igniting her passion for music and singing.

"I listen to a lot of classical music," she said. "I really love the musical 'The Phantom of the Opera.' I think that really inspired me to start singing."

When her neighbor and family friend Mark Bowerman opened a School of Rock franchise in Katy this past July, Guy was among the first students to sign up for vocal lessons. The School of Rock's Rock 101 music program includes instruction on technique and music theory; weekly private guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, drum or vocal lessons; and a weekly group band rehearsal.

Now, through its performance program, the School of Rock is helping Guy and other young musicians like her achieve their goal of singing or playing in front of an audience. Each season, students enrolled in the school's performance program receive weekly private guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, drum or vocal lessons, and participate in weekly three-hour band rehearsals to prepare for the end-of-season concert.

"It's a great opportunity for people to get rid of their stage fright and perform with a group," Guy said. "It's a really great environment; I really enjoy singing there."

Guy performed in the School of Rock's "British Invasion" shows at Mo's Place on Jan. 13-14. Although they performed a number of classic hits from a wide range of British rock music legends, Guy says her favorite was "The House of the Rising Sun" by the Animals.

"I want to encourage people to come to the School of Rock because it's so much fun, and I'm sure next season is going to be even bigger (and better)," she said.

When she's not taking vocal lessons or performing with the School of Rock, Guy sings in the choir at Kingsland Baptist Church. She is also the manager of the Seven Lakes High School Spartan girls soccer team, which she says keeps her very busy.

For more information on the School of Rock, or upcoming programs and events, call 281-769-7010 or visit www.katy.schoolofrock.com. You can also connect with the School of Rock on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google+.

ABOUT Peyton Guy
AGE: 15
OCCUPATION: Sophomore at Seven Lakes High School
COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Katy resident
FAST FACT: "I love Italian food – I could eat at Olive Garden every day."

Megan Mattingly-Arthur is a freelance writer. She can be reached at neighborhoods@chron.com.