At School of Rock, kids who love ’60s and ’70s music find a home. They learn to play it — and perform in public. And they meet other young musicians just like them.
Several years ago, Staples High School juniors Zach Rogers and Jake Greenwald joined with Fairfield high schoolers Mike Chapin, Andrew Wasserman and Francesco Perrouna, plus Coleytown Middle School’s Ethan Walmark, in Clueless.
In a band of standout musicians, Ethan really stands out.
A keyboard prodigy, his “Piano Man” video has nearly 2 million views (and Billy Joel called the intro “better than mine”). Ethan has sung the national anthem in front of 25,000 fans.
He’s also on the autism spectrum.
Zach first befriended Ethan at Fairfield School of Rock.
“He was so amazing to be around,” the guitarist says. “He’s incredibly talented, and a dynamic performer. As I got to know him more, I realized how great it is that he’s found his expression in music.”
Clueless is (from left) Ethan Walmark, Francesco Perrouna, Andrew Wasserman,
Mike Chapin (drums), Zach Rogers and Jake Greenwald.
Zach helps Ethan at Hebrew School. “Watching him grow up is special,” the older boy says.
“He’s taught me to be positive all the time. The way he lives life so fully is inspirational.”
The Clueless rock/funk/fusion band headlined a fundraiser for Autism Speaks. They’ve performed in front of 30,000 people at Jones Beach, and opened for Lez Zeppelin, the 4-woman cover band.
Next up: “Clueless About the Arts.”
The Sunday, June 24 show (7 to 10 p.m., Fairfield Theatre Company) will raise money to provide free music lessons and education workshops for under-served Fairfield County youngsters.
Classic rock lives. And young local musicians are using the power of music to help others.
Clueless clearly has a clue.
(Click here for tickets, and more information on “Clueless About the Arts.”)
These kids are great and Ethan truly shines!