Kids Will Rock You
When most people picture a school orchestra, they imagine classical repertoire performed under formal lighting and quiet expectation. The Lincoln-Way Rock Orchestra turns that image on its head.
Each summer, students from across the Lincoln-Way district step onto a stage transformed into a full-scale concert experience—complete with a live band, professional lighting, and a setlist spanning decades of rock history. What began as an experimental summer orchestra theme has grown into one of the district's most anticipated traditions.
"Lincoln-Way Rock Orchestra grew from the summer orchestra camps I had been directing since coming to Lincoln-Way in 1997," says Stacy Williams-Jackson, Lincoln-Way Central Music Department Chair and Orchestra Director. "One summer I decided to have the theme 'Music My Dad Likes' and used arrangements of rock tunes that were available. The theme was fun and enjoyable, so we decided to stick with it."
What started as a simple theme quickly evolved into a full production. Today, Lincoln-Way music staff Michael Teare, Mike Bultman, and Nate Jackson perform as the backing band, while technical crews led by Patrick Spreadbury and Tyler Dawson create concert-level staging, lighting, and sound.
"It started as something fun," Stacy says, "but it quickly became something students really connected to."
Each year's performance features familiar songs from across generations—from Prince and The Kinks to Olivia Rodrigo and Ozzy Osbourne—giving students the opportunity to perform music they already know and love through the lens of an orchestra.
"I think rock music is familiar and accessible," Stacy explains. "Over the years, I've never heard a student say they've never heard the music before. That familiarity makes it easier to learn and more enjoyable to perform."
For many students, that familiarity becomes something more than recognition—it becomes confidence.
Lauren Glens, now in her sixth season with Rock Orchestra, has been playing cello since fifth grade. Her musical journey wasn't exactly what she expected.
"I actually wanted percussion at first," she says. "That didn't work out, so I tried cello and thought, 'This seems like something I can't mess up too badly.'"
What began as a reluctant second choice has become a defining part of her life as a musician. This summer, she was especially excited to perform Prince's "Let's Go Crazy," including its iconic opening monologue.
While Lauren participates in both classical orchestra and Rock Orchestra, she says the difference between the two experiences is dramatic.
"Classical music is about precision," she says. "You have to get everything exactly right. Rock music gives you more freedom—you can play with your intention and your feelings."
That freedom is exactly what Stacy hopes students discover.
"It is important for young people to understand that any musical style from any era can be enjoyed and performed on any instrument," she says. "Once the fear is gone, the creativity can flow, and students begin to realize just how expressive they can be."
Students prepare the entire 90-minute concert in just 20 hours of rehearsal, an intensive schedule that builds musicianship while teaching teamwork, adaptability, and trust.
Carly Johnson, who has participated for several years, says the music has become deeply connected to family memories.
"My dad is a music teacher," she says. "Rock music reminds me of that—it brings me back to listening to songs with my family when I was younger."
As one of the veteran students, Carly has naturally grown into a leadership role.
"I've learned how to talk to new people and be a leader," she says. "You grow into that role over time."
For Will Cunningham, the experience opened the door to music he might never have explored otherwise.
"I don't really listen to rock music," he says. "My friends convinced me to join. I was kind of unsure at first, but it ended up taking me out of my comfort zone."
Now in his third year, he says the experience has broadened his perspective as a musician while helping him gain confidence both on and off the stage.
Across every student's story, one theme consistently emerges: Rock Orchestra isn't just about learning music. It's about building confidence, forging friendships, and discovering new possibilities.
The concert itself plays a big role in that transformation.
"It makes everybody excited when you're on stage," Carly says. "It feels like a real rock show."
That excitement carries from the first rehearsal to the final performance, but Stacy believes the most meaningful lessons happen beyond the music.
"Students learn from each other, learn to support one another, and learn to appreciate what everyone brings to the ensemble," she says. "It truly is a team effort."
That team extends well beyond the students themselves. Elementary and junior high orchestra directors—including Chuck Torbett, Beth Darin, Vicky Nyder, and Jennifer Gurley—help lay the musical foundation long before students arrive at Rock Orchestra. Alumni also return each summer to mentor younger musicians, including Belmont University graduates Grant Brown, Rocco Greco, and George Graefen.
For Stacy, seeing former students return is one of the program's greatest rewards.
"It's a thrill to see them at the beginning of what will be their musical careers," she says.
The broader community plays an important role as well. Packed audiences fill the auditorium each summer, and New Lenox Community Television records every concert so families can revisit the performances long after the final encore.
Still, Stacy says the program has always been about more than putting on a great show.
"I hope these concerts become memories they look back on for the rest of their lives," she says. "To be young, performing music with your friends, surrounded by teachers, professionals, and an amazing light show—those are moments worth cherishing."
Lauren agrees that the impact reaches far beyond the stage. "I think it's really important to have music in education," she says. "It helps you grow in ways you don't even realize."
Then, with a smile that perfectly captures the spirit of Rock Orchestra, she offers one final message: "Keep funding music."