Mitrovica Rock School

The Living Room Session about hippie music

2012-01-24T15:46:00.008+01:00

The second living room session organized by the MRS South branch, was held on Monday, the 23d, at the Creative Corner, or as many of us know as 7 Arte.

It started around 9pm, and lasted for about an hour and a half. It may sound long, but every single minute was very interesting, and the main reason was without doubt, our great "teacher", Anisa, which by adding a lot of humor, spirit, and interaction with the audience, made that possible.
While Anisa was talking, we were enjoying the nice music on the background, and also getting a clue, of who she was talking about, from the big screen in front of us.

We didn't have that big of an audience but, there were just enough people to make a nice and very warm evening, full of atmosphere and interesting facts, that probably most of us didn't know.

Can't wait for the next session!!

Cheers B.

photos by: Kushtrim Hoti

Getting ready for a rockin' 2012!!

2012-01-17T12:56:00.005+01:00

So, days, months, and even years passed (4 to be more particular) and the rock school has still managed to be on top of the coolest school list!

This year, we started with some small changes in the internal structure of the school. After a very productive meeting with the teachers, students and coordinators, we have created *drum roll*... the Student Council!

A brand new thing that we never did before! The title may sound boring, but actually it's really cool to be part of it, because we do the fun parts, like: giving ideas for concerts, events, helping the new bands with choosing songs, keeping our co-students posted with everything and working for the best of their interests. The student council currently has 6 members, me (Blerta), Visar, Vesa, Lenart, Hysen and also a relatively new student Urim.

The winter break is over, everyone is full of energy for a rockin' 2012, and you can tell from the rehearsals. All the bands have been choosing new songs to cover, and also working on some new original stuff. I also had the chance to stay during the rehearsals of one of the new bands (with complete new students), and I really have to say that they're doing pretty good! (I feel threatened... psst).

The upcoming events that the school's been planing to do the coming months are:
- A grand opening concert, for moving to the new building (awesome huh!);
- The next living room session in 7 Arte;
- The 80s concert;
- A concert without covers, all homemade brand new songs (double awesome!);

and a lot more... so stay tuned, because we're about to do some
HOT STUFF BABY THIS YEAR!!

Keep on rockin' in the free world!!
B.

By Blerta Kosova

The Jam session

2011-12-20T10:44:00.004+01:00

Last night,the Rock School took care of all the musicians and music fans, by keeping them
warm on a cold Friday, with tunes starting from local to international all time hits.

The Jam session presented by Mitrovica Rock School

The jam session was held at Okarina Pub, where a lot of people came and played along with us.
It was a nice evening where nobody got stressed or held back,new musicians got their chance to show their abilities and everyone was simply enjoying the night by singing, playing or just listening and dancing, where random people just grabbed the mic and started singing like real pros.

Keep on jammin'folks.

Cheers B. :)

Young Drummers!

2011-12-07T11:59:00.004+01:00

These days at the Rock School we have a lot of new young students who want to play drums and we were ready to welcome them and do everything so they can progress really fast and start playing in bends.

Our drum teachers started to use some new programs so kids can learn synchronise drumming and in that way feel the rhythm of their future band members.

Here is the great video where you can see a part of the young drummers training.

Keep on Rocking with Mitrovica Rock School !

The Friday Gig

2011-11-15T11:41:00.005+01:00

Mitrovica Rock School students are preparing for anew gig. Every student has to be involved, so this is going to be the first gig for most of them.

Some of us has already had participate Skopje Summer School and for the first time experienced what it is like to be on stage and have your own gig.

But this will be different because we are going to play in front of friends and bunch of familiar people.

Bands keep practicing daily, preparing at least two songs each. My band named Cor (Latin word for heart) prepared two easy songs, easy because we are all beginners, and soon we are going to start working on the third. Not bad, right? :)

We are all nervously expecting that special day and we are very looking forward to it.I will convey you impressions after the gig, till then rock on!

By Milena Ilievska

Drazo's Rock School going-away

2011-11-07T21:53:00.018+01:00

By Minja Velimirovic, singer

I know you all love parties… don’t you? The surprise parties with cake, everyone running around excited and organizing everything to be perfect. And the best part is the surprised look on the face of person who is honored at a celebration. As you all know, Milos, the CBM project manager and coordinator of Rock School's North branch, has moved to Netherlands so we gave him the good-bye surprise party that he deserves.

Everyone was at the Mitrovica Rock School at the specific time and prepared everything for big event.

There was a tasteful cake, guess which shape??? A bass guitar shaped cake, with little fireworks on it.

Milos was thrilled, and surprised also. The look on his face says it all. We are musicians without borders so there was live music, a jam session with students and professors together.

And after a while of partying we watched a video where everyone said a few words of goodbye to our dear Milos. But the party didn’t stop there, we just moved to Soho and continued.

Return of Shahbaz played their last gig louder than ever, it was beautiful to witness and more beautiful to listen, you could really feel the vibes. You can see, Tony is actually smiling on this photo.

Milos has moved and we hope he will visit us very soon but we know that he will always have a special place in our lives, he helped a lot of students and recognized their talent along with the other professors at the Mitrovica Rock School.

I guess all I want to say is:

THANK YOU MILOS!

The Studio

2011-10-31T13:51:00.007+01:00

New thing about Mitrovica Rock School is our Studio. Now we have fully equipped studio for recording and sound engineering. You now don't have to search for faraway studios, you got everything here in Mitrovica. If you have a band and if you want to record one song or a whole album feel free to call and ask about details. Also for all of you who want to become a studio technician or engineer our door is open.

For now two bands have recorded at Mitrovica Rock School Studio:

OMNIBUSI

Band started to play at 2007 and their name "Soho" was later changed to "Omnibusi". All the band members were musicians long before band "Omnibusi" started to play together.
They have recorded two albums:
- Omnibusi - Soho in 2007
- Omnibusi - Proci ce 2011

Band members:
- Dejan Pavićević - Vocal/ Rhythm Guitar
- Danijel Spasojević - Guitar
- Vanja Kostić - Bass
- Zoran Savić - Drums

SHRAF

Members started playing together in 2008 in Mitrovica, with idea to play old school hard core with a touch of new age music.

Band members:
- Mihajlo Radovanovic - Vocal
- Predrag Markovic - Guitar/Vocal
- Vladimir Stevanovic - Guitar
- Nikola Popovic - Bass
- Vuk Jovic - Drums

"Coming soon" recordings from "Dark Sky" and the Rock School band "Revenge", stay tuned and follow our work.

Contacts for studio details:
Mladen Marinkovic /North branch manager/ 064-658 55 80
Emir Hasani /Trainee sound engineer/ 065- 531 07 71

Music theory lessons

2011-10-24T11:34:00.004+02:00

Although it is not necessary to know music theory to be a good musician, it is good and really helpful to know it. So, Ivana Popovic is a professor of music theory and singing in the north branch of the Mitrovica Rock School. In her classes we learn how to read and sing notes, to distinguish between the scales, to recognize tones by ear, which help us play our instruments correctly. Also, we have a lot of fun on those classes, because not everyone of us is a good singer. :)

I am a member of Rock school for about six months, and it brought me not only new experiences, but my knowledge in the area of music is expanded, and I met some new friends, with whom I hang out mostly in the theory classes.

We can use our instruments and voices and we learn through playing and fun. So I am very glad to see a lot of children coming to Rock School, because they have what to learn there, through playing classes and theory lessons.

I wanted to give a little attention to her classes, even though they are not the main reason why students join Rock School. If someone doesn't pass theory exams, he cannot pass on the next level even if he is a good player. That is how they are important, so I think that Ivana deserves to be mentioned.

By Milena Ilievska

New at the Rock School: Dafina!

2011-10-10T21:53:00.006+02:00

Dafina was born and raised in Mitrovica. Since September 2011, she is part of the Mitrovica Rock School staff as the administrator and coordinator for the South branch.

She received her bachelor's degree from the Faculty of Law in Pristina in 2009. She's not a musician, but she is the lead singer in her air band in her spare time... :p

This is not her first job, for she has had a lot of jobs and involvement in different organisations, but so far it's the best of them!

She enjoys being around outgoing and fun people as those of the Rock School staff and students, and also going to concerts and listening to music of all kinds, and this is what makes her job so special.

Guidelines for blog reports

2011-10-03T12:17:00.000+02:00

Learn to market your school, your band and your image!

The Mitrovica Rock School is gaining an international reputation. Help make us famous, and promote your own band while you’re at it!

“The Loudest School Ever!”

You think people can’t hear us? Well, you’re wrong. Since we started counting less than a year ago, the Rock School blog has had over 10,000 hits!

The Rock School would like you, our students, to write blog reports on concerts and anything else of interest to the Rock School. If approved, your article will be published on this blog.

Your article:
- Should come with at least one good photo (videos uploaded to YouTube can also be used)
- Should have a title and a topic
- Should promote the Rock School’s activities (in some cases, an article may also be about your own band or your personal music activities, but only when it’s BIG news. In that case, you should link it to the Rock School.)
- Should be in English
- Should be checked for spelling
- Should be submitted to and approved by trainee project manager Nikola at hopsy.org@gmail.com. Nikola may suggest edits to your blog before approving to for publication.

The best articles will be published on the blog.

Examples of blog reports:
- announcements of concerts (at least two days before the concert)
- reports on concerts (no later than three days after the concert)
- announcements of participation in festivals, big concerts, etc. (and reports)
- students’ participation in TV and other competitions
- the Rock School’s participation in TV-shows
- sponsorships (instruments donated, sponsorships of events)
- reports on Rock Academy training weeks
- reports on Summer Schools
- general reports about the Rock School
- and any other creative ideas you can come up with!

Mitrovica has always been a center for the rock music in the region. We want to make sure the world knows!

Who views our blog?
Click to see who's been checking us out over the past few days.

Mitrovica Rock School at Democracy Fair

2011-09-26T10:03:00.008+02:00

Another concert and another activity…Mitrovica Rock School is always ready to Rock!

This concert was in Prishtina for the Day of Democracy, there we were 3 bands:

-Missed Call

-Freak Week

-Band 4

All around, with different songs we played one hour of Good Music.

My band played seven songs wich include some pop/rap song like Space Bound-Eminem, Love the way you lie, I need a Doctor etc.

I played with 2 bands, Missed Call and Band 4.

It was really great experience a really great day with a lot of fun and a lot of Music

Ceni Damati - Mitrovica Rock School

Artchitects - THE Day

2011-09-22T09:41:00.007+02:00

As you all probably know we had a gig in the Club Studio in Tilburg. Our first time playing together in front of the crowd.

A true icebreaking event that helped us to shape our songs even better. People were great and we got a lots of feedbacks from the audience.

Of course we got the full support of Fontys Rock Academy guys who were cheering from the crowd.

But the main event was last night at Tivoli in Utrecht. We were welcomed as a Rock Stars, Tivoli crew took care of everything.

We couldn't believe that we are walking thru the same halls as The Muse, Pearl Jam, Kaiser Chiefs and Incubus !

Excitement was huge !

Show was beautiful in so many ways. Lots of positive vibes from the audience who didn't expect that the six kids of the Rock School from far away Mitrovica can really ROCK !

Of course we want to thank all the people that make this trip of ours possible. Without them our band would be just one of the many, but with them we are THE ARTCHITECTS so
THANK YOU !

IKV Pax Christi
Musicians Without Borders
Fontys Rock Academy
Duch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and many many more !

For more photos and informations check out our Facebook page and for more videos check out our YouTube channel !

See you soon !

Artchitects

Artchitects in Holland - new day

2011-09-20T11:51:00.005+02:00

Hey friends, here we are again. It's a new and very busy day for us here in Tilburg !

Currently we are practicing with Ruud at Fontys Rock Academy and having a great time.

There are a lot more things to be done before our gig tonight at Studio-Tilburg in front of the crowd.

Be prepared for some new stuff cooking in Artchitects kitchen.

Regarding "kitchen" we want to thank Pim and Jos for a GREAT dinner last night. It was very awesome and relaxing. Lots of positive people in a small space.

Once again we want to thank to
IKV Pax Christi,
Musicians without Borders and
Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
for making possible for us to see this beautiful town.

Artchitects from Tilburg

Artchitects in Holland

2011-09-19T10:41:00.006+02:00

After almost 12 hours of traveling, after a cab, one plane, then another plane and tree trains we finally Arrived to Tilburg !

We are now preparing for recording at Fontys Rock Academy, and we want to use this opportunity to thank them for everything !

Fontys Rock Academy really ROCKS !

See you soon in Mitrovica !

Artchitects

2011 Skopje Summer School video!

2011-09-10T20:27:00.004+02:00

Video by Stefan "Stay" van Leijsen, Fontys Rock Academy student-trainer
during the 2011 Skopje Summer School.

2011 Skopje Summer School

2011-09-08T12:27:00.015+02:00

By Minja Velimirovic

Let me tell you a story about the greatest summer school ever…

Ready to Rock!

As you see on 21st of August we took of from Mitrovica heading for Skopje full of energy, and ready to rock. We met our friends from Rock Academy and started one of the most exciting weeks ever. There were some familiar faces and some new but after short introduction in the hotel we all knew we will get along.

Busy days

The 24 students from Mitrovica and some from Struga were split in 4 bands and one special this year the A team. We had no time to lose so the figuring out songs and band names started immediately. Tomorrow was the new day with new plans and things to do.

Every day we practiced two times in a day and free time we spent on useful workshops. You could learn everything you wanted with smiling Shanna , with Rolf the guitar master, marketing with Stayf, bass workshops with Sparkle, or if you are into recording Jos could definitely help.

Collecting energy for tomorrow

On Wednesday we got some time for recreation and swimming at the hotel with pool where we spent a night over with beautiful music, food, and fun…and since we were not sleepy we jumped into pool for some night bath.

New Day

In the morning after breakfast we rushed back at rehearsal space and got back on work fully rested. Thursday was the day for final touch before the dress rehearsal, all the small missing things were added and the bands were ready for tomorrow’s concert.

So that day has arrived and everyone was excited, you could feel it. Running through hotel getting dressed, transferring instruments, posting flyers…We also got diplomas for participating and cool red chairs, that will be so useful later on.
At the concert we rocked!

THE Rock Day

We showed that there are so many great musicians in our schools, and a lot of them had their first gig ever but you couldn’t see that really because they were all so great! Everyone had fun, and how could it be otherwise when there was music involved.

We danced, jumped, sang and screamed, showing the whole world that it is all about fun and music. After all we are musicians without borders! Also we were honored to hear director of Rock Academy, Bertus Borgers, play along with his students and teachers of Mitrovica Rock School.

Return of the Shahbaz

After what we heard everyone’s favorite band Return of the Shahbaz who moved the audience and made best atmosphere ever playing their own songs for the first time. “The night was short and we needed the longest one…” that’s how I would describe the Friday night.

This could also refer for the Saturday morning when we were saying goodbye to our friends from RA. If there is something bad about the summer school that would be this part. We were all at the bus packed and ready for a cherry at the top of a cake, or simply told ready for Ohrid.

And since we are talking about cake, there was one too for dessert. We were staying in a beautiful hotel with swimming pool and a beach right across the street. So remember those cool red chairs we got, oh yeah we floated and enjoyed in the luxury they provide.

Rock Crew on the Beach

After the longest swimming in history we took a tour through the old city of Ohrid, and after we finish we crash a wedding at the hotel…long story short, we had most amazing time there.

Leaving

And when the Sunday came everyone was sad because we had to leave, and since we didn’t want to stop rocking we took the best out we could and played in the bus all the way back to Mitrovica.

And now here I am telling you the story about a fantastic week behind me and all of the participants of summer school. Exhausted but happy I am typing the last few words before I go to the bed and hibernate for a long time. Good night.

P.S. oh and I almost forgot… and we -rocked- happily ever after ….

2011 Summer School crew: meet Gent!

2011-08-19T20:39:00.001+02:00

Hi, my name is Gent Amzai, I'm from Struga. I'm 19 (20 :D) years old and I'm a student of Economics in Tirana, Albania.

I'm a guitar player and this time a singer too. This is my second time performing in Skopje and I'm excited about it. Performing live is my biggest satisfaction.

See you thereeee

2011 Summer School crew: meet Enkelej!

2011-08-19T20:15:00.004+02:00

Hello, I am Enkelej Ajazi, I am 16 and I play bass guitar.

I am from Struga and the only thing I really love is bass playing! :D

2011 Summer School crew: meet Marija!

2011-08-19T15:42:00.004+02:00

The name of the game is Marija Meckaroska.. hehe just kidding. This is me, I am 18 years old an I live to sing.

Another passion that I have, other than singing is medicine. I am an activist in a Civil Organization, cuz the peace is everything that we need. The most common places where you can find me are at cafe-bar Kalabalak, Red Cross, cafe-bar Jazz in Ohrid and at my concerts. :D

My hobbies are photography, cooking, swimming, singing and reading books. My favorite kind of musics is metal, rock, blues, jazz , funky, but classic alwayes relax me. I love working as an Internationas First Aid Trainer and finding time to spend with my friends.

COME ROCK WITH US IN SKOPJE!

2011-08-18T07:18:00.002+02:00

SKOPJE SUMMER SCHOOL CLOSING CONCERT

24 Rock School students!
5 Summer School musicians from Struga, MK!
12 Rock School teachers!
8 great musicians from the Netherlands and one from the U.S.!
Seven bands!
ONE GREAT CONCERT!

AND IT'S FREE!

See you there!

THE BANDS
The A-Team
Rock School ambassador band the A-Team will tour in the Netherlands in September 2011 and May 2012 with their new songs

Summer School bands
Four brand new bands perform their pick of the best pop, rock, punk and grunge

Rock Academy and Rock School All-Star Band
Tilburg's best with Mitrovica's finest

Return of the Shabaz - R.O.T.S.
New tracks and great rock and roll classics by a four-headed band from Mitrovica, Eindhoven (NL), Houston (Texas) and Milici (BiH)

We look forward to seeing you at the concert!

View the invitation in Macedonian

View the invitation in Albanian

View the invitation in Serbian

View the invitation in English

SKOPJE SUMMER SCHOOL
At the Skopje Summer School, students and teachers of the Mitrovica Rock School come together in Skopje to form mixed bands. Together with trainers from the Fontys Rock Academy (Netherlands), they prepare for a major outdoor concert.

The Mitrovica Rock School serves as an incubator for pop and rock music talent in the region.

2011 Summer School crew: meet Gjyli!

2011-08-17T08:20:00.001+02:00

Hello people!

I’m Gjylisha Cena. I'm 16 years old, in 12 grade in high school.

I am a singer at Rock School, part of the band called Sofra. I enjoy very much singing, listening to music, reading books, riding my bike, and plenty of other things…

Hope we'll have fun in Skopje. See you there! :)

2011 Summer School crew: meet Fatjon!

2011-08-16T09:08:00.002+02:00

I'm Fatjon, I'm a keyboard player, and as 2 times ago, I'm so exited for this week in Skopje.

I'm looking forward for the A-Team!

Fatjon is a member of the Rock School's A-Team!

2011 Summer School crew: meet Vedat!

2011-08-15T22:11:00.004+02:00

Hi all, I'm Vedat.

I am 24 years old and I'm a drummer at Rock School in The Frames band. I've been playing drums for 6 years.

This is my second time coming to Skopje Summer School!

2011 Summer School crew: meet Alban!

2011-08-15T21:54:00.004+02:00

Hi, I'm Alban Dibrani.

I am 18 years old and I play bass guitar in the band Missed Call. I like rap and rock music.

And I hope we'll have a good time...

2011 Summer School crew: meet Vesa!

2011-08-12T00:33:00.003+02:00

Hi y’all!

I’m Vesa, I’m 16 years old and I’m a drummer at MRS in Freak Week band. I’ve been playing drums for two years, and I enjoy it A LOT!!!

Except Rock School, I go to Frang Bardhi High School - Mathematics and Informatics. So, two really different combinations like Maths and Music are my life.

This is my second time coming to Skopje Summer School, and I can’t wait to enjoy this experiece again.

I’m really looking forward in seeing u there, and rocking the place.

2011 Summer School crew: meet Kreshnik!

2011-08-12T00:29:00.003+02:00

Hi, my name is Kreshnik Berisha. I am 19 years old and I play guitar in the band Missed Call since 3 years.

I finished the musical high school. Now I study classic guitar in the academy of arts at University of Prishtina.

I play guitar but also piano and a litle clarinette. I like pop and rock music and also classical music. My hobby is cleanin my teeth hahaha :P

See you soon in Shkup, I hope we will have a great time.

2011 Summer School crew: meet Vjosa!

2011-08-09T21:00:00.001+02:00

Hi everyone:)

My name is Vjosa Selmani I'm 16. I go to gymnasium and Mitrovica Rock School too. There I'm a member of "BAND 4" where I sing!

I love music and singing too. I enjoy spending time with my friends, family, reading, watch TV and I spend a lot of time on FB too!

Can't wait to meet you all, so see you there :)

2011 Summer School crew: meet Gagi!

2011-08-09T20:55:00.002+02:00

I am Ngadhnjim Musliu.

I was born in 29.09.1992 in Mitrovica. Primary school I finished in "Andon Zako Çajupi in Mitrovica, in same time I also finished Primary Music School "Tefta Tashko" in Mitrovica. Now I am in secondary music school "Tefta Tashko" in 13 class. I play piano and klarinet instruments. I have proud that I choose this direction.

Also I am in Rock School in Mitrovica, in the first band called "Sofra'm"
from Mitrovica, in this band I play piano.

Leisure: draw, exercising piano, klarinet and heard music, while my hobby is skiing and swimming.

2011 Summer School crew: meet Ida!

2011-07-28T09:52:00.005+02:00

Hi to everyone!

My name is Ida, I am 16 years old and I am a singer in Mitrovica Rock School. I listen to pop/rock music, and I love to paint.

This is my first trip to Skopje and I hope it will be a lot of fun and music.

So I guess i see U guys there!!!

2011 Summer School crew: meet Lirjon!

2011-07-27T11:06:00.002+02:00

Hi, I'm Lirjon... I'm in high school of classical music and I play guitar for 7 years.

I'm new student in Rock School and I'm very happy for beeing a member of this school. My favorite genres are alternative rock, progressive, metall.

This will be my first being in beautiful city Skopje, hope to have a good time there.

See you :)

2011 Summer School crew: meet Enver!

2011-07-16T19:17:00.003+02:00

Hi ! I’m Enver. I’m kontrabassist and bassist but I play guitar too... I play bass in Rock School band “the Frames.”

I like all genres of music but my favorites are: Rock Fusion, Funk Jazz and Blues.

See you soon!

Enko :)

2011 Summer School crew: meet Blerta!

2011-07-12T19:15:00.003+02:00

Hey everyone, it feels so good writing an introduction blog for the Skopje Summer School again!

I am so glad that I get to be part of such an experience for the second time and I’m sure that I will have a rocking time with you!! :)

Ok, I’m Blerta Kosova, 16, and singer in the Rock School band “The Frames.” Besides the rock school, I also go to the musical high school “Tefta Tashko” in Mitrovica.

I enjoy spending a lot of time with friends, going out, singing of course, reading and just chilling by listening to good music.

I’m really looking forward in meeting you all, to make some good jams together, in one of my favorite cities, the beautiful Skopje. :)

Peace everyone!
BB :)

Blerta is a member of the Rock School's A-Team!

2011 Summer School crew: meet Lenart!

2011-07-12T19:07:00.005+02:00

Hi! My name is Lenart.

I'm a guitar player.... For more see you in August.

Lenart is a member of the Rock School's A-Team!

2011 Summer School crew: meet Strahinja!

2011-07-12T18:07:00.002+02:00

Hello, I'm Strahinja and I'm 16 years old.

I play guitar for 2 years. My favourite music genres are rock and blues.

I think that Skopje Summer School will be huge experience for me and I expect a lot of fun.

See you in Skopje.

2011 Summer School crew: meet Milos!

2011-07-12T18:00:00.002+02:00

Hi all, I'm Milos. I am 18 years old and I play drums and sing.

This will be my third summer school experience but instead for drummer, I'm now in role of singer.

It's great to see old familiar faces and meet the new one.

Until Skopje, cheers,

Milos

2011 Summer School crew: meet Djordje!

2011-07-12T17:58:00.003+02:00

Hello everyone, I'm Djordje and I'm 20.

I play piano/keyboards for very long time and I finished primary music school.

In Rock School I also play drums and sometimes sing.

I really looking forward for my first visit to Skopje and see you all then.

2011 Summer School crew: meet Nemanja!

2011-07-12T17:55:00.003+02:00

Hi, my name is Nemanja Lazic and I'm 18 years old.

I just finished high school and I'm Rock School member for a 4 months. I sing and play acoustic guitar.

This would be my first participation in Skopje Summer School and I expect a lot of fun.

See you all,

Nemanja

2011 Summer School crew: meet Milena!

2011-07-12T17:53:00.005+02:00

Hello, my name is Milena Ilievska, I am 22, and I study English language and literature in Northern Mitrovica.

Three months ago I joined Mitrovica Rock School as a drum player. As far as music is concerned I listen to many genres, classic and alternative rock, progressive and psychodelic rock, punk, ska, drum'n'bass, dubstep, and currently I am totally into trip-hop.

Although it won't be my first visit to Skopje, it will be the first with Rock School and I expect a lot of fun. See you there....

2011 Summer School crew: meet Miske!

2011-07-12T17:51:00.006+02:00

Hi everyone. I'm Miske, and I'm 23 years old.

I play bass guitar and I started to play 5 years ago. This will be my third summer school experience and everytime is getting better.

'Till Skopje, have fun and see you soon.

Miske is a member of the Rock School's A-Team!

2011 Summer School crew: meet Minja!

2011-07-12T17:48:00.003+02:00

Hi! I'm Minja from Kosovska Mitrovica. I'm 17 and I go to gymnasium and musical high school.

I'm also a pupil of Mitrovica Rock School, where I sing and play piano.

I listen to all kind of quality music. I don't have favorite musician, there are so many of them.

I'm really looking forward to our association in Skopje.... see you there.

2011 Summer School crew: meet Emir!

2011-07-12T17:47:00.005+02:00

Hi, everyone. My name is Emir Hasani and I'm 19.

I play guitar since 2000. I listen to many different music genres.

See ya soon :)

Emir is a member of the Rock School's A-Team!

2011 Summer School crew: meet Filip S.!

2011-07-12T17:46:00.002+02:00

Hello, I'm Filip, and I'm 18 years old.

I play guitar for 4 years!...

See you in Skoplje :)

2011 Summer School crew: meet Rasim!

2011-07-12T17:45:00.001+02:00

Hello, my name is Rasim, I'm 16 years old.

I live in North Mitrovica and I'm playing drums for almost three years. If the is anything else that you should know, just ask. :)

All the best.

2011 Summer School crew: meet Filip M.!

2011-07-12T17:41:00.005+02:00

Hi, my name is Filip an I'm 18. I play drums since 2008....

I listen to many different music genres...

See you soon in Skopje

Filip is a member of the Rock School's A-Team!

2011 Summer School crew: meet Jelena!

2011-07-12T17:36:00.013+02:00

Hi, my name is Jelena Zafirovic and I'm 21 years old. I'm a student on the Music Academy in North Kosovska Mitrovica.

I sing, I'm also a songwriter, and I play a guitar a little bit.

Music means everything to me because it helps me to express myself and connect with people through my songs, so that's what I want to do in my life.

I can't wait to go to Skopje and see the friends I made last year, and hopefully meet new ones, so we can play together and have a lot of fun.

See you in Skopje!

Jelena

Rock School ready to rock Skopje!

2011-07-12T15:35:00.008+02:00

The last week of August, 24 Rock School students and their 12 teachers from the Mitrovica Rock School will rock Skopje - for the fourth time!

2011 Skopje Summer School
Every year, the Rock School invites 24 of its students and all teachers for a rock and roll summer school in Skopje. Back in 2008, the Rock School was launched with our first Summer School ever. Now, with our fourth edition, nearly one hundred young Mitrovica musicians will have attended.

2010 Summer School band 40 Degrees

Rehearsing, recording and performing
Throughout the week, the participants will be coached by the Rock School's teachers from Mitrovica and trainers from the Fontys Rock Academy in the Netherlands. They will follow an intensive program that includes five days of band practice, recording and performing.

Final concert - August 26
On Friday August 26, the week will culminate in major outdoor concert in the Skopje City Park. Details will be posted soon.

Come one, come all!

2010 Summer School band The Targets

**NEW**
Rock School's "A-Team"

This year, a new band will be part of the Summer School: the Rock School's A-Team. The A-Team is formed by three of the best students from the Rock School's South branch and three of the best from our North branch.

The A-Team is currently writing songs together online, which will be recorded in Skopje. In September, they will travel to the Netherlands together to perform at IKV Pax Christi's event The Night of Peace.

Civil - Center for Freedom
The Skopje Summer School is carried out in partnership with the Skopje-based organization Civil, a long-standing partner of Musicians without Borders.

Donors
The 2011 Skopje Summer School is funded by the Embassies of Finland, the United States, Norway and France in Pristina. The Mitrovica Rock School is financially supported by the Social Transformation Program (Matra) of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Rock and roll legends Električni Orgazam support the Rock School at Djokovic reception

2011-07-06T10:41:00.021+02:00

Last Sunday, ex-Yu rock and roll legends Električni Orgazam performed at the reception of Novak Djokovic in Belgrade to celebrate his Wimbledon victory.

Bass player and Rock School friend Shvaba performed in a Mitrovica Rock School T-shirt in front of some 100,000 fans and dozens of public and international TV broadcasters.

Električni Orgazam open the celebration

100,000 people gathered in front of City Hall

Rock School friend Shvaba

The full concert can be viewed on YouTube.

Shvaba at the Mitrovica Rock School in May 2011

Another humanitarian concert by the Rock School!

2011-06-29T08:34:00.004+02:00

By Dren Nishliu, guitarist

My name is Dren and I'm part of the Mitrovica Rock School. I think that the Rock School is very generous with all students and teachers.

Freak Week performs at Rockin' Hood

After the Rock School participated in an humanitarian action with Torcida to support Fisnik Muharemi (football player), the Rock School did another humanitarian concert for just one day. We did this humanitarian action together with organization called "ROKIN' HOOD," who invited us to this humanitarian action.

It was another great day for the students of the Rock School. We played acoustic songs and people that passed through were feeling very good with our music. We had very good time and we were happy that we're helping PEOPLE IN NEED -others. Organizers of ROKIN' HOOD thanked us for doing nice job.

And i think that the Rock School will never stop during humanitarian action to help people in need.

The Frames performed in one of the most awesome music festivals ever held in Kosovo!

2011-06-29T08:04:00.003+02:00

By Blerta Kosova, singer

So, it all started with our performance in “Rock per rock 2011,” in Pristina. The organizers of the new festival “NGOM,” saw us there, so they invited us in their festival.

During the performance, The Frames

It was the first time that NGOM music festival was held, it lasted 3 days, from 24 to 26 June, in Prizren. The most famous and greatest bands of Kosovo and outside the country participated, and we were there too!

The festival had 50 hours program, which means that there were lots of bands and dj-s. There were three stages in the city, which weren’t that far from each other. We played on Saturday (25 June), during the day around 3 o’clock, at the parking stage, a very good one!

The luck was on our side that day because the weather was just perfect, in comparison with the day before! It was a cloudish, coolish, windish day, with NO RAIN, so, fortunately we haven’t had “dying from the hot weather” problems. :)

We performed for like an hour, playing our original songs and also covers from complete different genres, but I’m pretty sure that the audience liked us. They were really into us while we played, I was watching them all the time while performing, and everyone was dancing and singing and screaming, so I have to say that it was quite a good performance of our band and it was really fun!

There’s nothing left to say, it was an unforgettable experience, Prizren rules!!

Cheers, BB!

Mitrovica Rock School at Rock Festival in Prizren

2011-06-24T10:04:00.013+02:00

By Ceni Damati

The Mitrovica Rock School had a lots of fun at the Rock Festival in Prizren. It was amazing night!

In this Festival our band perform and we had a competition with other bands from other city. My band (Missed Call) had 2 songs witch I sang: Numb from Linkin Park, and Here Without You from Three Doors Down.

Missed Call performing at Rock Festival

I've been confused at first cuz it's kind a difficult to play drums and to sing... you have to be concentrated in 2 things that are very important but... IT WAS COOL FOR ME :p

I said before that we had competition so you want to know who was the winner??? Its easy: THE FRAMES... they was very good in their original songs and everybody likes them. :)

So enjoy my pictures and video too!

The Frames (Blerta left, Enver right)

Left: singer Albana
Right: guitarist Kreshnik

The Frames

Freak Week

Sofra

In Mitrovica the Rock School acts!

2011-06-23T07:40:00.003+02:00

By Kreshnik Berisha

My name is Kreshnik Berisha and I am an regullar member of this school.

In my opinion the Rock School is very positive for all instrumentalists and singers, because besides the exercises they participate in concerts outside Mitrovica and in a way they represent our beatiful city near the river Ibar.

Rock School students Kreshnik, Arber and Albana at the Humanitarian Concert

In this month the Rock School also participates in an humanitarian action together with Torcida wich is organized by them to support a Trepca football player materially. The Rock School supported Torcida in their activities for a week by organizing concerts in different environments outdoors and indoors and we were been welcomed by the citizens and by the organizers.

In Mitrovica soon will be organized a megaconcert and part of this humanitarian event will be Mitrovica Rock School together with the stars of Kosovo's entertainment.

Vacancy: Project Manager/North Branch Coordinator

2011-06-22T11:22:00.004+02:00

The Mitrovica Rock School is a long-term project developed by Musicians without Borders (MwB), Community Building Mitrovica (CBM), the Fontys Rock Academy and IKV Pax Christi. Nearly 100 students attend rock music lessons on both sides of Mitrovica, and come together for intensive training abroad. The Rock School should be independent and self-sustaining by the summer of 2012.

Applicants are requested to send their CV, letter of motivation and any references to CBM and MwB by Friday July 1, 2011, at 17:00 hours, at info@cbmitrovica.org,
w.hassler-forest@musicianswithoutborders.org and rockschoolmitrovica@yahoo.com

Position: Project Manager/North Branch Coordinator

The duties of the Project Manager/North Branch Coordinator will include:

overall project cycle management of a large, complex, long-term project intended to become a sustainable institution
project communications
fundraising & maintaining donor relations
cultural entrepreneurship: marketing the Rock School, securing sponsorships and other support, making activities self-funding to the extent possible
narrative and financial reporting & administration
managing all personnel matters related to the project for CBM
supervising the work of personnel of the Rock School’s North branch

The successful candidate will have

proven experience in project cycle management
a commercial/entrepreneurial outlook
high organizational skills
high written and verbal English-language skills
high self-initiative
experience in fund raising
proven reporting skills
high level of computer skills (Word, Excel) and affinity with social media

The successful candidate will be

open-minded, neutral, positive and eager to learn
a team worker
a self-starter
flexible (also in terms of working hours)
willing to travel

We offer

a positive, dynamic working environment
training by the Fontys Rock Academy (the Netherlands)
the opportunity to travel and participate in a high-profile international music project
a competitive local salary based on a 30-hour working week
further career opportunities

The most important MRS project ever!

2011-06-15T10:54:00.006+02:00

By Blerta Kosova, singer

So Ruud told us (me, Fatjon and Lenart) that we will have an important meeting the next coming days. The meeting was held, and what we heard was crazy! We were getting part of a lifetime project.

The description of the project:
The Rock Academy, the Rock School teachers and the coordinators formed a team that is called the A-Team.

Peace from our team! :)

The A-Team
So, the A-Team is a working title of a band formed by six of the Mitrovica Rock Schools best students, three from each branch (North and South). The A-Team is going to start exchanging ideas for one to three new songs in Mitrovica.

Songwriting and recording in Skopje
They will also attend the 2011 Skopje Summer School (last week of August), where the band will work with a songwriter and sound engineer from the Fontys Rock Academy. The songs will be completed and recorded in Skopje.

CD and Festivals in the Netherlands
Then, a Dutch producer will mix the recordings, and the CD will be released in spring 2012. The Fontys Rock Academy will circulate the demo among Liberation Day Festivals (May 5th) in the Netherlands, with the aim of getting the band booked at one or more festivals in the Netherlands in May 2012.

A-Team on tour!
And here comes the best part, :) the A-Team is going to travel to the Netherlands, work at the Rock Academy for one or two days and perform at one or more festivals around the country in May 2012 to promote the CD. The visit to the Netherlands will last approximately 4 days.

So what’s left to say is, a lot of work is waiting this summer and I can’t wait for it!!

The MRS bands perform in Rock Fest 2011, Prizren

2011-06-15T09:38:00.018+02:00

By Blerta Kosova, singer

This year was the 2nd time that the rock school bands participated in the Rock Festival in Prizren.

Blerta (me) during the performance

Melting drive and hot opening act
The trip started with our meeting at CBM, our long way to Prizren and after a melting drive, finally arrived. Each band did a sound check first, and at 9 pm. the concert started. Band 4 was the opening act, followed by Freak Week, as the next band from the Rock School, then there were The Frames, Sofra and Missed Call.

Winners!
The night ended up with The Frames as the winners of this Rock Fest edition, hip hip hooraaay! :) ... It’s sad to say that we didn’t actually WIN anything but it was fun anyways (that’s what’s important in the end).

Rock School on tour
A very pleasant experience for all of us, and hopefully not the end of our “tour” for this season:).

Ok, enough sayings and more proof! Yep, they say a picture is worth a million words, here’s your meal for today dear bloggers! ;)

Left: Vedat feeling the groove during the sound-check
Right: Blerta (me) during the sound-check

Left: Freak Week during the sound-check
Right: Vedat and Enver

Musicians with A T T I T U D E! oh come on! :P

Sofra's performance

Freak Week performing

More recording experience

2011-06-10T11:08:00.005+02:00

By Jelena Zafirovic, singer, songwriter and guitarist

Dutch Rock Academy in Mitrovica
The Mitrovica Rock School is visited by the Dutch students from the Fontys Rock Academy (Tilburg, NL) every year, and this year wasn’t an exception. This time, along with the guitar, bass and singing lessons, they decided to make a little recording studio in one of the rooms for band rehearsals in rock school and record some of our songs.

Like professionals
Two of my bands were supposed to record one song, and we were there at 10 AM, everyone was sleepy and tired, but we gave our best to act like professionals, even though we also had some problems with the drums, etc.

Recording all the parts
First we recorded only drums from both bands, then the bass lines, after that the guitar lines and finally – the vocals, and it was already 5 PM, but we did our best to be patient.

Busy and tired
It was a busy and tired day for all of us – I’m sure – but I think we all need to get used to it all, because there will probably be more problems and more spent time in the future, for recording.

Special thanks!
I want to thank Jos Driessen and Savo Kostic for giving their best to make good records of my songs, and special thanks to Emir Hasani, Nemanja Misic and Filip Milovanovic for helping and giving support the whole time.

Enjoy!
Enjoy listening “Don’t Break My Heart” by Midnight, recorded by Savo Kostic and Jos Driessen, played by Strahinja Sofronijevic (guitar), Rasim Redzepagic (drums), Nemanja Misic (bass guitar) and Jelena Zafirovic (vocals).

Mitrovica Rock School plans to open a small studio for
anyone interested in recording demos of their songs.

A week full of workshops, good education and not to forget FUN!

2011-06-09T11:09:00.004+02:00

By Blerta Kosova, singer

Last week, the rock school was quite busy and hardworking.

Stayf, Jos, Shanna, Pim, Rolf were the new RA team that worked like bees the whole week to give us the most knowledge they could. Also Gerdien and Ruud were here too. Workshops were held in our school starting from Monday till Friday the final day. On

Monday we had workshops in Vocal Coaching with Shanna and Bass Guitar with Pim.

Tuesday was the guitarists day, we had two workshops in guitar with Jos.

On Wednesday we had also workshops in guitar and bass.

Thursday was the tiring and haaaardworking day, we had to record our own songs. The recordings started at 10 am. And were over at 7’30 pm. We all were like reaaaally tired but I have to say that Jos did a wonderful job. He was working all time with us and never lost his nerves. :P

During the recordings , downstairs in the other class, Shanna was having vocal workshop with the singers.

Friday was the last day, where we held vocal and bass workshop individually.

It was a hardworking but very pleasurable week for all of us. The RA team did a great job and like every year, we ended up as better musicians and more professional than yesterday :).

I’m really looking forward in meeting them again IN SKOPJE! CHeeeers!!

MRS is gonna have a very very very busy week!

2011-06-07T10:56:00.005+02:00

By Visar Kasa, singer, songwriter & pianist

The sun is shining, the people are happy, school is over and the rock festivals round Kosovo have began.

- Also this year, the MRS bands "The Frames" and "Freak Week" are going to appear in the two most important rock festivals, "Rock per Rock" Prishtine and "Rock Live" Prizren.

- The success of last year’s performances by MRS was amazing, "Freak Week" won the first price in "Rock Live" and "The Frames" won the first price in "Rock per Rock."

- The bands are very excited to present their original songs to a huge audience and worked really hard to rock their brains out! So I really hope this year is going to be a winner years for two of the bands. :)

Mitrovica Rock School in Bajgora

2011-06-02T08:29:00.026+02:00

By Ceni Damati, drummer and singer

It was the first time and first concert of Mitrovica Rock School that was held in mountain.

I really enjoy it !!

We were 3 bands there and perform various famous songs that we had in our new repertory. My band had 5 great songs: Price Tag… Love The Way You Lie (we had our Eminem “Albani”)… I Need A Doctor… What’s My Name and Finaly Numb.

In beginning of the concert it was really cold as you can see in some photos…

I almost didn’t hear my hands wile I was playing in drums... but however we had a great time there.

Picture is worth ten thousand words... so I will let u enjoy some pic of mine. :)

Here is our Biggest Fan of Mitrovica Rock School!!

Fatjon and Gjeneta

Blerta and Vesa after Concert!!

Blerta is HUNGRY :p

Resting!!

Rock Academy coming to Mitrovica - Gerdien is back!

2011-05-28T20:40:00.005+02:00

My name is Gerdien Visser. I’m a teacher at the Rock Academy for seven years.

I’m responsible for the educational department of the Rock Academy.

This is the third time I visit Kosovo with a team of students. I’m looking forward to be back in Kosovo and meet everyone.

Maybe it’s nice to tell something about my self and what I do in my free time. I’m a mother of three children. The youngest is 16 years old, the second 18 and my eldest is 20 years old. Two of my sons play the guitar.

In my free time I like to read books, listen to music and I dance flamenco.

Rock Academy coming to Mitrovica - meet Stayf!

2011-05-28T20:37:00.003+02:00

Stefan "Stayf" van Leijsen is a very diverse, extremely focused and hard working Dutch guy who's only 23 years old.

Currently attending the Fontys Rockacademie in Tilburg (Netherlands) where he is learning the craft of producing, composing, arraning and managing artist's careers.

Stayf has attained experience is both the musical side and the business side of the music industry and can be a very inspiring guy to talk to.

Make sure to contact him while he's visiting the Mitrovica Rock School between the 29th of May and the 5th of June 2011!

Rock Academy coming to Mitrovica - meet Jos!

2011-05-26T08:26:00.005+02:00

My name is Jos Driessen, I'm a third year student at the Rock Academy.

I've followed classes in composition and developing my own band, but my heart truly lies in engineering.

I love working in the studio, recording all kinds of music. I also have a volunteer job as a live technician at a local club, and I play guitar in Two Days Left and Dustsucker (look them up on Facebook if you like!).

I'm really looking forward to spending a week in Kosovo and getting to know new people!

The Rock School - one of my greatest experiences ever!

2011-05-26T08:16:00.006+02:00

By Vjosa Selmani, singer

Life before the Rock School
As a little child, I grew up singing. My whole life was about music, and still is. But there was a little problem. I didn’t have a place to set my soul free, I couldn’t find a place where I simply could show my feelings through music... until summer 2008 came.

2008: First Skopje Summer School!
I became part of an unforgettable experience, it was the summer school in Skopje. I was a total amateur I never had the chance to sing live. I didn’t even knew how to use a microphone properly! But the things that I learned that week, oh I’m sure I would never learn those things in many years here. Then, the official opening of the Rock School in Mitrovica, was just the beginning of a great adventure with lots of gigs, concerts, appearances in the tv scene and a lot more...

Professional breakthrough
As the years passed by I’ve had an obvious professional breakthrough, I really learned a lot during these years in the RS and hope to be part of this experience for a long period.

Rock School girl power at Video Fest

2011-05-25T08:53:00.007+02:00

By Blerta Kosova, singer and guitarist

Video Fest
MRS students, Vjosa, Vesa and Blerta (me), had the most awesome and quite important performance on Monday the 16th. It was the glamorous night of the Video Festival that takes place yearly in Pristina since 2003.

It started with a phone call...
It all started with a phone call from Edon, our band coach and keyboards instructor. He asked if we were interested to participate in a great organization like that and we were like “whaat!?”, of course!! :)

Lookin' all glamerous
On Sunday we had general rehearsals in Pristina, the next day was the great day.
As we arrived in Pristina, on Monday, we went to the National Theatre where the whole ceremony was going to happen. We were getting ready looking all glamorous and went to the v.i.p room to watch the ceremony (hahah what a feeling).

Rockin' all-girl band
So, as the Video Fest started we were the opening performance. While Mentor (from famous “Kthjellu” band, and Yllka Kuqi (also a famous singer in Kosova) were singing the famous Beatles song, “money can’t buy me love,” I was playing the guitar, Vjosa the bass guitar and Vesa on drums.

Celebs, superstars an paparazzi
It was so great because we never got to play in front of such a “celeb-ish”(lol) audience. The great feeling even got better when we went to the after party in Duplex, we were treated like real superstars, everywhere paparazzi asking for photo shots.

It was one amaaaazing experience that I HAD to share with all my Rock School bloggers : )

Music influences and inspiration

2011-05-18T10:37:00.006+02:00

By Jelena Zafirovic, singer and guitarist

What is music?
When music is a subject, it can be discussed forever, but there are a few groups of people who take it in a different way. For artists: music is the way to express feelings, ideas, to make contact with all the people, to try changing the world.

For the audience: music is a chance to relax, or have fun, or to remember good, or bad times in their lives. For the people who wish to be famous at all costs: music means nothing. But it is very important for everyone to know how to recognize every type.

Why prejudice?
Unfortunately, there are many people full of prejudice in music. Why every musician and every fan needs a tag? Why is Metallica’s music just annoying noise? Why is Shakira a girl that moves her hips? Why is Britney Spears an untalented celebrity who became famous over night?

First that everybody needs to understand is: you can’t become famous over night, and every artist that is one of the most popular in the world had to work hard every since childhood to gain respect from the world. The point here is not to defend any of the artists with “tags”, but to prove that: the more styles you respect and follow – the more creative you become.

My advice
Some people asked me how am I able to write so many songs with different subjects, how do I get inspired. My answer is: follow where the music is going to, listen to every type of music, every style, and then you’ll know, when you hear a bad song with very low quality, you’ll say “I’ll be better than this and I’ll bring real music to the people” and when you hear a good song, with high quality, you’ll get inspired and create more and more every day.

And then you’ll understand: it doesn’t matter is it rock, pop, jazz, or house, what matters is GOOD MUSIC. And it’s also very important to have good people to support you and to work with you, like I do in Mitrovica Rock School.

The Frames rocked along with Troja!

2011-04-22T11:26:00.010+02:00

By Blerta Kosova, singer

MRS band The Frames had a really important and unforgettable night on Saturday. We had the privilege to perform a couple of songs live, before Troja rocked the hell out of Mitrovica! :)

It was truly amazing, the stage, the backstage, the colossal audience.. everything was just amazing!

So, the concert started with Funhouse, followed with Frozen (our song), Man in the box and also ended with a song of ours Enderroj.

I also have to mention that because of some reasons, our bands drummer Vedat, couldn’t make it to the concert so we “hired” another great student(drummer) from our school Hysen (Ceni) who did a great job, and Fatjon (Band 4) keyboarder was also playing with us.

Mitrovica totally craved a night like that!

The Frames before the concert, during the soundcheck.

During the performance. From left to right: Hysen, Enver, Fatjon, Arber, Blerta(me) and Edona.

A nice concertish view:P (arber and me)

And of course last but not least.. the best thing..
THAT GREAT AUDIENCE!

Photos by: Kushtrim Hoti

A dream that came true!

2011-04-16T14:52:00.005+02:00

By Gjylisha Cena, singer

Since I was a little girl I always dreamt to be a singer. I did concerts on my own and imagined my self singing on stage.

I saw a lot of movies with music schools and I always wished to be part of a school like that. And than I heard about this amazing school. I first heard on September 2008, and I was very surprised.

So I decided to participate in the audition to become a singer in rock school. It was a great opportunity, and I wasn’t willing to let it go.

When I got in the audition I was a little bit scared, I always sang only in my room. But this was the moment I was expecting for a long time!

SO I GOT IN! Ever since I’m part of this school!

At the beginning it was a little hard, it was a new road I was taking. But this school is not like other schools. This one is different, here you can be yourself. The teachers will always help you, and the other student will always support you.

Here I met a lot of new people, different musicians that inspire you. I learned a lot of things, still am! I learned how to corporate to make music with others, different singing techniques etc. etc.

This school really helped me to create my own style on singing. I guess dreams really come true, because mine did! And that is thanks to Rock school.

So if you love music, you know where is the right place!

The concert

2011-04-16T14:48:00.003+02:00

By Blerta Kosova, singer

The night started with a little frustration because we thought that no one was coming, but after a while people were all over the place.

The concert started with Sofra as the opening performance, after them, a pretty hot performance by Freak Week (good job guys), which were then followed by Missed Call, Band4 and as a closing act came The Frames.

But that wasn’t really the end!! The night continued with good moods and good music with a jam session. People seemed to be having a good time and so were we. I have to say Sunday the 27th was a great night !!

And now we’re all back in our working suits , getting ready to give the world what it really needs..

LOADS AND LOADS OF ROCKING, LOUD AND AWESOME PERFORMANCES :D

To endless MRS concerts, cheers! :)

Ruud at the Rock School

2011-03-31T11:02:00.013+02:00

By Ceni Damati, drummer

I didn’t know he came to Mitrovica at all, I was surprised when I saw him. At first day he didn’t saw any band but he told us to meet again on Thursday.

On Thursday wile the band "The Frames" were practicing I asked him about Rock School and the band "The Frames," he said:

"I found it very inspiring."

Blerta, Enver, Arber and Vedat are all rolemodels for the rest of the kids and examples of what you can achieve if you want to make music.

Also he had a good talk with his old friend and the light of this years Skopje trip Edona. Also he’ve seen all the coaches and they had some good talks...

Ruud have seen and talk with new student of Rock School too, I asked Adelina, one of new student in school, about Ruud and she said:

"My opinion as a new student for Ruud is that he is so friendly, and so affectionate. I haven't known him before but when I said "hi" to him, he was so good in his reply, and I feel so good that he was so friendly with me even I am a new student in this school!!"

So this is the Day that Ruud was at the Rock School :))

A better place for rock’n’roll!

2011-03-27T11:19:00.008+02:00

By Jelena Zafirovic, singer and guitarist

That day is finally coming: the Rock School's North branch is moving to a bigger and better place for making good music!

That place will be in a building of former club “Viva”, as it was said before, thanks to the CRYM Coalition.

Attend the big opening!

March 25th 2011 (Friday) is the day of the opening, it will last from 3 PM until 12 AM and the great time is guaranteed, because besides that you will get to meet the whole team – you will listen to the great music! If you like hard rock, metal, grunge and even acoustic playing: you should already have plans for this Friday and it should be the opening.

If you attended the last gig of Mitrovica Rock School and you liked the bands: you will hear those bands again! Here’s a little secret of the performance plan:

15:00 – band Midnight performs
15:15 – band Panic performs
16:30 – band Medvedici performs
16:45 – band Revenge performs

and as a cherry on the cake: good older rock bands:
20:45 – band Lazy performs
22:30 – band Return Of The Sahbaz performs

And many other things await you!

If you would like to be a part of Mitrovica Rock School and play instruments or sing: this event will show you the good side of rock music and hopefully encourage you to come to us and show your talents!

Rock School – That really rocks!

2011-03-23T17:05:00.004+01:00

By Albana Berisha, singer

My experience in Rock School
When I first joined the School, I was like a lost person trying to find it way. I was a stranger to the others, and the others were strangers to me. But that thing changed soon…

The “Strangers” became my friends, some of them my besties. The rock school for me is a place of joy, a place of fun, a place where I have the freedom of speech, a place where I’m aloud to make mistakes (while reharsaling), and a place where I feel comfortable.

Don’t you think this is the Coolest School ever?

In Rock School I’ve met lot of people, I’ve learned lot of things… and I’m lucky for being part of it!

I’m a singer, and in the beginning I had lot of difficulties on reaching higher notes, singing with diaframe etc. But now I feel more comfortable while singing. I reach those notes without damaging my voice, and they’re not my problem anymore.
:)

After a good“winter sleep”, the MRS is now fueled with good energy and is ready for Rock’n’Roll!!!

2011-03-17T10:55:00.004+01:00

By Blerta Kosova, singer

Recently, all of the bands were quite busy and working hard to give their best for the upcoming concert on this ending month.

There are also the new bands with complete new students that are eagerly waiting for their first performance. Unfortunately it’s not going to be this concert but I think really soon!

I know most of the newcomers and they’re really, like, REALLY excited about their new experience as band members. They’re constantly asking questions about everything in the school and we, the veterans :P .. of course try our best to guide them with the best advice that we can!

It’s really nice to see the school like this, full of life, full of new pupils that want to know more.

Mjellma (newcomer):
“Music is what feelings sound like, that’s kinda nice. Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music”

Can’t you see the glitter in their eyes!? .. well I do!
(cuz I’ve been there, and I’m kinda stuck) :D

Mitrovica Rock School NL Tour – NO TOUR 'TILL BURG: The Highlights

2011-03-15T15:30:00.019+01:00

By Nemanja "Miske" Misic, bass player and trainee bass teacher

From February 27 'till March 6, Mitrovica Rock School team visited the Fontys Rockacademyin Tilburg, Netherlands.

The team is composed of two coordinators Milos and Ajten, nine teachers Goran, Mladen, Misko, Ivana, Emir, Nesim, Valon, Edon and Erhan and for the first time, one trainee teacher Miske.

Here, you can see some interesting moments and highlights of a Training Week in Tilburg.

1st Day: Monday February 28

On the first day, in Monday morning, MRS team was welcomed by Rockacademy didactic counselor Gerdien Visser. After the opening and introduction, mr Alexander Beets of the Rockacademy presented the Cultural Entrepreneurship assignment, as you can see in the photo below.

After a working part of the day, we had a pleasant evening and dinner at Anvers.

2nd Day: Tuesday March 1

On Tuesday, MRS team visited the Music Lab session musicians and watched their performance with MRS vocal teacher Ivana.

In the afternoon we visited Recording studio in the Rockacademy and we discussed about recording, mixing, post-production etc.

In the evening we visited Loads (School of arts) in Breda and we spent a great time watching classes of different arts. After that we had a jam session. Great experience jammin' with local musicians!

3rd Day: Wednesday March 2

The first part of the day we spent at Muziekpakhuys music school, were we attended lessons. Also, we had an introduction of the school program by mr Michel Poldermans.

As a two year tradition says, one evening in the week is reserved for visiting Gerdien's home. On the Wednesday evening we were guests at Gerdien's and her husband Jos, were we had a lovely dinner. Also, the MRS teachers were jammin' in a private bar of Gerdien's.

4th Day: Thursday March 3

Thursday morning was reserved for discussion about Cultural Entrepreneurship assignment with mr Alexander Beets. Afternoon that day, we had a very interesting assignment about pop/rock materials to the criteria in the assessment system. And some results are:

In the evening we had a walking route along the Acts theme week. We saw some very interesting performances, so interesting that we forget to take photos! How bad of us...but, it was awesome.

5th Day: Friday March 4

After check out of our lovely Beekse Bergen (our home during the Training Week), we had the evaluation of the whole week. We shared our impressions and it was interesting to hear everyone's opinion about Training Week. This meant the end of amazing week in Tilburg and we were ready for our trip and one free day in Amsterdam, and of course our back to Kosovo.

The newcomers, and their first impressions

2011-03-09T10:19:00.010+01:00

By Visar Kasa, singer

Since the official opening of Mitrovica Rock School, every person in the town knows that the rock school is a center of young musicians that are getting back the old status:

"The main city in Balkan,

for rock'n'roll and music in general."

Newcomers!
The huge success of this whole project isn't arriving it's boarders, it just goes on and on! Now MRS has welcomed over 20 newcomers, and everybody's so excited about it.

First impressions
I wanted to know what are their first impressions, what do they think about the old students, and what do they expect from MRS, so I talked to some of them, and what they said was…

Adelina said:
"Everything is so exciting, the old students were so friendly, this teamwork is going to get us further. I think with the rock school I’d be trained first to be a good musician, than to form my own band. This would fulfill my dream of making rock music."

Njomza said:
"The first time I stepped in the rock school it felt like a big family that communicate by playing music. I expect to meet new people, make new friendships, and being trained for what I’m here."

Urim said:
"I knew the some of the old students before, and they welcomed me warmly, the teachers are also very nice. I would like to travel, and make music in places I’ve never been before, and just live on with the beat."

Wonderful journey
Our great teachers picked up some very talented new students, I wish they are going to enjoy the wonderful journey of Mitrovica Rock School.

A week without teachers

2011-03-08T07:49:00.007+01:00

By Ceni Damati, drummer

This week all the teachers from Rock School were in Holland for a training week at the Fontys Rock Academy.

Not easy
It was not easy to practice whithout them because in my band the songs that we have were a little hard for mee to learn it and to do perfectly. The keyboard player Gagi has been a little lazy to learn new songs and the bass player Alban was new in the band. The guitarist Kreshnik has been like a teacher:p.. so he was really good !!

We worked harder
We started to work more harder, we went to school almost every day and we countinue practicing with a band without teachers. Ohh I forgot to tell you for the new vocalist Gjeneta that helped us a lot in new songs that we all together chose.

Ideas and tips from everyone
“The Frames” one of the band in school has work and practice too. Blerta the singer from this band said: "We had regular and random rehearsals as usual, we had no problems with the new songs because everyone was giving ideas and tips how to makee everything sound better, but we missed the teachers though."

"Different"
It was different to practice in this way "without teachers" because they are so important and so helpful to us with choosing songs and learning them.

New concert in March!

2011-02-28T03:00:00.012+01:00

By Jelena Zafirovic, singer and guitarist

Mitrovica Rock School is planning a new concert in March, 2011, at the Center for Resources, Youth and Media (ex-VIVA).

How the preparations work
Even though there aren’t many good places for gigs in Kosovska Mitrovica, Mitrovica Rock School is trying really hard to keep it all organized as much as it’s possible.

Good clubs
So far, Mitrovica Rock School held gigs at “Retro Pub”, “Viva” and “Song Club”. All bands have regular rehearsals until there comes a time for a concert – then they have organized more general rehearsals so the bands would be ready on time. Professors are doing their best to organize general rehearsals so they’d fit every students’ obligations, so everyone would attend the rehearsal on time.

Concert day
If general rehearsals didn’t already finish for all bands, some are moved on the concert day, usually in the morning, so students wouldn’t be tired to perform that night. A few hours before the gig, the professors and students carry the instruments and everything else they need to the club or to the café the concert is supposed to be happening.

All bands are supposed to be there at least a half an hour before the gig starts. When it gets crowded in the audience – the performance starts. Will you be on that stage or in the audience – that’s your choice, but whatever that you do, a great time is guaranteed.

Haven’t you signed up already?
If you play any instrument, or sing, or write songs, if you have musical experience, AND if you don’t, but you want your voice to be heard by playing, singing and/or writing songs – Mitrovica Rock School is the right place for you!

All you have to do is visit the current location of Mitrovica Rock School (right behind the “Cool” café in Kosovska Mitrovica). We are welcoming EVERYONE and we will support you for anything that you choose to do here – for only 5 euros a month.

Touching something that an ALL TIME ROCKSTAR touched?!

2011-02-24T10:55:00.015+01:00

By Blerta Kosova, singer

Yes! (I still can’t believe myself) but appearantly in the Mitrovica rock school, nothing’s impossible :).

Slash!
Our schools fame and support is being expanded every single day, it even arrived in the far United States and somehow ended up with SLASHS personal support and signature!!

His signature!
Well I have to be honest.. telling all my Slash-FAN friends, that I actually held something with HIS signature in my hands was pretty harsh. Harsh dealing with all those surprised faces and looks of disbelief , until they say this photo of evidence!! :D

Rocking stuff
It’s a really nice feeling to know that your IDOL, that you can only see on famous tv shows, actually knows that you exist, and gives you support and courage to continue doing rocking stuff like music :) .

All this magic...
I’m really proud that I’m having the chance of being part of all this magic and.. I’m wondering what’s next?! A Mick Jagger signed guitar? An invitation to perform with Tina Turner?.. maybe Paul McCartney?

Read more about Slash's support here.

Photo: singers Edona and Blerta and bass player Enver with autographed Slash doll.

Drum lessons: loud and great!

2011-02-23T18:03:00.017+01:00

By Vesa Nishliu, drummer

Photo: drum student Vesa, trainee teacher Vedat and senior teacher
Nesim

As we know, Mitrovica Rock School is the first school of rock here in Kosovo. It is also the loudest and the greatest one!

Expressing talent
In Mitrovica Rock School, students have chance to learn how to play our favorite instruments, and how to sing. With some words, it's the exact place to express our talent. MRS, is divided into two branches, North-branch and the South-branch.

Our teachers
In South branch, there are six great teachers who are so proffessional and hard workers. They teach us whatever we need, also they are so friendly and understand us in every case. Simply, They Rock !

Nesim's drum lessons
Nesim Maxhuni is one of them. He teaches us how to play Drums. The drumming lessons are every Wednesday (individual lessons), starting at 4.30p.m. until 7.00 p.m. During that time, Nesim helps me and the other students with our band songs, if there’s anything we don’t understand or that can’t play, he explains it to us, plays it together with us, and makes it much easier for us. I’m very thankful to him, for everything he tought me since the first day he started working here in MRS.

Can't wait!
He also teaches new rudiments, drum solos, how to read drum tabs, etc. After school lessons, he gives us new stuff to learn, so we can practice it for a week, and be able to play it the other Wednesday. I just can’t wait for it. And I bet that also the other students feel the same.

Talent and cool teachers
Expressing the feelings and the talent is great. That's what MRS students do, being helped by these proffessional cool teachers.

All about the Rock School

2011-02-23T13:52:00.005+01:00

By Jelena Zafirovic, singer and guitarist

The newest concert of Mitrovica Rock School was in November 16th, 2010. Seven bands performed in this order: Revenge, Behind The Light, Dark Sky, Midnight, Medvedici, Panic and Hemophobia. The concert was held in the „Song Club“ cafe.

Jelena's all-girl band Revenge

Rock School's North branch on the move
Mitrovica Rock School regurarly worked in a house near Bosnjacka Mahala until it has to move out, so at the moment, the Rock School is located in a wooden space behind the „Cool“ cafe, though in that location are only held band reherseals, the bass guitar classes and the drum classes, while classes as: guitar class, singing class and music theory class, are held at the Tehnical High School in Kosovska Mitrovica. So the rock school would work with the basic terms, when it’s about the space, the professors and the students of the rock school are hoping that the school will soon finally be moved in the building where the cafe „Viva“ used to be located at, so that there would be held both reherseals and classes.

Classes and band coaching
Mitrovica Rock School is offering a music education of childrena and people of all age. For five euros a month – a student can attend: drum classes, bass guitar classes, guitar classes, singing classes and music theory classes – as much classes the student chooses, he will pay only five euros a month, and if later a student wants to form a band, the price will be the same.

Music as a hobby or a career
Mitrovica Rock School is always adapting to school and personal student’s obligations, everything is done in agreement which both professors and students have to respect. No matter if a student wants to engage in music in the future, too, or it is just a hobby, the rock school will certainly give fun, along with, of course, a practical education in rock music mostly that is hard to learn somewhere else in Kosovska Mitrovica.

Sign up!
If your child loves music, has a sense of hearing and is ready to learn to play an instrument or to work on its voice and singing talent, all he needs to do is to visit the temporary rock school space that is located behind the „Cool“ cafe and sign in.

Show your talent and rock the world!

2011-02-23T13:40:00.007+01:00

By Mila Jaksic, singer

If you love music, playing some instrument or singing, Mitrovica Rock School is right place for you!

It's place where singers, guitarists, drummers and beginners meet bands and coaches. Everyone starts from 1st level and moves forward to 2nd, 3rd, 4th and finally 5th. Higher levels include more cooperating with bands, more practice, work and experience, and with it - more fun.

What so great about rock school?
Rock school supports every music genre - from metal to blues. You can enjoy playing already existing songs or either make your own.

Mitrovica Rock School is temporarily placed in small house behind barbecue restaurant "Cool", but it will be replaced soon in much larger space where many band rehearsals, classes and coaching will be able at the same time.

Mitrovica Rock School also organizes many gigs and concerts for bands formed in school.

Show your talent and rock the world!

Rock School NL Tour: meet the team!

2011-02-21T14:04:00.020+01:00

From February 27 through March 6, the teachers and coordinators of the Mitrovica Rock School will travel to the Netherlands for a training week at the Fontys Rock Academy. Meet the Mitrovica team!

Milos Drazevic
In his role as the project manager of Mitrovica Rock School for local organization CBM, Milos is responsible for the daily operations of the school. He is the first point of contact on the ground for partners, parents and press. He also coordinates the Rock School branch in North Mitrovica.

Milos is a musician as well: he plays the bass guitar in the bands Psycho-Sonic Boris, Hosenfefer and Dutch-Kosovo band Return of the Sahbaz (ROTS).

Ajten Sylejmani Sahatciu
Born and raised in Mitrovica, Ajten started working at the Mitrovica Rock School as a Coordinator for South Branch in November 2010.

Ajten is not a musician, but brings to the project the organizational expertise she gained working for different organizations in Mitrovica and Pristina.

At the Fontys Rock Academy in the Netherlands, Ajten expects to learn more about what is involved in running a successful cultural-educational institution. This will be her first international training trip, and she is looking forward to it immensely!

Goran Vucetic
Goran is self-taught and has been playing the guitar for 20 years now. He has played hundreds of gigs, jam sessions, festivals and major concerts.

At the Rock School, Goran coaches everything from punk to pop bands. In addition, Goran wrote and recorded the soundtrack of the documentary ‘The Visit’ in 2009(directed by Anthony Barilla).

Since the Rock School’s opening in October 2008, Goran has been working as a band coach and guitar and bass teacher at the Rock School’s branch in North Mitrovica.

Edon Ramadani
Edon picked up the keyboard 14 years ago. He has played with many singers and bands in various genres, including pop, rock, folk and jazz. Edon is a man of many talents: besides the keys, he plays the guitar, bass guitar and drums, and has been known coach our vocalists as well.

In November 2008, Edon started as the coordinator of the Rock School’s South branch. With the professionalization of the school, Edon handed his coordination duties to Ajten, but continues to provide huge operational support and work on the development of the school’s didactic structure. On a daily basis, Edon works as a band coach and keyboard instructor.

Valon Gashi
Born and raised in Pristina, Valon first taught himself to play the guitar 19 years ago. With over 700 recordings to his name as a studio musician, Valon has proven himself in a broad range of musical genres. But more than anything, Valon loves to play the blues.

Valon joined the Rock School in February 2010 as a senior guitar and bass teacher. He is part of the new team that will work on the professionalization of the Rock School, and he will be able to teach even our most advanced students for years.

Nesim Maxhuni
Nesim first started drumming at the early age of 13. In 2000, he launched his career as a professional musician and he has sky-rocketed since. He has played numerous gigs with different bands throughout the Balkans, and has performed at several major festivals. Apart from his impressive track record as a performer, Nesim has co-organized several jam sessions in Mitrovica, to give young musicians from the rock music city a boost.

Nesim joined the Rock School in February 2010 as a drum teacher. He is part of the new team that will work on the professionalization of the Rock School, and he will provide teacher training to former Rock School student Vedat.

Mladen Marinkovic
Originally from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mladen now lives in Mitrovica, Kosovo. Mladen is self-taught and has been playing the drums for more than 19 years. He has recorded over 150 studio tracks and has performed throughout the Balkans. Mladen currently has six bands in Mitrovica: Psycho-Sonic Boris, Hosenfefer, Tribute To The Partibrejkers, Chicken Farm, Lazy and Return Of The Sahbaz.

Since October 2008, Mladen has been working as band coach and drum instructor at the Mitrovica Rock School. Mladen is also working as a student counselor, and helps the Rock School students organize their own gigs.

Erhan Mujka
Born and raised in Mitrovica, Erhan is currently enrolled at the Faculty of Arts in Pristina as a student of classical guitar. In addition, he has been working as a music teacher at the primary music school in Mitrovica since 2003. Besides classical music, Erhan also plays rock music and blues.

Since October 2008, Erhan has been working as band coach and guitar and music theory instructor at the Mitrovica Rock School. Erhan is also working as a student counselor, and helps the Rock School students organize their own gigs.

Nemanja "Miske" Misic
At 22 years old, Nemanja (nicknamed “Miske”) is the youngest and newest member of the team. Miske started as a student at the Rock School, but is currently working as a trainee bass guitar teacher.

Miske hopes that Mitrovica Rock School will continue to offer youth opportunities to develop as musicians and creative individuals, and help improve the cultural scene of the entire city. As for the training week in Netherlands, he expects it will be a great help to him in his future work at the Rock School.

Emir Plava
Emir Plava is a Mitrovica native and has been working as a professional musician for 23 years. He has had over 4,000 gigs in Kosovo, Turkey, Albania, Montenegro, Greece, and Cyprus.

Emir joined Mitrovica Rock School in March 2010 as a bass guitar teacher, performance coach and band coach. Also, as an experienced singer, he coaches the Rock School’s vocalists. Emir notes that the Rock School, and particularly the opportunity to work with youth and meet new people, is an extremely positive experience for him .

During the training week at the Rock Academy, Emir expects to learn from more experienced musicians – we’ll see if we can find any!

Ivana Popovic
Ivana works as a vocal coach and theory teacher at the Rock School’s North branch.

With a classical background, Ivana finished primary music school for piano and singing, then music high school and final Music Academy for solo singing.

Ivana joined the Rock School in March 2010, and has since received specific training from Fontys Rock Academy students in the techniques of pop and rock singing. A good teacher and a fast learner, Ivana looks forward to getting all she can out of the training week in the Netherlands to further advance her work at the Rock School.

Miodrag “Misko” Radovic
Born and raised in Mitrovica, Misko has been around the Mitrovica music scene for a long time. In addition to playing in many bands, he has been extremely active in organizing music festivals, including the Rock Fest and Jazz & Blues Fest. Misko studied drums at the Barcelona Music Academy. He also plays guitar and percussion and he sings.

At the Rock School, Misko teaches advanced drums and is in charge of developing the school’s didactic structure. This will be Misko’s second visit to the Fontys Rock Academy, where he will be leading the team in the discussion on didactics and methodologies.

Rock School gearing up for training in the Netherlands

2011-02-21T09:04:00.007+01:00

The first week of March 2011, the teachers and coordinators of the Mitrovica Rock School will travel to the Netherlands for a training week at the Fontys Rock Academy.

Fontys Rock Academy
The Rock Academy is one of the four organizations behind the Rock School, training local staff in band coaching, didactic approaches and, now, institutional development.

Sustainable rock and roll
At the Rock Academy, the Mitrovica team will learn what it means to be a sustainable cultural-educational institution. How do Dutch music schools survive? What is a reasonable proportion between the number of teachers and the number of students? How can you market your school? How do you balance commercial demand and quality?

Teacher training
In addition, the Rock Academy will focus on the development of the Rock School's curriculum. Which materials do teachers use in lessons? How do you treat different levels? Where do you start with an absolute beginner?

Familiar faces
During the training week, the Mitrovica team will be reunited with Rock School veterans like Sophie, Joosje, Nienke, Jonathan and Eric. Of course they will also meet many new people and have new experiences in the Netherlands. The week will be coordinated by the Rock Academy's Gerdien Visser, who has been closely involved in the Rock School's development since 2008.

Watch out, Tilburg, the Rock School is coming!

Read more about the Fontys Rock Academy on its new website (in Dutch, but with great pics).

The Rock Academy Training Week is part of the larger Mitrovica Rock School program, organized by Musicians without Borders, Community Building Mitrovica, IKV Pax Christi and the Fontys Rock Academy. Read more about the Rock School and the organizations behind it here: www.musicianswithoutborders.org/p_poprock.

Rock School's South branch auditions 25 new students

2011-02-08T07:07:00.018+01:00

Yesterday, 25 aspiring rock musicians - ages 10 to 20 - auditioned at the Rock School's South branch. With openings for new band members as well as absolute beginners, both Rock School branches are recruiting new students.

While the applicants crowded the hallway and the second classroom, teachers took basic ear and rhythm tests and invited those with some experience to demonstrate their skills.

Waiting...

The result? Nearly all students were found to be sufficiently talented, while a second intake round may be held to complete the new bands.

The one thing we're still missing? BASS PLAYERS! So all you admirers of Flea, Sting, Sid Vicious and Dusty Hill, get on down to the Rock School and help us get our groove on!

Want to join the Rock School?
Drop us a note or give us a call!
North branch: call Milos (+381 64 6419 638) or Mladen (+381 62 1403 255)
South branch: call Ajten (+377 44 197 375) or Edon (+386 49 146 322)
Both branches (any language): mitrovicarockschool@yahoo.com

Temporary home for the Rock School's North branch

2011-01-05T08:18:00.019+01:00

Pending our move to the Center for Resources, Youth and Media (CRYM, ex-VIVA), the Rock School's North branch has found a temporary new home... or rather two.

Band coaching sessions
Until the move to CRYM, band coaching will be held just off Šumadija Square. Yesterday, the Rock School team set up the backline and did some provisional soundproofing, so we'll be ready to rock as of today!

Technical School
Since the beginning of December, individual lessons have been held in the basement of the Technical School, while drum lessons have been organized at the home of the drum teacher Misko Radovic.

The Technical School has generously made its facilities available free of charge, so that the Rock School could continue its activities without interruption.

CRYM
Meanwhile, the renovation of the old VIVA Club is in full swing, and is expected to be completed in mid-February. Once completed, it will house the Center for Resources, Youth and Media. The Rock School's North branch will share the ground floor with a brand new youth center, the CRYM Club.

Join us on Facebook!
Mitrovica Rock School
Center for Resources, Youth and Media (CRYM)

Guidelines for blog reports by Rock School students

2010-11-26T14:15:00.037+01:00

Learn to market your school, your band and your image!

The Mitrovica Rock School is gaining an international reputation. Help make us famous, and promote your own band while you’re at it!

“The Loudest School Ever!”

You think people can’t hear us? Well, you’re wrong. Since we started counting less than a year ago, the Rock School blog has had over 10,000 hits!

The Rock School would like you, our students, to write blog reports on concerts and anything else of interest to the Rock School. If approved, your article will be published on this blog.

Your article:
- Should come with at least one good photo (videos uploaded to YouTube can also be used)
- Should have a title and a topic
- Should promote the Rock School’s activities (in some cases, an article may also be about your own band or your personal music activities, but only when it’s BIG news. In that case, you should link it to the Rock School.)
- Should be in English
- Should be checked for spelling
- Should be submitted to and approved by trainee project manager Nikola at hopsy.org@gmail.com. Nikola may suggest edits to your blog before approving to for publication.

The best articles will be published on the blog. The Rock School will pay you a small fee for every article that we publish.

Examples of blog reports:
- announcements of concerts (at least two days before the concert)
- reports on concerts (no later than three days after the concert)
- announcements of participation in festivals, big concerts, etc. (and reports)
- students’ participation in TV and other competitions
- the Rock School’s participation in TV-shows
- sponsorships (instruments donated, sponsorships of events)
- reports on Rock Academy training weeks
- reports on Summer Schools
- general reports about the Rock School
- and any other creative ideas you can come up with!

Mitrovica has always been a center for the rock music in the region. We want to make sure the world knows!

Who views our blog?
Click to see who's been checking us out over the past few days.

Meet our new Coordinator: Ajten!

2010-11-11T11:37:00.004+01:00

My name is Ajten Sylejmani Sahatciu and I’m very happy to let you know that I will be working at Mitrovica Rock School as a Coordinator for South Branch, starting today!

Having achieved many goals in my career working for different organizations in Mitrovica and Prishtinë/a, I am ready to challenge myself on exploring fresh opportunities and enrich my knowledge about Rock School activities and its development. I’m to committed to see changes in this region therefore I chose to join this project.

As a citizen of Mitrovica and mother of two amazing boys, it is my wish to create places where our new generations can express their talents. I hope that my engagement and involvement at the Mitrovica Rock School will be useful in achieving project goals and fulfill its tasks.

1) Education opens our eye.
2) Education brings freedom to communities.
3) Education helps us understand ourselves.
4) Education librates the soul.

Good luck to Mitrovica Rock School Team. Way to go!

Slash supports the Mitrovica Rock School!

2010-11-03T10:21:00.011+01:00

Famous rock guitarist Slash (ex-Guns N' Roses, Slash's Snakepit, Velvet Revolver) supports the Mitrovica Rock School! As a token of his support, he sent us this autographed Guitar Hero Slash.

The box reads:
For The "Rock School" Kosovo
Rock & Roll Brings People Together
All the best,
Slash
2010

Slash's support is also mentioned on his Official Fan Site.

Slash learned about us through Rock School supporter and "rock aficionado" Andrea C., who visited the Rock School last year and met with some of the Rock School's students and teachers.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum supports the Mitrovica Rock School!

2010-10-05T16:01:00.022+02:00

The renowned Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio (U.S.A.), supports the Mitrovica Rock School and its mission to restore Mitrovica's proud rock and roll tradition.

Since its opening on September 3, 1995, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum has welcomed more than eight million visitors from around the world.

The Museum is home to seven floors of exhibition space spanning 150,000 square feet, offering visitors a five to six hour touring experience of 18 permanent exhibits, six special rotating exhibits, six interactive listening stations and 125 minutes of film in five different theaters.

The Rock Hall has also brought more than 1.5 billion dollars in economic impact to the Northeast Ohio economy in its 15 year history.

The Museum’s award-winning education department reaches more than 50,000 students and educators each year through its education programs on site, like Rock and Roll Night School and Rockin’ the Schools, and at great distances through its distance learning program, On the Road.

More than 100 artists and musicians come to the Hall each year to be part of education panel discussions, perform, meet with fans and show their support. For more information on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, please visit www.rockhall.com.

These will be auctioned for the Rock School tonight!

2010-09-24T20:49:00.004+02:00

"Knol stars," by musician and performer Tim Knol.

Also: 2 tickets to Moke with the Metrophole Orchestra!
Visit Moke's website for details (in Dutch).

Rock School part of major new project

2010-09-22T17:42:00.002+02:00

The Mitrovica Rock School has joined a coalition of seven of the most effective civil society organizations in Mitrovica. Together, they will open the Center for Resources, Youth and Media (CRYM).

Empowering youth
CRYM aims to empower and activate Mitrovica's largest demographic group: youth and young adults. In addition to the Rock School's North branch, the CRYM Building will house a youth center (the "CRYM Club"), a media center and radio station, offices for all seven organizations, and the "CRYMcubator," where young people can develop their own initiatives.

CRYM Coalition
The CRYM Coalition is formed by: CCSD, Jazas, AFPK, CBM, Contact Plus Radio, M-M@G and the Media Center, and the Mitrovica Rock School.

Bridging the Divide
CRYM is part of Bridging the Divide, a major new project developed by, among others, MwB partner Community Building Mitrovica and supported by SPARK. The project covers an extensive set of infrastructural upgrades on both sides of the city, bi-lingual e-magazine M-M@G, and the CRYM Building and Coalition.

Bridging the Divide is supported by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Job opening: Coordinator of the Mitrovica Rock School’s South Branch

2010-09-14T14:59:00.016+02:00

The Mitrovica Rock School is hiring a Coordinator for its branch in South Mitrovica.

The Rock School is a young, urban initiative that encourages the spirit of rock and roll among young people in Mitrovica.

The duties of the South Branch Coordinator will include:
- managing daily personnel matters of the South Branch;
- financial and narrative reporting;
- coordinating and implementing PR activities.

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications:
- Extensive experience in project management;
- Affinity with youth work, popular culture and/or event organization;
- High English-language writing skills (ability to write project proposals, progress reports and website content);
- Fluency in English and Albanian (Serbian is an advantage);
- Willingness to travel;
- A highly neutral, independent political profile, and openness to different cultures and sub-cultures.

We offer:
- a one-year contract subject to a three-month probation period;
- a positive, dynamic working environment;
- the opportunity to travel and participate in ahigh-profile international music project;
- a competitive local salary with fringe benefits according to local standards.

Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2010.
The position will take effect on October 18, 2010.

For more information and to apply, please contact
Milos Drazevic at milos.drazevic@cbmitrovica.org.

For more information on the Mitrovica Rock School, please visit our website.

Jack Daniel's supports the Rock School

2010-09-14T10:01:00.027+02:00

Famous Tennessee Whiskey brand Jack Daniel's will celebrate its 160th birthday with an auction in support of the Mitrovica Rock School

On Friday, September 24, Jack Daniel's will celebrate its 160th birthday together with 15-year-old Kink FM and LiveXS. This triple landmark will be celebrated during The Crystal Ball in Melkweg (Amsterdam, Netherlands).

Jack Daniel's will start the night with an auction. The full proceeds of the auction will be donated to the Mitrovica Rock School, to support the training provided by students and teachers of the Fontys Rock Academy. Click here and fill in your own birthday to visit the auction website.

The auctioned items have been donated by famous rock stars, to give young Mitrovica rockers and the Mitrovica Rock School a real rock'n'roll boost.

Meet the Summer School bands!

2010-08-30T12:28:00.026+02:00

Meet the bands of the 2010 Skopje Summer School!

40 Degrees
Minja, Visar, Miki, Baton, Strajo & Rron

The Headache
Jelena, Dren, Rasim, Marko & Festim

The Targets
Edona, Medina, 2 Filips, Lenart & Dado

MostUra
Albina, Mila, Emir, Miske, Fatjon, Ceni & Behar

And our special guest stars from Struga: Children of the Revolution!
Marija, Arijeta, Jimmy, Gent, Almir & Pleurat

Now that the Summer School has sadly come to an end (heralding the start of massive posting of photos, videos and nostalgic status updates on Facebook), I will be posting day-by-day accounts of the Summer School highlights on the blog. Stay tuned!

Photos by Peder Wiegner.

Some highlights from the dress rehearsal

2010-08-27T10:16:00.006+02:00

Mostura - Bring Me To Life (Evanescence cover)

40 Degrees - One Way Or Another (Blondie cover)

I guess we're ready to rock Skopje, eh?

Visar's ready for Skopje!

2010-08-22T15:09:00.004+02:00

Hi everyone, I'm Visar. I am 16 years old, I sing and I play piano.

I graduated in the primary regular school and the classical music school in classic piano. I like writing songs too.

I was part of the summer school two years ago and it was just a wonderfull week. I'm sure this year will be even better.

Can't wait to meet u all :)

Albina's ready for Skopje!

2010-08-21T14:29:00.002+02:00

Hi everyone, I'm Albina (17), I was born in St. Pölten (Austria).

I finished the elementery school and 5 other years at the privat secondary school of art in Austria, and now I am a student of the music highschool "TEFTA TASHKO" in Mitrovica.

2 years before I went to elementary school, I began to take classic guitar and singing lessons on the music school (Landesmusikschule Wels).

Well,... now I am a singer of the band missed call at the mitrovica rockschool

The music I like most are the 70's (Marvin Gaye, Eric Clapton, The Who, ZZ Top, Deep Purple, Elton John . . . ) Amy Winehouse, Arctic Monkeys, ....

See U soon in Skopje :)

Lenart's ready for Skopje!

2010-08-20T09:22:00.001+02:00

Hello my name is Lenart Gara, I am a Guitar player and live in the south side of Mitrovica.

I'm a member of two bands Sofra (rock school band) & SuS4 (outside the school)...

The reason i play music is becaus makes me feel peaceful and seperates me from ordinary problems...

Fatjon's ready for Skopje!

2010-08-20T08:34:00.004+02:00

Hi, im Fatjon Miftaraj, im 17 years old.

I started playing piano when i was 3 years.. and of course i still want study it at all.

I finished primary school of music in Mitrovica, and now im in second grade of high school of Music. In high school i study Klassik genre.. but with love i practise Rock, Jazz etc etc.. all these on Rock school where we are havin a lot of lessons and of course a lot of Fun.

I prefer to listen to '70, '80, '90, also nowadays Hit songs, but my favourite singers and Bands ones are, TOTO, DIRE STRAITS, LEONA LEWIS, STEVIE WONDER etc...

I was participant of Skopje summer school 2008, i had great time, so i hope to spend also a great time this YEAR.

With Respect TONI !

Rron's ready for Skopje!

2010-08-20T08:31:00.002+02:00

Hi! I'm Rron Bejtullahu and im 14 years old.

I'm finished school, and this all 4 years am going to be a college student.

My hoby is music and other sports like basketball, football etc....
but my favorite is music, I spend my a few free time practicing it.

I hope that I'm going to have fun in Skopje..!

That's all, bye...!

Gerdien's ready for Skopje!

2010-08-17T18:30:00.003+02:00

My name is Gerdien Visser. I am teacher didactics at The Rockacademy. I studied psychology and educational theory. I am the coordinator of this project for the Rock Academy. Furthermore I am responsible for the training week for the coaches of The Rock School in Tilburg.

I am not a musician but I have had pianolessons for several years (hobby). My husband plays the bassguitar and two of my children (15, 17 and 19 years old) play guitar. There is always music in my house.

For my work (guiding students in practice) I visit often music schools in Holland.

For me it is my third time that I join the Summerschool. I am looking forward to the Summerschool!

Rasim's ready for Skopje!

2010-08-17T16:42:00.002+02:00

Hello, my name is Rasim, I'm 15 years old.

I live in North Mitrovica and I'm playing drums for almost two years. My favorite band is Ac/DC.

If the is anything else that you should know, just ask. :)

All the best.