all that was good in 2020
As we start this new year, I’m compelled to look back at what was surely the most unique and challenging year in our PSRS 13-year history. Like many of you, we were thrown into new waters and forced to ask big questions about the future of our business and the meaning of our mission:
How important is music during a global pandemic?
How can we foster community during confinement?
What is PSRS without the in-person band experience?
We rolled up our sleeves and got to work. With an amazing team of teachers in place, we launched new programs, found new ways to work and constantly adapted to an ever-changing set of government restrictions. Through it all, it helped us to stay focused on three priorities:
To continue to support, engage, inspire and challenge our students during confinement.
To take care of our people - our teachers and their families, our partners and all those who depend on PSRS.
To show solidarity with our PSRS families during this difficult time and to offer support and a positive presence in any way we can.
SO WHAT DID WE DO? A LOT.
In March, our band classes moved to the Zoomiverse and started composing songs virtually. Occasionally, a parent would feel inspired and things like this would happen.
Our teachers dusted off their camcorders and the PSRS PRACTICE ROOM was born.
We had a nice FAMILY JAM together
In June, our bands returned to the studio for just a few short weeks before they all performed LIVE FROM THE BASEMENT
Our Summer Songwriting and Recording Sessions went off without a hitch. Well, almost. The last day of camp (the big recording session) saw me running to the maternity hospital to welcome our new baby to the world.
We had to say goodbye to Tom Shemesh, one of our star PSRS Paris band coaches, BUT he’s off to Nice to launch PSRS RIVIERA!
We welcomed Renaud to the PSRS Paris team and we’re very proud to have another talented and supportive band coach on our roster.
Our friends at GIBSON selected us as one of 3 music schools in Europe to participate in a group performance of a new ZIGGY MARLEY song. The band did a great job (as you can see) and even had the chance to meet Ziggy (on Zoom) and ask him a few questions!
During the last confinement we called on some friends and launched a virtual version of our PSRS ARTIST SERIES. Our community had a chance to chat with some amazing artists and educators, all of whom gave us a unique insight into their creative processes and inspirations. JARVIS COCKER, NICOLAS GODIN (AIR), LUDWIG DAHLBERG (INDOCHINE), THIBAUT BARBILLON, RYAL, EMILY DANGER - what a roster! And in true PSRS fashion, let’s share the love.
Finally, this video happened.
Phew! It was a busy year. But none of it would have been possible without the support of our PSRS community and the tireless and creative energy of our teaching staff: Fabrice, Jean, Brett, Tom and Renaud. We’re starting 2021 with lots of energy and optimism and we are incredibly grateful to be able to spread the power of the band to Paris, Brooklyn and beyond. All the best in 2021, my friends, and we hope to see you in our studios soon.
Rock On.
Jason Domnarski - Founder, Park Slope Rock School
