There were, arguably, no two bigger superstars in the 80’s than Michael Jackson and Prince. MJ’s Thriller and Prince’s Purple Rain were perhaps the most iconic recordings of the entire decade, and cemented each artist’s place in music history. Both had seemingly limitless musical talent which sparked a Beatles/Rolling Stones-esque rivalry and debate among fans. This show will have plenty of opportunities for students to contribute on a variety of instruments in a wide range of styles, and there will surely be challenging moments where students at all levels can learn something new.

David Bowie was born David Robert Jones in Brixton, South London in 1947. His early interest in music was sparked by American artists like Fats Domino, Little Richard and Elvis Presley. He learned Ukulele and piano and began playing with skiffle groups as a teenager. In 1961, he began studying saxophone after encountering jazz records by Charles Mingus and John Coltrane. In 1962, he formed his first band, The Konrads and, inspired by the success of the Beatles, announced to his parents his intentions to become a pop star.

Queen formed in London, England in 1970, when big Rock ruled and the field of bands vying for the spotlight was flush with talent and pretenders both. Queen would emerge from the crowd to become one of the most commercially successful bands of all time who also pushed artistic boundaries, a unique and enviable combination in the industry. The band, made up of virtuosos, saw their star take off in no small part due to the charisma and supernatural talent of lead singer/keyboard player, Freddie Mercury.  Theirs is a story of Rock legend.