Living in the Valley of the Sun definitely has its perks. Lucky for us, we share this city with a number of celebrities who love to give back to the community. Alice Cooper is one of my favorite local celebrities because of his love for this city and the children who grow up here. As a former teacher in the Paradise Valley Unified School District, Alice Cooper holds a special place in my heart. He recently donated a large sum of money to the PVUSD Arts Program. Not only did he donate funds to continue the program that is always on the chopping block with public education budget cuts, he personally attended a board meeting, giving parents, students, educators and administrators the chance to meet him face-to-face. Alice Cooper and his wife Sheryl are opening a local children’s and teen center on 32nd Street this spring called The Rock. This new center will be located near 32nd Street and Thunderbird — my old stomping grounds. Way to go Alice Cooper!
Go to www.alicecoopersolidrock.com for more information or read below to see what this facility will offer.
Opening Spring 2012, The Rock at 32nd Street Teen Center has been the dream and passion for Alice and Sheryl Cooper and the entire Solid Rock team for the past 12 years. The time has finally come to make that dream a reality. A collaboration of Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock and Genesis Church, The Rock will minister to teens through the music, dance, art, vocational training in sound, lighting, and staging, and fellowship in a new, safe facility. With so many public schools forced to cut vital programs like music and dance due to lack of school funding, The Rock will cultivate a love of the arts to inspire and challenge teens to choose artistic excellence instead of drugs, guns, or gangs. Who knows what amazing performers, choreographers and producers might come from The Rock? PHASE ONE Music Instruction – teens learn to play guitar, bass, drums, form a band or practice with their existing band Dance Expression – teens will express themselves through dance, and learn various forms of dance Open Mic – an opportunity for teens to showcase their singing and musical talent and other forms of creative expression Coffee House – a small coffee/snack shop for gathering and fellowship After School Programs – mentorship with homework, projects, activities Vocational Training/Education – hands on training for sound, lighting, staging, and production Game Room – provides a place for fun and fellowship featuring video and other interactive games PHASE TWO Recording and Sound Room – teens will learn how to mix and record music and rehearse Computer Lab – access the Internet (monitored), complete homework projects, enhance computer skills and learn
