Not the real bands, but arguably even better –  Timmins High and Vocational School are gearing up for a big night of live cover performances this weekend.

Taking tips from the movie, “School of Rock” – Music teacher Barry Promane is giving students in his class an opportunity to experience the music industry for what it really is.

Promane says the best way to effectively teach music students about the industry is to let them play like professionals in a live concert setting, regardless if their goal is to make music a career or they are just looking to build confidence and creativity.

Promane says he used to be a technician for “April Wine” – a legendary Canadian rock band. Looking back, he says he would have LOVED to have this sort of 21st century technical music program to give him a boost when he was first trying to get his foot into the music industry. Thanks to tremendous support through community fundraising and donations, he says, students are confidently learning how to use top-of-the-line professional equipment – an invaluable skill that was no doubt help student gain an upper hand when entering post-secondary schools for music education.

Performing live in front of a big audience is a nerve-wracking learning experience, but “Sonic Democracy” is ready to rock this Friday (June 12th) and Saturday (June 13th) at 7pm (William Dawson Theatre @ TH&VS). 

The band consists of students who will be covering a wide variety of music and genres – from Bruno Mars, The Eagles, Pink Flloyd, Rush, John Mayer, Paramore, Billy Joel, The Killers, Vance Joy, Yes, LCD Soundsystem, Brandon Theriault, The Pentatonix, Chuck Berry and Nirvana.

Here’s a look at some of the talent from previous years: