The Savannah-based musical organization, RISE, announces an innovative new program for middle- and high-school instrumentalists, called RISE Rocks.

RISE Rocks gives middle- and high-school rock instrumentalists – drummers, guitar, electric bass, and keyboard players – the opportunity to turn their private practice into a public performance.

Students will study in a master-class ensemble with professional musicians over two consecutive weekends in December.  The program culminates with the musicians accompanying a live concert and performing at a party, giving the students a real-life gigging experience.

RISE is pleased to introduce RISE Rocks instructors Travis Pullman and Brandon Miller.  Pullman, a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, plays a number of instruments in a variety of styles, is committed to cultivating a love for both listening to and performing music.  Percussionist Brandon Miller grew up as a percussionist, initially trained by his father, who was the principal percussionist in the Philly Pops.  He went on to attend the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA, and has been playing professionally since the age of 14. 

“With instructors of this quality, we’re able to equip our RISE Rockers with solid skills plus professional experience,” comments Dr. Emily Williams Burch, RISE founder and artistic director.

Get to know the RISE Rocks instructors

Register for RISE Rocks

Save your spot today!

On Tuesday, May 25, 2021 Dr. Emily Williams Burch of RISE Chorales joined a delegation of music and arts advocates, music industry leaders, teachers, business leaders, parent, and community supporters to encourage Members of Congress to support existing policy to provide quality, comprehensive school music education programs for all children. The NAMM Advocacy Summit, presented by the National Association of Music Merchants, welcomed over 650 advocates in support of music education policy and provided a series of briefings from national arts leaders, actionable tools, and peer-to-peer lessons to serve as champions for music education. 

Participants in the Summit called on Congress to fully authorize funding for the “Every Student Succeeds Act” (ESSA) for state and local school districts, including Title I funding for our nation’s most vulnerable children, Title II funding that promotes the effectiveness of our teachers and Title IV, Part A that expands access to well-rounded subjects, including music and the arts.  Title VI, Part A funds provide meaningful learning opportunities for all children and fully realize the intent of the federal education law.

In addition to her work with the NAMM Advocacy Summit, beginning July 1, Savannah resident Dr. Emily Williams Burch, founder and artistic director of RISE Chorales, has been appointed Chair of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Standing Committee for Advocacy and Collaboration. In this role, Dr. Burch will lead a team to build resources and offer support for choral educators across the nation and abroad.

“I’m honored to be selected for this leadership position and look forward to seeing how — as music educators —  we can advocate and collaborate together during my term,” comments Dr. Burch.

After touring the campus, they will “meet” and sing with the University Singers, and participate in breakout sessions to learn what the college experience is like.

“Our annual college tour is one of the highlights of what we do with RISE,” comments Cuffy Sullivan, Director of Operations. “We’re sad we can’t go in person this year, but are thrilled to have this opportunity to learn more about Florida State and its amazing opportunities for talented musicians.”

The girls meet about every two months, and are currently working with composer Matt Carlson, who is composing a work specifically for them that will premier later in 2021.

The collaborating directors have written about this exciting collaboration, which was published in ChoralNet.

Since we can’t get together in person anytime soon, RISE Chorales is bringing an Adult Chorale to you. Led by Lillis Weeks, the Adult Chorale will give singers positive ways to engage with choral music and develop musical skills, even in the middle of a pandemic!

Exciting music, new friendships and a way to engage, no matter where you are!

Check out the Patreon page for more information.

First rehearsal is Tuesday, September 15, 2020.

Secure your spot, as space is limited.

Our plans for the 2020/2021 season include approximately 120 contact hours, exciting collaborations, fabulous music, one-on-ones with our singers, enhanced lessons, socials, and even time for our famlies to gather and share.

Although the science is preventing us from being together, the music must go on!  To accomplish this, we’ve created an exciting calendar of rehearsals, socials, collaborations and concerts to help us through these times until we can be together again.

Want to learn more, or attend the Open Rehearsals? Click here for more information.

For example, an elementary choir for Grades 1-3 or an upper-elementary advanced choir for 4-5th grade, or even an a Men’s Chorus for a 6-12th grade or an advanced ensemble for adults. The possibilities are endless – let us know how we can best serve you!

Click here to let us know.