Monthly Archives: December 2013

Let KRF Jazz Up Your Holiday!

Time is running out, join Kids Rock Free and J. Boykin for A Jazzy Christmas! This not-to-be-missed holiday concert will be a treat for the whole family. Doors open at 5:00pm to welcome the holiday season with soft jazz tunes and vocals from the 12-piece band.

Kids Rock Free, the local Corona non-profit performing arts school has teamed up with J. Boykin, the owner and founder of the JBMG Music and Educational Center. Together, they are dedicated to providing kids with private and group music lessons and encouraging students to be proactive about their futures.

J. can be seen on the Fox Television series “Glee.” His resume includes opening for Grammy-award winning artist John Legend, as well as performing with Brian Culbertson, Kirk Whalum, and Doc Powell, just to name a few.

J’s band members include Bass player and Music Director Daniel Mills, Drummer Henry Rodriguez of Kids Rock Free, Keyboardist Chris Williams, Guitarist Cesar Ramirez, Vocalist Amore and Ariana Perez. The band will also showcase a young and extremely talented horn section including Rick Casioce Jr. (16) Victoria Choriego (12) and Maximilian Hernandez (11, Kids Rock Free student).

The Concert will also feature a young and talented cast, including a children’s choir composed of kids from the age of 6 to 14, as well as the Kids Rock Free Drumline.

Music will include popular Christmas, Jazz and Gospel tunes that will be a real treat.

Date: December 21, 2013
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Corona Civic Center
815 W. Sixth St.
Corona, CA 92882

Admission is $15.00
VIP Admission is $30.00
Tickets Available Here
Contact: (951) 735-2440

KRF Profiles - Kayla

I’m Kayla LaMaster and I’ve been involved with Kids Rock Free® almost my whole life.  I took piano lessons when I was nine years old before the current Fender® Center was built.  The lessons were in a small house.  My sister worked here before me, and I have worked here for almost three and a half years.

I think this gives me a unique experience, because I grew up at KRF and now I’m watching other kids grow up in the KRF family too!

Watching kids grow in the program is actually amazing.  I think about some students that were in middle school when I started working here are now in high school and learning to drive.  They go from being really shy to acting like real hams.  Even students show differences from their first session to a second.

When students learn how to read music they are learning a foreign language.  Research has proven that learning music improves a child’s grades in school.  I do however truly believe Kids Rock Free goes beyond learning how to play music.  I remember a student who was very shy and would barely say anything to anyone.  He was involved in a band, which he loved, but was still very quiet. After two years he is so different!  He says hello every time he comes into the building for class or band rehearsal.  He talks and hangs out with his band mates.  And best of all, he really rocks the piano.

In my estimation the confidence that comes from performing and the self-esteem building has a huge impact. It had a big impact on me, and on the kids I’ve gotten to know here.

Join Us & Rock on the Uke!

Ukuleles are such fun to play and so easy to learn. Classes are forming now for January.  Experienced guitarist and ukulele player, Lee Zimmer, will offer two levels in the four-week courses; Beginner to introduce you to the instrument or Experienced to take the practiced player to the next step in improving chord and strumming work.  The course will be one-hour, once per week classes that start on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2014 at the Fender Center for the Performing Arts in Corona.

We invite you to sign up for these lessons & get a rockin’ great deal on a Fender® Soprano Ukulele.  Get four lessons AND a New Soprano Ukulele for only $130.  (Concert Ukes available for an additional charge.) You’ll be playing songs by the last class and wanting to sign up for the next level session that follows.  If you own your own Uke, the four-week class is only $80.  Advance registration with payment is required and will be accepted by phone at (951) 735-2440. Or by email to dconenna@KidsRockFree.org. Or at Fender Center 365 N. Main St., Corona, Monday – Thursday 9 a.m.-noon or 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

You can turn this into a great holiday gift idea.  Wrap up the ukulele with a gift certificate for the class.  Orders must be received by Dec. 15th to ensure delivery by Dec. 22nd.

A Jazzy Christmas with J. Boykin

A Jazzy Christmas featuring J. Boykin is sure to be extra special. This not-to-be-missed holiday concert will be a treat for the whole family. From 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. welcome the holiday season with soft jazz tunes and vocals from the 12-piece band.

Since the age of eight J. Boykin has been mastering the craft of music on the soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones. At 20 years of age, J. Anton Boykin was already affectionately known as the “Sax Sensation. His talents have taken him from his hometown in Riverside, Ca. all the way to China and many other places in between.

There will also be a special performance by the Kids Rock Free®  Drum line. If all that jazz is just your cup of tea, CDs will be available for sale. Concert proceeds will benefit Kids Rock Free.

Date: December 21
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. at the Civic Center in Corona

Corona Civic Center
815 W. Sixth St.
Corona, CA 92882

Admission is $15.00
VIP Admission is $30.00
Tickets are available on PurplePass.com
Contact: (951) 735-2440