By Maria Gomez
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Rehearsals are under way for the History of Rock ’n’ Roll show, featuring the Beatles, which will take place April 21 at Camden County College.
Singers Dave Chorzelewski, Cassie Foster and Alyssa Ford rehearse for the History of Rock ’n’ Roll event coming up on April 21. By Maria Gomez, CCC Journalism Program
Professor Michael Billingsley and Professor Robert Smith will conduct the show based on 1960s rock ’n’ roll music. The show was inspired by a grant given to Billingsley by the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Library Association to present documentaries related to popular music in America. That led to the plans to perform the live rock ’n’ roll show. The Camden County College Library is sponsoring the event.
Billingsley and Smith will perform, along with seven of their students, who are said to be so talented they barely need practice. Student Alyssa Ford complimented Billingsley as well. “His passion is very inspiring,” Ford said. Cassie Foster, a singer in the ensemble, stated, “Professor Billingsley is an awesome instructor. He is always helpful with answers and suggestions, and always points you in the right direction.”
The instruments to be used in the show range from guitar to drums to bass to piano to tambourine, as well as voices. About 70 people have already registered to attend the show. “I am hoping the audience finds our performance both entertaining and informative,” Billingsley said.
After the show, Billingsley and Smith will hold a question-and-answer session about the dynamics of rock ’n’ roll and the blues inspired by the film “History of Rock ’n’ Roll, Episode 6: Plugging In.” “I’m hoping people are interested in the roles the Beatles played in helping to transform rock ’n’ roll music and might be curious about the actual music theory that explains their influence,” Billingsley said.
The History of Rock ’n’ Roll music event will take place at 7 p.m. April 21 in Civic Hall in the Connector Building on the Blackwood campus of Camden County College. Admission is free.