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Empowering Unique Learners
Miriam High School students rock out with The Pyros, thanks to STL Rock School
Miriam High School students rock out with The Pyros, thanks to STL Rock School
Katie Stalter


A group of Miriam High School students took a bold step last year, stretching their comfort zones and joining an after-school club run by STL Rock School. Julie Altnether visited once per week to work with the students, who formed the band The Pyros.

Some of the students had never played an instrument before, so not only did they learn those skills – but they learned to collaborate as a team, adjust to one another’s strengths, and to perform in front of an audience.

The six students chose the band name themselves, and they came together as a group to play music. 

“Forming the band was a lot of fun,” Altnether said. “All the members settled in pretty quickly, and they were all very open minded as we experimented, and learned different songs throughout the school year. We also allowed time for the band members to try different instruments throughout the year.”

The band practiced weekly with Altnether after school, and by spring, they were ready to take the stage. The Pyros participated in the high school’s annual Variety Show, and then played during Graduation. They even played two public shows at Blueberry Hill in the Delmar Loop. 

STL Rock School student bands perform multiple times per year at Blueberry Hill, Altnether said, playing a 15- to 20-minute set to show off what they have learned during the season in front of friends and family members.

“My favorite thing about working with The Pyros was witnessing their camaraderie as a band,” Altnether said. “It’s really such a great experience playing in a band and forming trust and friendships, so I was happy to see that by the end of the year, The Pyros were really a strong, connected unit. I felt that all members worked together so well, while contributing their unique talent and musical voices to the band.”

Principal Vicki Thurman called the STL Rock School experience a “welcome addition” to the after-school offerings for students. “We have so many students who are very talented and passionate about music,” Thurman said. “It provided lessons in resilience for all participants, while having fun.”

That sentiment is echoed by Terri Pruitt, dean of academic programming and partnerships. She said she was thrilled to form the partnership with STL Rock School last summer, and she enjoyed watching The Pyros grow as people and as a band throughout the year.

“Our students had the opportunity to stretch beyond their comfort zones and become rock stars,” Pruitt said. “Some of the students had never played an instrument. The growth in just one year was notable.”

Watch The Pyros in action here: facebook.com/miriampotential/videos/1106071970649366

Take a Twirl
Take a Twirl

How do we help our kids gain confidence in trying something new? I think it is shifting from celebrating the final product, whether it is an art project or a final grade, to celebrating the steps it took for your child to get to the end of the process.

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