The Rock Office of Berlin, seriously—is doing something incredible for local high school students. They are conducting week long seminars at local high schools, teaching them the what’s what when it comes to putting on a killer rock show. Think “The School of Rock”, but highly organized and fully sanctioned by the local authorities.

Monday through Thursday are training days. Students learn technical skills, like how to use a mixer and how to setup the backline, they also delve into the technology behind the gear. Mackie donated a full system to help the efforts of the Rock Office. An Onyx 24.4 routes through the Quad Series Processors and feeds SA1530z mains and SRM450 stage monitors.

There is always a student band involved and by Friday afternoon, everyone is ready for a show. The students will mix FOH, control the lighting and pretty much manage the 300+ person event. Underage bands cannot play nighttime shows in Germany, so the idea is to get students involved in positive community projects.

Students receive a certificate for the vocational training, and those who demonstrate exceptional aptitude are asked to be involved in future training. All in all, it’s a positive and truly valuable experience for those who, otherwise, have no place to rock.