Riverfield Rocks, the Rock Band program from Riverfield Country Day School, is one of the most unique and progressive school band programs in the country. Housed in the Center for Creativity on campus, Riverfield Rocks develops student bands who play modern and classic rock music, teaching the fundamentals of musical performance, theory, and expression.
Riverfield Rocks creates an environment that is supportive, moderately competitive, and tons of fun! Students can join the program starting in the 4th grade, and enter into the program at any time through the 12th grade. Many performers continue with Riverfield Rocks throughout their school career, giving them an unmatched musical education and experience.
Each school year, Riverfield Rocks bands play a full show at the historic Cain's Ballroom, host a winter jam-fest called Cafe Night, and puts on the outdoor music festival, Llamapalooza on campus. Riverfield Rocks bands have also performed at the Brady Theater and the BOK Center!
Riverfield Rocks has been embraced and supported by touring artists such as Billy Joel, AC/DC, Paul McCartney, Roger Daltrey, U2, and Eric Clapton; who, when performing at the BOK in Tulsa, have had kids from the program watch the production set up, meet with the bands and been given the best seats in the house. Riverfield Rocks has also worked and jammed with The Mowgli's, put on a private concert for Kris Kristofferson, hung out with Idol winner David Cook, and have received amazing support and recognition by such awesome bands as twenty one pilots, CHVRCHES, Misterwives, Explosions in the Sky, Sleigh Bells, and Phantogram.
Additionally, the program works closely with the Tulsa Film and Music Office, has had performers in the Center of the Universe Music Festival, the Route 66 Marathon, and has been locally covered by the The Tulsa Voice,Tulsa World, Explore Tulsa, Tulsa Satellite, Urban Tulsa, Infinity Press, the Current, Oklahoma Music Magazine, Tulsa Kids, Tulsa People, and the GT Press. Riverfield Rocks has performed or been interviewed by local radio stations KMOD and Z 104.5 The Edge and the local CBS, ABC, and FOX television affiliates. Riverfield Rocks is sponsored by Ableton through the Ableton Push Initiative.
Follow Riverfield Rocks on Instagram @riverfieldrocks and on their YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/RiverfieldRocks.
Tim Clark, Band Faculty
Chris Firey, Band Faculty
Scott Jones, Music Director
Paul Knight, Riverfield Rocks Director
Paul Knight founded Riverfield Rocks in 2005 and has directed 4th/5th grade, Middle School, Upper School as well as the newly reimagined RCDS drumline. Paul has been teaching music since 1999 and studied music formally since age three. He is an avid player of the drums, piano, guitar, bass, lap steel, ukulele, sings. Paul directs the Riverfield Rocks program along side talented local musicians and music industry professionals who, together, teach and develop student-formed bands.
Paul is the author of the internationally published book, New Beginnings: A Practical Approach to Modern Drum Set Playing and enjoyed success from his solo album, “Progressions/Colors” which hit #76 on the Billboard UK rock chart! In addition to performing music, he records bands and artists, and organizes local music and culture festivals such as Tulsa Oktoberfest.
