On Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, I photographed the Fall/Holiday Showcase of School of Rock Fayetteville x Frank Zummo of Sum 41 and Electric Callboy at The Lost Horizon. Going into the show, I had no idea what to expect. I went in blind intentionally, and by the end of the night, I wouldn’t have done it any other way.
Now they’re up for an award within the Syracuse community.
The night started with their adult ensemble, and it was already incredible to see so many community members come together over a shared passion for music. What really blew me away were the kids. I knew they’d be talented, but the passion they had sold me. They had different groups switching between pop-rock and rock songs, each kid bringing their own flair, whether instrumental or vocal.
Specifically, there was a group of three girls, and if they were nervous, you couldn’t tell. They were having fun with one another, singing and dancing.
Another act brought out a bubble machine, and the audience was smiling ear to ear as the bubbles were blown over them. For me, this separates it from any school performance I’ve seen. These kids had a chance to have fun and not be so serious while on stage, letting their personalities shine through.
By the time Frank Zummo joined them on stage, the night was in full swing. The drum set School of Rock Fayetteville provided for the night was actually Zummo’s old set, which Sum 41 auctioned off at the end of a previous tour. The kids switched back and forth between songs with Zummo, allowing many of them this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The standout moment for me was the second drum set placed a few feet away from Zummo’s. For every song, he let the student start it and would nod while looking at them throughout the piece. The smiles on those kids’ faces as they led the number were unforgettable.
I got to watch many of the performances from side stage, sometimes with Zummo. That alone is unforgettable, but seeing his face as he watched these kids pursue their dreams is an indescribable feeling.
Recently, I was informed that School of Rock Fayetteville is up for a SAMMY Award in the Local Academic or Music Organization category and is currently in Round 5. For an organization that started nearly a year ago and has already had such a huge impact on the kids they teach, they are deserving of more community recognition. Below is a link to vote in various SAMMY categories to support our local artists, bands and music organizations.
