PORTLAND, Ore. — Owners of a music school in Lake Oswego are scrambling to find a new space to meet their needs after the winter storm caused major flooding.
School of Rock Lake Oswego opened up ten and a half years ago, founded by Jon and Katherine Graf. The music school has a non-traditional and performance-based approach.
"They have their lessons to work on their songs for rehearsal while also honing in their foundational skills," said Jon Graf, owner of School of Rock Lake Oswego. "It organically motivates the kids because they have to meet their bandmates once a week."
On Jan. 16, their studio was flooded with water due to the winter storm. The flooding destroyed most of their furniture and damaged some of the instruments.
"The first feeling was like oh my god, what are we going to do," said Linda Hefferman, the assistant general manager at School of Rock Lake Oswego. "We were ready to do shows. We were just two weeks away from our season shows. "
They used School of Rock Portland's rehearsal rooms so they could still practice for their season shows. After that, students were forced to have lessons virtually. "We were able to just pivot really quickly," said Hefferman. "I mean it's rock and roll, right — you respond to what's thrown at you."
Eventually, they were able to find two temporary practice spaces through a student connecting them to their church, Riversgate. Blue Butler Studios also is allowing them to use their space. Now after a month and a half, they are finally back in person — jamming out together with the same chemistry.
"They know we are trying our best, and they are showing up and trying their best too," said Casey Frantum, the musical director for School of Rock Lake Oswego. "It's been one of the more heartwarming experiences I've had."
But that doesn't mean the bumpy ride is over for School of Rock Lake Oswego. Graf said the original studio is covered in mold, and could take months to find a new permanent space they can call home.
"Just so we can have kids in person in rooms, then have a place where kids gather to be in the band," said Graf.