Girls Rock! Rochester

Girls Rock! Rochester (GR!R) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to using music creation and performance as tools for cultivating self-confidence in girls, women and the LGBTQ+ community . We foster creativity through a supportive community of peers and mentors while developing life and leadership skills to affect positive social change. We believe that music is a powerful vehicle for personal growth and positive change, as a constructive approach to fighting oppression, and as a means to promote collaboration and community. We recognize the importance of diversity in all forms, provide a safe and accessible environment for personal and creative exploration, and encourage all voices and stories to be shared and heard. GR!R Programs: Girls Rock Camp and Queer Rock Camp - at camp, kids receive instruction on the instrument of their choice, attend workshops, form a band with new friends, write an original song together, and perform in a culminating showcase at a local venue for their family, friends, and the general public. GR!R Impact: "As a parent and a professional touring musician for most of my life, I can say that Girls Rock is one of the most inspiring events I've seen. I would have loved something like this when I was growing up. The counselors are showing girls how to believe in themselves, showing them the many aspects it takes to be a musician, to be in a band, to collaborate and to have confidence." -Dennis Casey, Flogging Molly D has been blessed to be a scholarship camper two years in a row now. He looks SO incredibly forward to this camp. For a week in my son's life, his burdens seem lifted, we don't have to worry that he will be ostracized or judged for being himself, have his feelings hurt or be unable to chill out if he gets overwhelmed. I can relax for once because I know that he is TRULY among a loving, caring FAMILY that accepts him the way he is without caveats or judgments. D kept up with all the campers last year and I think it's helped tremendously. We live in a small town where many people have small minds. We spend many days in the principal's office because our son is bullied, called names and harassed on the daily EVEN THOUGH he grew up with these kids and has never lived elsewhere or gone to another school. I think this camp may have saved his life last year. He was really struggling and his heart just LIFTED after the first day. Please don't ever underestimate the tremendous impact that you all have on these kids. Thank you all so much! -Mom of a Pride Rock camper As B struggles with defining himself, being in a radically queer space was so amazing for him. B hasn’t been around a lot of kids like himself, and being with that group has made him so much more at ease in his own skin. That means more to me as a parent than any of the music skills - though Scarlett did teach him some amazing things :) It was an amazing experience to watch as a volunteer and experience as a parent. Thank you for that! -Pride Rock camper Mom and Volunteer

We focus on: Education, Arts and Culture

Where we are: Monroe