Keeping Kids In Rock School: How Fostering Music’s Donations Led to A Multi-City Tour And A Pop Rock Solo Project

Brooke Stemmerick was attending School of Rock in Wexford when life suddenly felt uncertain. 

The structure and classes at School of Rock had become a reliable bedrock as their living situation was being figured out. But as they explored permanency with their foster parents, it wasn’t clear whether or not classes at School of Rock would remain in the budget. 

Losing School of Rock would be devastating; music had always been an integral part of Brooke’s life, especially as they’d grown up watching their dad listen to artists and bands like Eminem, Blue October, Limp Bizkit, and Guns N’ Roses on repeat. 

And music had become Brooke’s form of stress relief. Whenever they felt stressed or anxious or overwhelmed, they’d slip into their bedroom and sing.

Suddenly missing out on School of Rock would have been a terrible blow. 

So Brooke’s mom, Darcy, reached out to us at Fostering Music. 

“It couldn’t have been easier,” Darcy says. “With many foster care services, there’s a lot of paperwork and red tape. But I reached out to Christy Stitt on Facebook, and she said, ‘Yes, we’ll help out!’ right away.” 

Continuing at School of Rock was a boon to Brooke’s personal growth, as they moved from lessons to group sessions to house band—and even their first public show at the Hard Rock Cafe in Station Square, where they performed among true rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia. 

Darcy (left) and Brooke

Going on Tour With School of Rock

Brooke’s passion for music and involvement at School of Rock eventually opened up an opportunity to tour through the Northeast, hitting major cities and regions like New York, Boston, and New Jersey. 

It was a powerful experience, Brooke says. Whether it was rocking out on stage or getting pizza after another great show, the entire tour was dotted with memories and highlights. 

But one of the most memorable moments was the crowd surfing. 

“At one store, I bought a giant stuffed Bowser with me, and I ended up bringing it onto stage with me. He even got to crowd surf!” Not to be outdone by a plushie, Brooke also found their own opportunity to crowd surf: “I wasn’t as successful; they dropped me. But it was so surreal, and I remember thinking, ‘This is the best thing ever!’”

Brooke crowd surfing in New York City

As powerful as the experience was for Brooke, it was just as important to Darcy. “The tour was incredible. Seeing them on stage in a bar in New York City shouting, ‘Hey, New York! How’s it going?’ was really special, especially as a parent.”

Creating Their Own Music

The musical foundation Brooke established at School of Rock has provided the starting point for their solo project: Malak!te. A catchy pop-rock act, Malak!te currently has two singles available for streaming:

Although Malak!te is currently a solo project, that hasn’t stopped Brooke from performing on stage by themselves. Brooke even performed on stage alone during the 2024 Fostering Music Summer Shindig, choosing to play their music through their phone and singing over top of it. 

“I’m hoping to get a guitarist soon,” Brooke says. “I usually have a ton of stage presence, but I want someone to jam with, and I want us to play more shows.”

Despite the lack of a full band, Brooke does get booked; their friend’s dad owns a business, and Brooke has performed at the company Christmas party for three years in a row. 

Donate to Support Future Generations

The generosity from Fostering Music donors has helped to transform life for Brooke and Darcy. 

“As a parent,” Darcy says, “you can really see how much music has helped them. It’s more than a hobby or creative outlet. It’s helped them blossom into a wonderful person while building relationships with new friends. It’s amazing.”

You can support students like Brooke by donating to Fostering Music today. Make a one-time donation or schedule a monthly donation for continued support: