Jill Heinke-Moen, pictured here performing with Orchid Eaton, is one of the instructors for the Girls Rock Band Experience

Historically, rock ’n’ roll has been a dude-dominated art form. That’s pretty obvious. And here in Eau Claire’s well-documented music scene, that’s really no different.

We have some amazing female musicians here, but it’s still by-and-large a dude party. But now in 2018, a concerted effort from the Eau Claire Music School and Sawdust City Limits – a concert series that features 100 percent local artists – is shifting the spotlight to get young girls, trans, and gender-non-conforming kids performing music.

The Girls Rock Band Experience consists of two full days of rehearsals with local musicians and educators where the participants will hone their skills and gain valuable experience working with other musicians to create a performance.

And it’ll all culminate with a Sawdust City Limits show at The Metro, where the girls rock bands will get a chance to perform and open up for some awesome women-led local bands – LASKA, Adelyn Rose, and Jerrika Mighelle.

Enrollment in the Girls Rock Experience is open right this second for individuals in sixth through 12th grade. Vocalists and instrumentalists of all kinds are invited to apply, and they’ll be instructed by local musicians Addie Strei, Jill Heinke-Moen, and Deirdre Jenkins.

For the inaugural year, space is limited to two bands, and you can find the application to register online at eauclairemusicschool.com.

The application deadline – Oct. 12 – is quickly approaching. After the deadline, band members will be confirmed and announced on Oct. 15, rehearsals will take place Oct. 26 and 27, and the Sawdust City Limits performance at The Metro is the night of Oct. 27.

To learn more about this unique program and how to register, visit eauclairemusicschool.com. Rock ’n’ roll is for everybody, and it’s time we made it look that way.