Stevie Bogan cuts the ribbon outside the Institute of Rock in Marysville on Oct. 1, joined by city leaders, students, and community supporters to mark the school’s official celebration.

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - After celebrating its two-year anniversary in May, the Institute of Rock in Marysville hit another high note on Wednesday, Oct. 1, with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. City leaders, county supervisors and community members gathered on C Street to honor the music school’s growth and its impact on the community.

“You are the ideal business to have here, above and beyond whatever our general plan is,” said Marysville City Councilman Stuart Gilchrist. “Organically how this happened was not by any city official, it was by the community itself.”

Isabella Morgan, representing Assemblyman James Gallagher’s office, also spoke, sharing both official remarks and personal reflections.

The newly renovated podcast and recording studio at the Institute of Rock in Marysville, unveiled alongside the school’s Oct. 1 ribbon cutting. The space is available for rent and doubles as a professional recording environment.

“Places like these are so important because growing up I was always encouraged to do music, but it was with instruments I didn't necessarily vibe with,” Morgan said. “And it's so important to find people that are passionate about their instruments and seeing that you’re so willing to meet students where they are, where their interests are, where their skill levels are and cultivate that — it speaks volumes.”

Morgan added that music has been a powerful tool in her own life.

“There were things I didn’t know I was feeling until I heard a song or wrote a song. It really is so important for expression and overall wellness,” Morgan said.

For Institute of Rock founder and owner Stevie Bogan, the day was emotional.

 “I didn’t realize so many people would come out,” Bogan said. “Looking out and seeing my family and all these people, it kind of got me choked up. I wish my mom had been able to be here, but I know she was proud.”

Owner Stevie Bogan holds a certificate of recognition presented by the City of Marysville as supporters gather outside the Institute of Rock during its Oct. 1 ribbon cutting ceremony.

The Institute of Rock offers lessons in nearly every instrument, along with voice and music production. A newly renovated podcast room, which also doubles as a recording studio, is available for rent. Currently, the school has about 50 students and employs local instructors including guitarist Chris Koranda, vocalist Macey Mae Hosick and pianist Evan Ensminger.

“To make music has always been like its own language to me,” said 15-year-old musician Cameron Wall, a past participant in the school’s summer rock camp programs. “Teaching kids music, it’s a lot, especially in a world where top hits are industry manipulated. So teaching people to make genuine music is in my opinion gonna change the world. This place has given me opportunities to grow as an artist and perform publicly. I think it’s awesome.”

Enrollment at the Institute of Rock is open to both children and adults, with flexible scheduling and lesson package deals available. The school is located at 107 C Street in Marysville. For more information, visit theinstituteofrock.com.