PRINTSchool of Rock slideshow
February 7, 2008 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Phil Overeem watches over students during his fourth period British Literature class at Hickman High School. Apart from teaching English classes, Overeem is also the moderator of The Academy of Rock, a club that organizes activities encouraging students to play and learn about rock 'n' roll. It hosts an annual Battle of the Bands, music film viewings, and a student-run radio station.
Related Links
An old vinyl turntable and portable CD player sit in Overeem's classroom, which doubles as the official headquarters for the Hickman Academy of Rock. The club, founded in 2004, boasts about 100 members and organizes activities encouraging students to play and learn about rock 'n' roll.
Music books sit in the American Roots Music Listening Library in the Media Center at Hickman. Overeem has worked to expand the section that includes dozens of music books and more than 400 CDs available for students to check out and an online database of all its holdings.
Photo Courtesy of Phil Overeem. In February of 2004, David Kemper (left), then a junior at Hickman, and Overeem, his American literature instructor, founded the Academy of Rock. This photo was taken prior to the second annual Battle of the Bands. The Academy and the Battle both are now in their 5th year of existence.
Photo courtesy of Phil Overeem. Possum Fat, a Springfield, Mo. band (circa 1989) (l-r): Mark Anthony (guitar), Mike Rayhill (guitar), Phil Overeem (vocals), Mark Pelletier (guitar). Not pictured: D. Clinton Thompson (drums).
Overeem helps seniors Casey Brenner (left) and Kara Zimmer with an assignment during his fourth period British literature class at Hickman. "The kids are what it's all about," Overeem said. "I'm here to say yea or nay and help with some of the practicalities, but they really keep it going."
