Today we’d like to introduce you to Trent Wagler.
Hi Trent, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have toured across the country playing music in communities large and small with a band called The Steel Wheels. One thing that sticks out to me are communities that invest in making music. There are cultural, generational, and even economic impacts that I wanted to see translated to Harrisonburg/Rockingham. I’ve also experienced a lot of musical and personal growth through learning and playing in groups. Once I found like-minded individuals who also wanted to create what has become a community music school (Rocktown House of Music), we began designing ways to offer classes, jams, and lessons to begin creating that musical community we desire.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The community has been supportive from the beginning, which has encouraged us along the way. But that’s not to say there aren’t struggles. Creating a non-profit organization with a functioning board of directors, a paid employee, and signing a lease for the building before we began offering classes was a huge leap of faith. But I am so proud of the team we’ve assembled to do this work and the ways we’re designing the ship as we float it, so to speak. I think one of the struggles is for people to go from conceptually supporting something like this, to actually getting involved. Everyone I’ve met says they love the concept of RHOM. It takes something more for an individual to dust off their guitar in the closet and join us. I think we’re trying to create a culture in Harrisonburg of regular participatory music and as a culture, some of those muscles are atrophied.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the main singer/songwriter, banjo, and guitar player for The Steel Wheels. We’ve been recording, releasing, and touring as independent Americana/Folk artists for over 20 years. In 2013, we began an annual 3-day music festival called Red Wing Roots Music Festival in Mt. Solon, VA at Natural Chimneys Park. Red Wing Academy began shortly thereafter, offering an opportunity for young musicians to learn songs together they play onstage with our band at the festival. When those kids and parents started wishing for those experiences year-round instead of just one week out of the year, it planted a seed that is directly related to the start of Rocktown House of Music.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck is a funny word. Sometimes the good and the bad fortunes can be attributed to all kinds of things and we just don’t know where they come from. I have been with some of the same bandmates I was lucky enough to meet almost 30 years ago and we’ve created something we all continue to work at and find inspiration in. I guess that’s pretty lucky. I’d say that about all of the partners I have the good fortune to work with. Red Wing has a consistent leadership team, and RHOM is a set of teammates I feel so lucky to be apart of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rocktownhouseofmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocktownhouseofmusicva/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rocktown-House-of-Music/61574819040488/
