A three-foot amp stands proudly on the stage in the rehearsal room at School of Rock, its sound magnifying off in waves, colliding with everyone and everything in the room.

The low hum of a bass guitar thunders as the student playing it concentrates on the tune, keeping up with the fast-paced song “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” by Kiss.

In the corner sits junior Rosie Scherbarth, who prepares for her bass guitar and vocal part of the song. Scherbarth, along with many other kids of varying ages, are taught the music of their choosing, whether it be guitar, drums, or vocals, at School of Rock here in Omaha.

Scherbarth moved to Omaha in sixth grade, and she and her parents decided on School of Rock as a new extracurricular activity she could be involved in to feel more at home. Little did anyone know that it would shape the rest of her musical career and the relationships she still has today, leading her to form a band with the people she had met.

“When you’re in an environment like School of Rock, it really sets you up for success in the way [of creating your own band], because you’re surrounded by musicians all the time,” Scherbarth said.

Scherbarth and her School of Rock classmate Eli Wirth, who plays guitar, started three years ago to put the pieces into place, to create their band, Anxiety. Just recently, they added drummer Matthew Worden.

“I decided to start a band and create music because the community that is created is like no other. I’ve met so many people I’m grateful for and love greatly,” Wirth said.

As a band, they have performed at various venues, the majority of being local bars, like The Beach House.

Scherbarth, being the PR manager for the band, also runs the advertising and social media accounts as well.

“Every [practice] we try to film a promo video, whether it be serious or silly, just to get our names out there,” Scherbarth said.

After the combination of their social media posts, their ads, and Scherbarth reaching out to bars, they prepare to actually perform at a show, playing for all ages.

“There’s a lot of communication we have to do as a band [at a show],” Scherbarth said. “After we set up, we all talk, get together, and remind ourselves that we’re going to present ourselves professionally, and we try to play music for all the people the best we can.”

Depending on the venue their gig is at, the band chooses a plethora of songs that will elicit a surge of excitement from the audience, deciding between popular grunge songs and their own originals.

“We pick songs that are high energy and are fun to listen to,” Scherbarth said. “If you can play songs that really light up the crowd and bring energy into a place, then you’ve succeeded in really grabbing people’s attention.”

From the stage and looking out into a sea of people, Anxiety sees many familiar faces staring back at them. One of whom is Caleb James, a teacher at School of Rock and a close mentor of the band.

“I’m a diehard fan. I’ve been to all but one of their shows,” James said. “I’m so proud of these guys…it’s overwhelming to see them up on that stage, it gets me in my feels.”

Even after the rush and excitement from performing their music, they all agree that it isn’t the best part. It’s the connectedness the bandmates experience as a result of it all, even shaping the way they view the world.

“To me, the band is like making a bad thing good. I’ve had anxiety for the longest time, but with my band, it creates a positive relationship with the word. Instead of thinking of anxiety as an emotion, I think of my bandmates and all the fun we have together,” Wirth said.

While Scherbarth intends to continue her music career as long as she can before eventually becoming a psychiatrist, the band has always known where Anxiety will take them.

“Each of the members has plans to pursue individual careers … but we all know that we won’t ever disband. The music we play and the bond we’ve all made together has become such a special and important part of our lives,” Scherbarth said

Scherbarth, not having made the decision lightly, knows that music will always resonate and remain at the forefront of who she is.

“There’s no good comparison that’s equal to playing on stage and having a crowd cheer for you and be excited to see you. It’s such a wonderful feeling that can not replaced by anything ever found,” Scherbarth said.