High school bands get a chance to play
Music is a wonderful thing. It helps those that are afraid to
speak in front of large groups fight their fears. It gives people
the opportunity to express themselves. It’s an alternative for all
of us who are athletically challenged or who could care less about
giant men playing games.
But most of all it is an artistic avenue that is educational and
thoroughly enjoyable.
And for many of the children in Hollister it’s their way to do
something different that’s away from the social norms of the city.
No, I’m not talking about the schools’ marching bands or even the
music departments of each school, but the music that is made by and
for the youth of Hollister.
High school bands get a chance to play
Music is a wonderful thing. It helps those that are afraid to speak in front of large groups fight their fears. It gives people the opportunity to express themselves. It’s an alternative for all of us who are athletically challenged or who could care less about giant men playing games.
But most of all it is an artistic avenue that is educational and thoroughly enjoyable.
And for many of the children in Hollister it’s their way to do something different that’s away from the social norms of the city. No, I’m not talking about the schools’ marching bands or even the music departments of each school, but the music that is made by and for the youth of Hollister.
Some high-schoolers have the ability to create their own pieces of music, despite their youth and limited resources. And that is something I was able to experience March 5 in the San Benito High School Auditorium.
The “Spring Benefit Show” gathered six bands and a solo act to raise money for a pair of people in need. The concert is sponsored by the Guitar Club, of which many of the bands are members. Most of the music was completely original – spare a few covers – and almost all of the bands’ members are students at the high school.
And what quickly became apparent at the show was the love each person had for another.
Most of the members of the around 100 attendees were members of the club or friends and family. Despite missed notes, fluctuating pitches or lost rhythm, acts were cheered profusely.
And the range of music was wide. Some bands blasted through metal, with swarming, harsh guitars and thundering drums. One band grabbed acoustic guitars and a cajón – a boxed acoustic instrument with guitar strings. And another played throttling punk.
Some bands were loud, others were quiet, but the love for each of them was the same.
The audience called out the band members’ names and rushed to the front of the stage. After each set, the bands were overrun with high fives, hugs and congratulations.
It was a close-knit, loving atmosphere and it was infectious.
The bands’ music isn’t the best – they are high school students – but it’s unique in its own way. And shows like Saturday’s are not intended to get these kids a record deal but to help nurture them and allow them to grow as musicians and people.
And for the father of the event, high school teacher Tom Rooth, that’s why he puts on four shows a year.
“I want to give them a venue to play – they need a place, so why not here?” he said.
The events started in spring 2003, when a group of students complained they had no place to play. Those under 21 are not allowed to play at bars that serve alcohol and there were no other local options, Rooth explained.
Since then, four times a year Rooth puts on events like Saturday’s to give students a place to play.
Former student Jake McDonald, who now handles the mixing board for every show, said it gives people the opportunity to play when they usually wouldn’t.
“It brings a lot of diversity,” he said. “It gives us something to do.”
McDonald was a member of a band that played at the show when he was in school, and since he graduated three years ago, he still returns to help out.
Because of that example, Rooth knows he is helping the students.
“Yes, they have some places like Mars Hill, but some of these bands can’t play there,” he said.
And if a student can play an instrument, Rooth will give them a chance to play despite their skill level.
And all the musicians love the opportunity.
“Thank you, thank you Mr. Rooth for everything,” solo act Tim Flores, aka Spitz, said. Flores has played guitar for a little less than a year.
But really it’s not about the music, but the camaraderie within the group of teens. Despite their differences – music in this case – they are able to appreciate each other and what they do. And that acceptance is a beautiful thing.
Now, can we get them more places to play?
