Classic and modern rock music floated throughout downtown Moose Jaw recently, as a group of students from Riverview Collegiate showcased the skills they had developed during the semester.
Led by teacher James Irving, 13 students rocked out in front of John’s Music on Main Street on June 12 for more than an hour while performing songs by acts such as Audioslave, Tone Loc, and Bryan Adams. Every year, students in the Rock Band class perform the songs they learned during the semester in public; last year they jammed in front of Gemmell’s Shoes.
The collegiate’s rock band featured two drum kits, two bass guitars, a guitar, three singers, a xylophone, maracas and the sweet, sweet sound of a cowbell.
“Each year kids from the semester busk and get an idea of what a poor musician faces in the world,” joked Irving, who also played guitar. “It’s (also) a good chance for them to experience what it is like to be a musician who is not on the big stage.”
Since the group was busking, a small suitcase was laid out so passersby could drop in money. Last year the group raise $27; this year it generated $125.40.
Grade 12 student Bailey Hittinger was nervous before the group began, but once the first few cords were strummed, he became more comfortable behind the drum kit and in front of the microphone.
The Rock Band performed for friends and family in early spring, but playing in public is different, he continued. However, once passersby began clapping along, he was put at ease.
“It was a cool experience, especially to be downtown,” added Hittinger.
This was Hittinger’s second year playing drums. He particularly enjoyed playing along to a rap song this year. He also liked learning new instruments; there were enough students in the class that each could rotate through instruments for new experiences.
The students performed 10 songs in 90 minutes while on the street. They originally learned eight songs in March, but cut those after performing them at school to learn new ones.
“This is my Grade 12 year, so it’s like, ‘That’s it.’ This is my last time doing this,” said Hittinger. The group will perform for the rest of their school one more time, while their final exam will see them perform their 18 songs for three-straight hours.
Riverview Collegiate’s Rock Band program — now in its eighth year — is one of the few such courses in Saskatchewan, said Irving. Most schools feature a concert band or jazz band.
Students in the program learn about all the usual aspects of music, such as reading sheet music and what goes into performing a song. However, they play Audioslave instead of Bach.
“Nothing against concert band or jazz band,” Irving joked.
The group did pretty well since this was their first time performing in public, said Grade 10 student Josie Monsees. She was particularly nervous since this was her first year in Rock Band.
“It’s actually pretty good,” said Monsees, who sings lead vocals and also plays the drums.
She explained that her brother helped her get into drums as a way to deal with the death of a family member due to cancer. Performing brought her out of her comfort zone, so she felt at ease once she joined the class.
The group performed well, echoed Irving. They were lucky to escape the rain, while the sound was nearly perfect. They also earned more money than ever, so “it was a success all around.”
