By shifting responsibility from teachers to students, the Rock Band course provides students opportunities to practice leadership.
Although taught by music teacher Adam Tucker, Rock Band allows students to take control over their performances adding a student-led aspect.
According to sophomore drummer Ben Reed, Rock Band provides students with a multitude of skills to succeed.
“It’s a good opportunity for people to make friends, but also develop leadership skills and learn how to work together,” Reed said.
In addition, Reed notes that he’s learned a lot about dynamics in a band and how it translates to interactions. “I’d say I’ve learned a lot musically and about group dynamics between people who want to be leaders and people who are still learning,” Reed said.
For sophomore bassist and vocalist Zoe Manoukis, playing in a band is about learning to share that leadership.
“Playing in a band means a lot of collaborating and combining ideas, while playing individually means you get to make all the decisions. I think playing in a band is just a lot of being comfortable with changing things or letting someone take the lead,” Manoukis said.
For sophomore drummer Michaela Malone, working in a band environment has taught her to be more trusting and stay better prepared.
“You can’t really control other people knowing their songs to the best of their ability. So you have to trust them,” Malone said.
Before shows and rehearsals, Malone adds that she makes sure that she knows all the material and how to play it. “I just make sure I really listen to my songs and practice to stay prepared,” Malone said.
Senior vocalist Matthew Kennedy finds that Rock Band allows students to perform in ways different from other music classes.
“It’s a really fun opportunity to perform,” Kennedy said. “I feel that it’s unique from the other music groups I’m a part of, those being the choir and the musical.
Manoukis finds a similar enjoyment in performing on stage with the band.
“It’s a really fun atmosphere to learn songs independently and then play with a group. I think it’s kind of a unique experience that not a lot of people have the option for, and I’m very lucky that our school does,” Manoukis said.
Before performing, band members often must resolve unique challenges that many musicians are faced with.
“Sometimes there are disagreements with song choices and picking songs. Some people are really passionate about their songs,” Reed said.
According to Kennedy, band members resolve their problems through communication. “Whenever there’s a disagreement, we’ll talk about it with the whole class and agree. If that does not work out, then we will adjust. That’s one of the strengths of the group, it can adapt on the fly to fix whatever needs fixing,” Kennedy said.
Since taking the class, Kennedy has found himself to be more confident as a vocalist.
“I am really glad I got to be a part of this group,” Kennedy said. “I have grown a lot more confident in my own singing abilities.”
Rock Band’s next performance will take place on February 11 in the high school’s auditorium.