Rock Band Class Teaches Area Youths Music Fundamentals

PINCKNEY — For one night only, rock and roll is getting a new look as area youth take to the stage at the Pinckney Pub on March 14 to perform a selection of hits from th 1970s-'90s.

The musicians, who range in age from 9 to 15, are part of a 10-week "Rock Band" class hosted by Buzztop Studios in Lakeland. The class is taught by Scott Christopher, a 20-year veteran of the music business, and includes students from Brighton, Dexter, Hartland, Howell and South Lyon.

"I had always wanted to create an environment where I could teach students the ins and outs of being in a real rock band so I started the Buzztop Studios’ Rock Band Class program," Christopher explained. "The program gathers area students that I form into rock bands and we study just what makes a band tick. After 10 weeks of practice, the kids hit the stage and put that knowledge into action."

Christopher said throughout the 10 weeks, students learn everything from song structures, music chord progression, and basic fundamentals for the role of each instrument in a band.

"We teach them about handling their gear, microphone care and hooking up PA systems, so when they get out there to perform, they know what they are doing," he said.

The live concert is the climax of the 10-week session, and each band performs five songs for a live audience.

"Some of these kids have never played live. We make an event out of it and pack the house at the Pinckney Pub with friends and family," he said. "Students, parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends all gather for a night of food and music. It is standing room only and the crowd is always into it.

"When we get to show night, the attention is on the kids. No instructors are up on stage with them telling them what to do."

The concert on March 14 promises to be entertaining for patrons, Christopher said. Bands will perform songs like "Wild Thing" by The Troggs, "Let it Be" by The Beatles, Dirty Deeds by AC/DC, and "Paradise" by Cold Play, among others.

"I can have one kid playing a few notes, but those notes make sense when someone else is playing something different. And when you put everything together, you make music." -- Scott Christopher

When it comes to choosing songs for the show, Christopher said band members go through a brainstorming session the first week of class.

"A lot of it comes down to experimenting. The kids throw out song ideas and we try to see if they work. It's a great experience because they have to figure out what it takes to get a song down."

Similiar to Jack Black's character (though not as chaotic) in the 2003 comedy School of Rock, Christopher tries to convey a passion and respect for music among his students.

"I can have one kid playing a few notes, but those notes make sense when someone else is playing something different. And when you put everything together, you make music," he said.

Brenna Seaman, 13, a student at Scranton Middle School in Brighton, said she is excited to perform alongside the other members of the band.

"It's been really fun," she said. "At first I was really nervous because I was the only girl, but the guys turned out to be very nice."

Seaman said the performance will be her fifth time singing live, which can be scary.

"I'm nervous about forgetting the lyrics or forgetting what to do," she said. "It's been hard because we only get to practice an hour once a week, which is not a lot of time to prepare, but we're managing very well."

Seaman said the experience has been very rewarding.

"Overall, I've had a really fun time," she said. "I've learned a lot just from being around more people who are good at other instruments."

Brendan Aten, 10, a student at Navigator School in Pinckney, has been playing guitar and drums for two years.

"I'll be performing a few guitar solos in the songs," he said. "I'm really excited to see how it turns out."

Aten admits that practicing the guitar has not always been easy, and he is offering words of encouragement for other young musicians.

"You never want to give up," he said. "If things get complicated, ask your teacher. It's about practice, practice, practice."

There is no charge for the show on March 14. Bands will begin performing at 7 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m.

For more information about the Buzztop Studios Rock Band Class, call 517-376-1076 or send an email to buzztopstudios@gmail.com. New classes are forming now and the next session begins March 22.