Barr MS Celebrates Creativity at The Amby's

 The 8th grade class at A. MacArthur Barr Middle School let their musical talents shine at the 17th annual Amby award show. Students were judged on songwriting and over all creativity.

“I believe the best way to learn about music is by creating it,” said Host and Barr Music Teacher Michael Minard.

Students formed their own musical groups writing, recording, producing and marketing their own songs. This 10-week process is done with Minard helping form their thoughts and sound.

Before becoming a teacher, Minard worked as a film and television composer. He is now a celebrated music teacher, passing the joys of music to countless students for over 17 years.

This year’s Amby’s included over 25 musical groups composed of 8th graders. The group names ranged in creativity like D.I.G. (Different is Good), Lifeguards Who Can’t Swim, Eye Don’t Know, and Sam My Dog.

The categories included:

• Best Instrumental Song
• Best Multi-Lingual Song
• Best Comedy Song
• Best Hip-Hop Song
• Best Rap Song
• Best Rock Ballad
• Best Classic Rock Song
• Best Alternative Song
• Best Music Video
• Best Psychedelic Song
• Best Pop Up-tempo
• Best Pop Down tempo
• Male Vocalist of the Year
• Female Vocalist of the Year
• Album of the Year
• Artist of the Year
• The Larry Alexander Award 

Students pulled from their own lives and the lives of others for inspiration.

“It’s about being lazy, playing video games all day,” said Pastor Toby group member Julia Bartell. The group won Best Classic Rock Song for their song "Kids These Days."

Never Say Never members Dolores Rinaldi, Aliya Knapp, and Rebekah Muchs won Best Pop Downtempo for their song "There's No One Like You." The group’s name was inspired by their favorite musician Justin Bieber. “Our song is about finding someone special,” said member Rebekah Muchs.

Album Of The Year went to D.I.G. The group recorded two songs: “Kinkz” and “Twins.”

“They’re both about creativity,” said D.I.G member Jack Lyons.

Grammy winner Larry Alexander presented his own award for best group. The established engineer/producer has worked with Aretha Franklin, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross, The Rolling Stones, Liza Minnelli, and Hall and Oates among many others.

“I go through rigorous qualities for a song that includes lyrics, melody, arrangement, creativity, and mojo,” said Alexander.

The Larry Alexander Award went to Da Girlz for their song “Life Goes On.”

“I think it could be on the radio,” said Alexander.

The show included performances by Jessica Ohle of Da Girlz, and Kevin McLaughlin of 845.

McLaughlin stole the show with his freestyle rap. Moving up and down the auditorium aisles, McLaughlin ad-libed his entire song, capturing the audience’s attention as he free styled about faculty members, with rhymes worthy of a professional rapper.  

Greatness is no stranger to Barr.

“We’ve had students that have gone on to become professional song writers,” said Amby’s announcer Jack Gremli.

For Barr’s 8th grade class of 2011, this year ended on a high note.

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