A Journey Into Music: How I Joined the School Band and Formed My First Band
My love for music began when I was just a young boy, pestering my parents endlessly to let me learn the violin. It all started when I saw a street performer playing a violin, and that sparked a lifelong passion within me. My parents eventually agreed, and I started learning the violin, performing solo at various events and festivals.
However, when it came time to join the school band, there were no violinists available. Reluctantly, I began learning the flute. In high school, I started hanging out with a punk crowd and became intrigued by the guitar. This was the beginning of my journey into forming my first band.
The School Band Experience
Initially, I joined the band as a compulsory lesson at school, but when the term ended, so did my band lessons. With a desire to continue playing, I decided to join the after-school band. I had already learned the flute, so I continued to practice and improve my skills. To this day, I still play the flute, even after transitioning to guitar in my own band.
Unfortunately, the marching band experience was not as grand as I hoped. I was only able to play the canon and couldn't perform the iconic 1812 Overture. However, I found my place in the high brass section, a consolation of sorts. My enthusiasm for music never wavered, and I continued to pursue my passion.
My First Band
After I finished high school, I found myself in a new phase of my musical journey. I was in high school when I first started playing with a band of friends. Our instruments were humble but our spirit was grand. We had a '63 Fender Duo-Sonic, a Fender Champ amp, a low-end electric Harmony, a small Supro amp, and makeshift cymbals made from Folgers cans. We even used cigar boxes to create unique sounds and found beat-up crash cymbals at Goodwill for just 50 cents. We played KISS songs, Led Zeppelin, and some Foghat. I still have hours of stereo cassettes from our jam sessions. My life even took a fictional turn when I managed to meet Paul Stanley and he gave me a huge thumbs up when I told him he taught me how to play guitar. Talk about a surreal moment!
Current Musical Pursuits
Fast forward to present day, I am currently in a band with one of my best friends. He is a skilled guitarist, and I play drums. We started jamming together after I started learning drums. We experimented a bit with our sound, comparing ourselves to Jack and Meg White from The White Stripes. However, we found our true love in playing bass and drums together, comparing ourselves to Royal Blood. At first, we weren't sure what kind of music we wanted to create, but we decided to go with cover music. It was a fun and challenging journey, and I wanted to start writing songs with my friend. This led to us composing our own material.
Joining bands and forming bands has been a significant part of my musical journey. From the early days of playing the flute in school to crafting our own sound with a group of friends, music continues to play a vital role in my life. Whether it's learning to play an instrument or starting a band, there is always room for growth and new experiences.