Teens rock the town at Band-Gig in Norwood!
August 11th, 2010 James“I was a teenager. A freshman in high school. That’s when I figured out how I could bring my talent and training to the next level.”
I wanted to be a rock star!
The high schools didn’t have any programs that promoted modern (now 80′s early 90′s) music back then. If we wanted to pursue that venue we were on our own. So that’s what I did. I was 13 in my first “rock” band. I played keyboards. One friend from high school, Eric, a well known local musician was in the band with me. The other members were 18, 25, and 27.
We almost won the battle of the bands at Catholic Memorial. The winning band had tattoos and chains. It was so much fun though. I believe I’ve destroyed all of the video so I am confident in saying we rocked the house!!! LOL… Yeah, we kinda stunk. But it didn’t matter. The real problem was we wanted to keep playing. We would jam two or three times a week. But we needed more shows.
Putting on your own show
Once we rented out workman’s hall in Norwood. We sold tickets, promoted, put together a 30 song setlist. And on the night of the show a bunch of friends and family showed up. It was great. From a budget perspective there were issues. I think my dad figured that each band member only had to pay $150 after accounting for costs and subtracting ticket revenue. It was our last show.
We lacked organization and direction. We had issues agreeing on practice times, setlists, venues. My classmate and I were the better musicians. But at 13-14 we couldn’t play where most bands played. That’s why I think Nick Vecchio has created something spectacular for teens trying to pursue the next logical step in music.
Band Gig lets teens focus on the music
The rehearsals are directed in Band Gig’s recording studio in Norwood, MA. All of the directors are passionate about teaching and have extensive backgrounds in instruction and performance. And these kids love it. Don’t take my word for it. Watch the video from the day I sat in on a rehearsal.
Bands are grouped according to ages, likes, and interests (and yes grown ups can join too!). Currently there are 5 or more gigs in a year. Nick sees this number increasing as membership has been growing regularly since Band Gig’s launch in 2008. Last winter they had 11 bands. This year Band Gig has been adopted as an offered program by the Melrose Middle School Recreational Department. They are currently working on expanding into other rec departments in the surrounding areas.
Although the program is three years young, it has already helped spawn a local rising star. Three of the members of Some Assembly Required met through Band-Gig.
Nick went right from Berklee College of Music to teaching at Daddy’s Junky Music. He has continued to inspire aspiring musicians for more than 20 years. Band-Gig instructors also provide private lessons at the Norwood Studio.
Students leave Band-Gig having played large venue performances. They also create a professional demo in the studio. Sessions come out to costing about $20 an hour. Forget about the professional instruction the teens receive. The use of the equipment and public venues are worth that alone.
Nick has been kind enough to offer Crazy Kids members a 5% discount on Band-Gig group sessions. Even more CK members can get a free introductory lesson with one of the Band-Gig Masters! Thanks again Nick! We’ll see you at Band-Gig!
