Page 24 - 1990

Rock 'n' Roll Students

Create their own classes

By Pam Melichar 88. They both agreed that the program
Rock 'n' Roll is here to stay, but as of yet, wasn't very good because of lack of or­
it has stayed out of the classroom. The ganization, but that they would be inter­
Ralston curriculum offers instrumental ested in a good electric jazz band, if it
courses such as marching and concert band, was offered. The only performance-based
but no courses are offered which cater to music courses offered at the high school
the desires of those who like less traditional are marching and concert band. Band
forms of music. This leaves students to find Director Shane Macklin said he would
other ways of playing and improving them­ be interested in starting up another jazz
selves musically. band, but that it would be a classical jazz
Junior Jason Carter said he was a mem­ band composed of brassand woodwinds.
ber of the marching band and concert band
his freshman year, but quit because he
preferred to play more rock and jazz. Carter
said that in order to play his kind of music,
he frequently gottogether with Seniors Chris
Hawk, Jason Near and 1989 graduate, Parker
Hill. According to Carter, this group meets
to just play around and have fun.
Hawk, who would like to turn music
into a career, also plays lead guitar for
another heavy metal band called "Al-
lynhawk". Hawk said he is the only high
school member in this band which got its
name from adding the last name of the other
guitaristtohisown. Accordingto Hawk, his
band plays all original music which he
helps write. "Usually song ideas just come
from jamming, basics ideas and rifs. Then,
the band just puts it together and finished
the idea."
For exposure, Hawk said his band often
rent out small halls such as Sokol Hall, for
concerts that usually attract 100-150 people.
Charging $4-$5 for a ticket, usually allows
the band to just break even. "I wouldn't call
us successful right now, but we're getting
there. We're starting to build a following."
Both Carter and Hawk were members of
the Ralston High School Jazz Band in 1987-

Senior Brian Dusekputs away Mortimer
(the trumpet) after band practice.