Rock ‘n’ Roll

by Jillian Surla, editor-in-chief

FAIRHOPE, Ala. – During sixth period on January 19, guitar students gathered in Fairhope High School’s Black Box Theatre to perform their 5th annual “Battle of the 80s” concert. A few theater students accompanied them with vocals.

The concert was scheduled for January 18, but was postponed due to technical difficulties.

“[Performing concerts together] gives them experience and with that shared experience, they are able to reflect on different shows that they’ve put on or songs that they’ve played,” said Michael Griffith, history, career prep and guitar teacher. “It’s also about building trust between each other.”

Griffith grouped his students into four teams, all with respective band names made by senior Alillian Norris. Each band performed a set of three songs, which they worked on for a few months prior.

“Guitar class is certainly fun and gives people an excellent hobby to do, but when the time comes for getting our songs together and perfecting our performance, it can be a lot,” said Geof Buckley, junior. “So, every time I finally get my songs together, it feels like another threshold I’ve surpassed.”

The concert wasn’t just a show, but a showdown. Attendees received a paper where they could review each band’s performance and were encouraged to cheer louder for their favorite team. The performers worked hard to gain favor and show what they could do.

“When you’re up there playing, you’re counting on your bandmates to do their part. You gotta have them do their part and most of the time they deliver, but you are leaning on and counting on your bandmates to get that part right so you can build off of it,” Griffith said. “So, it’s a give and take type of thing between musicians, and I think that’s how it creates more of a bond – or a family.”

Sophomore Eve McKeever spoke with friends and practiced her songs before the show to dissuade her nerves. Despite being nervous, she was excited to show everyone what her and her bandmates worked hard on.

“[Performing] brings so many people together, so many different people and it’s a fun and exciting experience,” Mckeever said.

The show exceeded Griffith’s expectations and earned a room full of cheers, waving phone lights and laughter. Griffith plans to continue working on shows and other performances with his students and hopes everyone is excited for what’s to come.