The band mounted the stage, confidently striding up the ramp to find their places behind the microphones and amplifiers. Earlier that afternoon they had loaded everything out of their practice space, working together as a team to make sure nothing was left behind.
Their sound check was efficient, and they thanked the sound person profusely.
Their set was entertaining, and despite some mistakes, the band stayed flexible and professional, listening to each other to stay tight and together. At the end, they thanked the sound person again and reminded the audience to stay for the next performer.
Then, descending the stage, they ran to find their parents and get a snack.
It’s not a camp, there’s no enrollment commitment… These are just some kids who want to make music…
The band was made up of kids ages 9-13, mostly students of mine, with a summer resident rounding out the mix.
For the last three summers, I’ve had the immense pleasure of coaching a group of kids who, for no other reason than that they want to, have rehearsed together as a rock band.
I started doing it because students asked me if we could, and I’ve kept doing it because every spring they restate their interest.
The first summer, we kept it very low stakes with no performances scheduled. Last year, performing as The Foxy Ladies, they played their three-song set at Community Days on North Haven and Rampage on Vinalhaven. This year, under the moniker Je Suis LeBron, they added a gig at Market Fest and learned a total of seven songs.
An important thing to understand about these summer rock sessions is that nobody’s getting paid, and nobody’s paying any money, so there’s no parent stake in the game. Everyone just wants to play some shows.
It’s not a camp, there’s no enrollment commitment, and it’s not officially a program offered through the school. These are just some kids who want to make music, and I’m an adult who wants to help them do it.
I consider “bandmate” to be a sacred relationship. It requires earned trust, the safety to make mistakes and learn together, and a demonstrated ability to pull one’s weight, often literally, during gear load-ins and -outs.
These nine students (a supergroup akin to Earth, Wind, and Fire) had all of these qualities in spades. I witnessed them helping each other with parts, praising each other when they nailed a tough riff or new lyric, and having all hands-on deck as we moved gear back and forth.
I think performing as an ensemble musician is one of the most essential opportunities students should have, simply because it allows students to practice the skill of being a good human. But beyond that, the adulation of the audience is a pretty fantastic perk.
All three of their shows were met with roaringly appreciative crowds who understood that these kids were pulling off something huge.
And while a few times I did gesture to them to help keep them on track, or remind them of what to say between songs, for the most part, I got to simply enjoy their performance.
Because each of them took that role of bandmate seriously, they were able to do great work in a short period of time and across two islands, spreading joy and entertainment, and boosting each other up.
Video of Je Suis Lebron’s performances can be found on Instagram.
Courtney Naliboff teaches, writers, and plays music on North Haven. She may be reached at courtney.naliboff@gmail.com.
