BY DUCK PATERSON
School of Rock will be in session in the coming weeks in Nanaimo and Ladysmith.
Barsby School of Rock has concerts planned for Saturday, Feb. 3, at Nanaimo’s Queen’s Hotel, and Feb. 16 at Ladysmith’s Aggie Hall. Joining the students on stage will be Russ Der, frontman of the Doctors of Rock N’ Roll and music director at John Barsby Secondary School.
Prior to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, John Barsby’s band was a traditional one with wind instruments, stringed instruments, and percussion.
“When some restrictions were lifted the following September, I did not feel it was in the best interest and safety of the students to resume with wind instruments,” Der said. “It was then we created an all-percussion format for all the music groups. What resulted from this was a very energetic and talented drum line.”
The group played at many athletic events and school functions, but band enrolment stagnated, and so in 2022, the senior concert band changed to a rhythm and blues format with a rhythm section, horns, and vocalists.
“[It] really received great attention from the whole student body and others in the district,” Der said.
The change in tempo caused Der to rethink the music programs and he initiated a rock school program for the music component of the Grade 8 elective rotation.
“The response from the students was incredible,” he said. “After the second rotation was completed we took 10 students who were enthusiastic and wanting to develop their musical skills further, and formed Barsby Rocks.’”
The group practised twice a week and gave several performances, including at other Nanaimo-Ladysmith schools. Each time the group “rocked the house,” Der said, and he’s anticipating the same from the Barsby School of Rock at February’s shows.
“We’re looking forward to seeing everybody out there having a good time. Hopefully we’ll get lots of people up dancing, and make some connections with people,” he said. “That’s our whole thing, we just love to see people enjoying our music, and have a good time.”
A group of Barsby music students will form an extracurricular ensemble and travel to Alberta this spring, and they are performing now to fundraise for their trip.
“Working with youths is something our membership is really into. Seeing young folks working hard and being successful, and trying to do it on their own, is quite rewarding, and it’s something we want to help with,” said Brian Bancroft, Ladysmith Kinsmen member. “This program has given the young musicians a goal and that’s why we’re doing this to help them try and achieve that goal.”
Nanaimo’s Queen’s concert Feb. 3 stars at 5:30 p.m. Ticket are $10 at the high school or at the venue.
Ladysmith’s Aggie Hall concert starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults or $20 for youths 18 and under, and can be purchased at http://ladysmith.barsbyrock.com or at the door. The Kinsmen will be hosting a cash bar and a concession.
READ ALSO: Nanaimo school band drops wind instruments, goes drums-only due to COVID-19