More Cowbell!

5 October 2014Jaclyn C, Captain of Composition Rock Band, Alex ‘16

Composition Rock Band is probably one of the most unique arts courses that Brentwood offers. With minimal direction from our teacher, it’s up to the eight of us to create something out of the ether. I always find it fascinating how we manage to put together a song that sounds like it came from one mind, when, in fact, everyone contributed an essential idea or portion of the song. Although there are no rules about song writing, more often than not our songs start with a guitar riff or a bass line proposed by one of our guitarists, Robin M, Rogers ‘16 or Miles J, Privett ‘16. Under those parts, our main drummer, Daniel M, Privett ‘16 will build a drum line that compliments what has already been crafted. On top of all that, melodies are formed, harmonies are found, and lyrics are thought up and put into place. As one of several lyricists in the band, I’m always excited to have my lyrics used in a composition. Lyric writing can be such a personal process, but I enjoy the challenge that writing for a public audience presents. It’s always interesting—and sometimes scary—to hear how others interpret your words, especially if they interpret them completely differently than how you intended them. An even bigger challenge however, is making sure that lyrics match up thematically with the rest of the song as not every song is of a genre or ‘feel’ that I typically write in. When we’re not brainstorming and collaborating, we sometimes split into small groups of two or three to generate new songs and song ideas that will later be presented to the whole group. With folk-punk in the booth, progressive metal on the floor, and indie-rock in the hall it’s clear to see that our band has a rather diverse taste in music. Each of us brings something distinctive to the band, and that’s what makes it so incredible. Despite the differences in our tastes in music and our occasional disagreements, we all agree on one thing: we need more cowbell. Jaclyn C, Captain of Composition Rock Band, Alex ‘16

Where Students Choose To Be