Classes are about to begin again at The School of Rock.
Jack Black won't be there, but an enrollment of enthusiastic youthful rockers, including Alle-Kiski Valley residents, will be in session for the first annual Pittsburgh High School Battle of the Bands at Moondog's Pub in Blawnox.
The opening bell rings at 4 p.m. Sunday and for four Sundays after that, through Nov. 12. Finals are scheduled for 4 p.m. Nov. 19.
Undercurrents, the music-marketing and showcase company, is teaming with Moondog's, owned and managed by Ron Esser of East Deer, to give young musicians an opportunity to play in an established venue and in a nonalcoholic environment (none will be served during the events), in front of a large audience for a chance to win music industry-related prizes and earn recognition for their work.
"There are not a lot of places where young kids can go to watch live music in this town," says musician Mike Moscato, regional director of Undercurrents-Pittsburgh and organizer of the Battle of the Bands.
Earlier this year, he and Esser began a Teen Night to showcase young talent, and Undercurrents decided to host the high school competition.
"We want it to provide a huge amount of exposure for these young kids, and a good amount of encouragement to get them on their way to whatever goals they want out of music," Moscato says.
One of Undercurrents' aims is to provide education, connections and exposure to new and experienced musicians. "And we want to get very good or great bands as much exposure as possible in many different cities through our coordinated touring network (now in 20 cities)," he adds.
Undercurrents also offers a free music business seminar monthly, with representatives of various areas of the local music industry sharing their knowledge and suggestions.
"All musicians are invited to come and meet with people who can help them with their career," Moscato says.
The High School Battle of the Bands is a step in that direction. At least one member of each band must be in high school, and the groups must write and perform their own material.
The musicians are appreciative of that opportunity, says Jon Stefaniak, of Bell Township, vocalist and lead guitarist of The Hormones, which performs in round 3 on Nov. 5.
"We thank Mike for giving us a place to play and a chance," Stefaniak says. "We're just a bunch of kids playing music. We aren't even trying to get on some label or MTV or make money. We just want to play, have fun and make sure everyone else is having fun, and we appreciate everyone who is going out of their way to set all of this up."
Stefaniak is a freshman at Seton Hill University. Kayla Slicker, vocals and bass guitar, and Jesse Randall, backup vocals and drums, are seniors at Kiski Area High School.
"This is a huge opportunity to play to a brand new crowd," Stefaniak says.
"It's also cheap and fun for people to go to and watch and support their friends," Randall adds.
"I just love crowd interaction and seeing people get into the music and just having fun with it," Slicker says. "Music is a more real expression than any other sort of communication ever could be to me. It makes things powerful."
Zack Stone of Apollo-Ridge High School, a guitarist and vocalist in Seven Day Weekend, says he is pleased that, unlike some competitions, this one brings together groups of similar levels of experience.
"We really just want to come out and say we did our best," Stone says. "I love performing. I love being a part of it and looking down into the crowd and seeing someone smile and just knowing that we made at least one person's life better, even for a split second. That's what matters the most."
In addition to Stone, the members are Sonny Lynn, lead vocals; Richard Glass, guitar and vocals; Justine Smith, drums; Joey Hamilton, keyboards; Jon Whyle, bass and vocals; and Joe Cieslinski, bass and vocals.
The band performs in round 2, Oct. 29.
The members of Plan of Action, representing Fox Chapel Area High School, promise a lively show with good music. They begin in round 2.
"Music is our way to express ourselves and a large part of most everyone's life," says senior Matt Smith, drummer in the trio. Brandon Erskine is guitarist, and Brett Dzura, bassist.
The members of Katason, representing Riverview High School, can relate. "Music is what we do best," says drummer Keith Shook.
He says Katason, which performs in round 3, Nov. 5, offers a unique style, incorporating hard-core, pop, punk, rock and experimental.
When it comes to being in the band H.G.M., representing Kiski Area High School, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Artman says, "music is life."
"All of us in the band love to write, play and listen to music," he says. "To us, music isn't about fame, money or success. It is about having fun, expressing ourselves, and having some friends along for the ride."
Other members are Alex Rupeka, lead guitar and vocals; Corey Shellhammer, keyboards; Greg Carwile, drums; and Jimmy Craver, guitar.
They begin the competition in round 4, Nov. 12.
"The local music scene is like one big brotherhood," says Artman, "and whenever we get to play together, it is tons of fun."
Round one opens Sunday with Stratosphere, from Shaler Area High School; Escaping Grace, Pine-Richland; Distension, Mars; and Orion, Mt. Lebanon. A complete list of bands can be found at www.undercurrents.com.
Additional Information:
Details
Pittsburgh High School Battle of the BandsWhen: 4-8 p.m. Sunday, and every Sunday through Nov. 12; with finals at 4 p.m. Nov. 19
Where: Moondog's Pub, 378 Freeport Road, Blawnox
Admission: $5 in advance; $8 at the door
Details: 412-657-0027, mmoscato@undercurrents.com or click here.
