Your Scene
Essex High School in Essex, Vermont
by Kelly Clements
Every issue we’ll ask a high school student to tell us what’s happening at their school: we wanna hear about the music scene and how the schools around the state support their young musicians. If you wanna tell us what’s going on at your school, write to us at Good Citizen and we’ll tell you how to get the gig. Support YOUR scene!
Burlington has a huge and diverse music population. Bands ranging from alternative to bluegrass can be found in the clubs in Burlington and many of these artists started playing music in local high schools. I live in the nearby suburban town of Essex and the thriving local music community here serves as a breeding ground for many of Burlington’s future stars.
Essex native Ron Ward’s band Speedball Baby signed a major label record deal with MCA Records and the former Pinhead drummer has now toured extensively from his new home of New York City. Some of Burlington’s biggest regional acts boast Essex grads: madelines, Guppyboy, Chin Ho!, Rocketsled, Drowningman, SNowplow, Starlight Conspiracy and Ee are names that come readily to mind when I think of former Essex students and wh now make music their business.
Essex High School might be a great breeding ground because the school is so receptive to local bands. The high school holds various types of jam sessions, including a yearly jam session started by students in 1994. The jam session has included bands like Fishead, Wrench, Wheelchair, Gordo, The Pale Fantasies and Vapor Lock.
“They really give bands a chance to try out their material. It also encourages kids to utilize talent that they know they have” said Pat Coffey. Pat plays in the Essex hardcore band Wheelchair, a band that he and a friend started when they were in eighth grade. Like any band, Wheelchair practiced and practiced, changed a few members, and finally participated in the yearly jam session at the high school.
Coffey feels that the community has offered Wheelchair and other young bands a lot of support. “We have played at the school, the Teen Center and at local parties” he said.
Rocky’s Pizza showcased local jazz band Twice in a Blue Moon every Saturday and Sunday night during the summer months. “It was great!” said Bryan McNamara, a member of Twice in a Blue Moon. “Besides the fact that we got to play out and get publicity; we got paid and free food too!”
Essex’s music scene is large to say the least. Many of these bands are heading to Burlington to stake their claim in the music community. In the next year or two look for local talent because Essex bands are ready to rock. -GC-
Kelly Clements is a senior at Essex High School