Gabriolans to make school music program rock
By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder
Monday, April 28 2008
Face it: deep down, we all want to be rock stars now and then. Especially if that includes only the good stuff and we don’t have to leave home.
Well, Terry Hedges is giving all us the opportunity to be just that - to be recognized as the “2008 Rock Star of Gabriola.”
It’s just part of his vision - make that mission - to help support and build a better music program at the Gabriola Elementary School. Nothing wrong with the program but everything could use a few improvements periodically, to say nothing of cash.
Hedges is so determined and enthusiastic about a series of events that he has planned between now and September - when students return to school - he even got me seriously thinking about filling out a Rock Star Night Entry Form before the deadline, Monday, May 5th.
“It’s no secret that Gabriola has earned a reputation for its abundance of artistic talent, and that includes many musicians. “And I believe it should remain that way for years to come,” he began to explain over a coffee last week.
Because of his surname, Hedges, he has a tailor made nickname and band name: Hedgehog. And this summer he has made it his goal to raise enough money through various activities and gigs to supply our school with musical instruments, supplies and a portable stage, among other things.
The first project is Rock Star Night at the White Hart on Saturday, May 24th.
Now even Rock Star Nights have to have some rules and regulations, if only to get started. You can pick up a copy, along with an entry form at Artworks.
There is a $25 fee which you will get back when and if you show up. You must perform a rock oriented song in costume after you take part in at least two rehearsals during Sunday jam nights between 8 and 10 pm.
Obviously you have to be 19 to get in, but relax - Terry has plans for younger folks to rock and presumably to roll, as well.
Contestants will be judged on presence and energy, costume and look, how they communicate with the band and relate to the crowd.
No posers need apply. Your performance has to be believable. Hey, you have to be a rock star. Your performance will be what you will be judged on, not how well you sing or play.
“You gotta rock!” Terry advised.
The back up band is very impressive: including Terry, Tony Gradanti, Enver, Shamus and Kelly Field.
What does music teacher Rose Topp think? Well, she is one of the judges and rumour has it, will perform, as well.
“Terry rocks,” said Ms. Topp.
Hedges has a Battle of the Bands, a street dance and other events in the works and the Sounder will try to keep up.
For now: if you wannabe a rock star, not just any old rock star, but the 2008 Gabriola Rock Star, put down the newspaper, beg, borrow, but don’t steal 25 bucks and read the rules and fill out a form at Artworks.
If anyone could possibly need to know anything more, information is available by contacting: deleriumdark@hotmail.com. Honest, that’s where you go. Don’t you just love this place?
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