Students by day, musical stars by night: Meet WJ’s student bands

Geetanjali Raju, Online News Editor • December 15, 2023

Courtesy Surefire

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Courtesy Tess Senehi

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Courtesy "Submerge the Oppressor"

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A musical revolution has taken place over the last year as student bands surge in popularity. This exciting scene continues to grow but has yet to receive the attention it deserves. Let’s dive into the spotlight and get to know the talent behind the tunes:

(Courtesy Tess Senehi)

The Gnomes

Introducing The Gnomes, an exciting musical collaboration formed by students from both WJ and BCC. Coming to life in the summer of 2023, this band has quickly grown, playing at various gigs and parties throughout the fall. Rooted in rock, The Gnomes draw inspiration spanning from the iconic sounds of The Smiths and Led Zeppelin to the eclectic tunes of indie pop and folk. The ensemble includes Tess Senehi as the main singer, Thomas Scanlon as the main guitarist, Noah Schneider on bass, Noah Mills on drums and Timmy Schwartz on main keyboard and vocals.

One unforgettable moment in their musical journey was rallying the crowd to join in a resounding chorus to Radiohead's "Creep", during a Halloween Party. “It's crazy to think that we made such an impact on the crowd and got everybody excited,” Schwartz said.

Looking ahead, The Gnomes hope to secure more gigs, refine individual talents, and master their instruments. Their advice to aspiring musicians is to find people with similar music tastes, make sure to have live performance equipment, and, above all, be unapologetically loud. The band is also currently looking for another guitarist, an exciting opportunity for anyone interested!

(Courtesy Surefire)

Surefire

Next up, meet Surefire, a rising rock and country band at WJ, with musical influences such as the Beatles, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Zach Bryan. After forming last year under the initiative of Torben Mucchetti and Bradley West, the band faced a hiatus after the graduation of Matthew Ashman and Ryan Mulligan.

Undeterred by this setback, Surefire is now back better than ever, ready to reclaim the stage. With Mucchetti on guitar and lead vocals, West on drums, Hal Fischer on bass and Macie Redmond on guitar and vocals, this new lineup has been taking off at recent gigs, leaving the crowd floored. Looking ahead, Surefire sets ambitious goals, aiming for recordings and possibly an EP of original work.

Despite the nerves of performing for a crowd, the band emphasizes the importance of confidence and stage presence. “If you are having fun jamming out, the crowd will too. It's contagious,” Redmond said.

As they continue their musical journey, Surefire invites audiences to stay tuned for their upcoming shows at Baby Cat Brewery.

(Courtesy “Submerge the Oppressor”)

Submerge the Oppressor

Finally, WJ’s very own Metal/Hardcore Punk Band, Submerge the Oppressor, stands as a powerhouse with a lineup featuring Hal Fischer on vocals/synth, Idan Tzioni on drums, Nolan LaCount on guitar, Zaine Rehman on guitar and Grady Boisture on bass guitar. What sets this band apart is the combination of each member's unique influences, taking inspiration from Tool and The Smashing Pumpkins, resulting in a sound that is as diverse as it is intense.

Frontman Hal leads the songwriting process, infusing the group's compositions with his lyrics and riffs. The collaborative effort in song creation unfolds over rehearsals, where structure is built, and details are perfected. With a potential upcoming show on the horizon, the band is hoping to get out there and perform more. Among their setlist, the favorite song to perform is an original: "Eat, Shop, Live."

They remind new musicians to be patient. “This is high school, there’s no need to rush. Take your time and ensure the quality of your music is good,” Tzioni said.

WJ has done a great job fostering musical talent, from our school’s amazing drumline to our jazz band. These programs have inspired creative growth, paving the way for students to form their own bands and leave their musical footprints. The rise of student bands at WJ serves as a reminder to students to be bold, be creative and chase their dreams. Stars are being made, and the soundtrack of WJ is evolving, one note at a time.

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About the Contributor

Geetanjali Raju, Online News Editor

Senior Geetanjali Raju is excited to participate in her first year with the pitch as a Online News Editor. In her free time, Geetanjali being active, and going out with friends.