Ojai Valley School’s garage band took to the streets on the annual festival of Ojai Day and performed for the first time.
The musicians separated into groups and played street music in hopes of attracting buyers to the OVS booth, which was selling dream catchers and greeting cards. The Upper Campus garage band successfully lured pedestrians to the booth while gaining experience in public performing.
“It was like a street performance,” said guitarist Ted Jung. “We helped our booth get a little more attention.”
Ted, a junior at Upper, plays both the guitar and the bass. He founded the garage band elective, and is one of eight total members.
Other talents include sophomore Sam Desmond, who plays the ukulele and acoustic guitar, and sings vocals with freshman, Wendy Lazo-Dowdy. Sophomore Liam Castagna and freshman Eilin Qin both play the drums, and freshman Tracy Zeng plays the piano. Junior Jeff Ding plays the electric guitar and freshman Eric Liang plays the acoustic guitar.
Currently the band is practicing in a classroom, but is looking for a new location to expand their horizons and prepare for future performances.
“I like playing with a band and learning to play new music,” said Sam. “The experience of being on stage is really great.”
Ted and his crew plan to perform at both the OVS Talent Show and the Battle of the Bands at Thacher School. This talented group has shown a glimpse of great performances to come, and has proven that not only is performing about competition, but is about having fun and showing creativity.
“I was in the garage band when I was in middle school in Korea, and I had so much fun,” said Ted. “I want to enjoy it again in OVS.”