By Quinlan Gunty, Staff Writer
On October 10th, members of Poly High School’s Music Tech performed live at the Riverside Plaza for the Citrus Classic.
Citrus Classic is a local biking charity event where people can ride 7-100 miles. The more distance someone bikes, the more funds are raised for programs supported by the Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation (REEF).
Since last year, Poly’s Music Tech has been performing at the finish line of the bike route for Citrus Classic. REEF involves the efforts of students from multiple schools in the area, including Poly, North, and Arlington High School. The performances done by Music Tech, Blue Star, and cheer teams are of great encouragement towards the bikers and contribute to the overall lively nature of the event. Mrs. Habereder, the Music Tech teacher at Poly, exclaims playing in a live setting is “an energy like nothing else,” which students and even bikers feel.
Music Tech had a full set-list for the event that began at 11 AM. The band consisted of 7 members; Asher Kowalski on electric guitar and vocals, Ella Fortine singing vocals, Bowie Acrey on acoustic guitar and vocals, Raul Torres on electric guitar, Sophia Castro on bass, Andres Correa on drums, and guest member Matthew Coleman on vocals. They played a range of music from “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls, “Last Night” by The Strokes, and “Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer, to name a few. A fan favorite was their performance of “Stars” by HUM, the instrumental combining gentle melodies ascending to a heavy and grand breakdown. Music Tech club’s rendition was tastefully done and pays homage to the 1990s track beautifully.
Around 12:30 AM, Asher Kowalski performed his solo music (under the name Sonedus) with Correa on cajon, a box that creates a beat when hit. Kowalski played his song The Field of Flowers on an acoustic guitar, an almost haunting but ethereal track. He even performed a wonderfully written unreleased track at the time called Swings on electric guitar, a very endearing and atmospheric melody. This solo performance highlights the importance of young artists to be given opportunities to not only create music, but to display their work to the public as well.
Overall, Music Tech performing at Citrus Classic is more than an event for its members. Mrs. Habereder knows first-hand the influence these activities have on students. She stresses that playing live is very rewarding and impacts their skills as a musician overall. In class, students improve through learning composition and recording. Though, these developments are taken to another level when it’s applied to a live environment. Mixing being changed while the songs are being played, the way the music travels in the setting, and interacting with the community and bandmates are all factors considered while actively playing publicly. Having these experiences is important to improving as a musician and further developing skills.
The collaboration between Music Tech and Citrus Classic is beginning to become an impactful tradition that helps build community, improve musicianship, and encourage people as they bike for charity.