“That old time rock and roll” meets millennials

On Nov. 16, millennial musicians gathered in room 308 to begin eight months of band bonding, rehearsals and rock and roll.

Rock and Roll Revue, an annual concert of student-formed bands performing covers of past hits, is set to return to Decatur at the end of may. The auditions, all done individually, are being held in room 308 on Nov. 28 for musicians, and Nov. 29 for vocalists. Those interested in trying out are encouraged to pick a song that “shows off your talents in the best way,” according to Jackson.

Senior Katie Adams has been involved in the program for three years and is a band leader for the upcoming show.

“As a freshman, I saw the show and something clicked with me,” she said. “I was like, ‘this is so much, I need to be a part of this.’”

Through Rock and Roll Revue, Adams found friendships she wouldn’t have otherwise.

“It doesn’t matter where you come from, or who your friends are,” she said. “There’s one thing you have in common, and that the love of music and rock and roll. You’re surrounded by cool people and making something bigger and more beautiful.

Along with encouraging a love of music, the organization hopes to promote a positive message. Following a drunk driving incident around the time of Rock and Roll Revue last school year, students and teachers alike want to place an emphasis on sobriety.

“The purpose of doing this is so that [you] have a place to go do something wild and crazy, but sober,” teacher and sponsor Jennifer Gonzalez said. “We want to make sure that people are actually safe.”

The students agree.

“We want to make sure we bring the focus back to the music and the student talent that our school has to offer,” senior band leader Nealie Glasser said.

Each year, the organization finds a charity to donate the proceeds to. This year, they’re considering Joe’s Fund, in honor of Decatur alumnus Joe Bodine, who passed away last year.

At the end of the day, it’s an organization run by students with a passion for music.

“I’m really excited for this, rocking out on stage, to be one of my last memories of Decatur,” Glasser said. “I’m going out with a bang.”