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Redwood Day School Rock Bands Perform Benefit Concert at Ashkenaz
Proceeds support RDS financial aid program and Music Rising, an instrument replacement program for musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina
Redwood Day School’s middle school rock bands will perform a benefit concert at Ashkenaz in Berkeley on Sunday March 11th at 6:30 pm. All proceeds will be donated to the RDS financial aid program and to Music Rising, an instrument replacement program for musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina. This is the second year in a row that Redwood Day School rock bands have hosted a benefit concert at Ashkenaz.
Last year the group raised over $1200, which the students donated to the RDS financial aid program. This program provides tuition assistance to 24% of its 333 students—50% more than independent schools nationwide. “Our strong financial aid program is a key component of what Redwood Day is as a community…an independent school in the heart of Oakland that places a high value on all kinds of diversity. We celebrate, learn from, and thrive on our differences—cultural, ethnic, gender, socio-economic and intellectual. That the rock bands expanded their fundraising efforts to include an organization outside RDS reflects a group of compassionate, thoughtful and generous students—qualities that we seek to sustain on a daily basis,” says Head of School Mike Riera.
The other benefit recipient, Music Rising, is a national initiative to replace the instruments and gear that were lost in the Central Gulf Coast region during Hurricane Katrina. Music Rising was created by U2’s The Edge, along with other luminaries in the music industry. “We believe that music is the region’s greatest contribution to the
modern world. From the Mississippi Delta to New Orleans, the central Gulf has been the spawning ground of contemporary music from the Blues, to Jazz to Rock’n’ Roll. But the music was silenced by the storms as whole lives were destroyed and people uprooted, leaving behind everything–including their musical instruments. Professional musicians need the instruments and gear to get back on their feet again and walk the music back home. Schools need the instruments so the children can learn the life skills associated with working in a group towards a common goal and grow to be Stronger, Smarter, More Creative. Churches need the instruments so that the Music of Devotion can Rise to the heavens once more!,”states the Music Rising website (www.musicrising.org).
Like all good things, the Redwood Day School rock band program started small. In the spring of 2001 the band boasted four students. However, under the direction of middle school faculty Keith Ogden, the next year nine students signed up and Ogden took on the additional role of rock band director. He begun his career at RDS in 2000 as a substitute teacher while concentrating most of his energy as a guitarist in the Sacramento-based band, “Paradigm.” Today, the level of interest and talent have exploded exponentially, and now auditions, multiple performances, and recording projects are all part of the program. Odgen directs three middle school rock bands, with over 30 students, and a 4th-5th grade band, which has grown to include 17 students. Many of the program’s students are also starting their own ensembles, and several alumni have gone on to be leaders in their high schools’ music programs.
“I am constantly amazed by how prepared my students are. They are so dedicated and motivated. It’s not a perfect system—sometimes the kids have to play songs they don’t necessarily like—yet the commitment is strong. They own it and it shows,” says Ogden, with a sparkle in his eye. Clearly, his passion for music and teaching has influenced the tremendous growth and success of the RDS rock bands.
Ogden works with his students to shape the curriculum by having each band member submit a couple songs that they would like to learn. Ogden looks over the list and selects half a dozen songs. “Our play list represents a range of styles and feels, from high-energy, uptempo songs to slower, mellower tunes. I love having the kids learn modern rock songs—songs that I don’t even know—as well as classic songs that their parents will love to hear. My job is to open them up musically to each other and to the process, which is listening to music, deciding what songs to do and, ultimately, experiencing the energy and excitement that comes from performing music,” says Ogden.
As part of Redwood Day School’s commitment to service learning, Ogden introduced the idea of donating part of the proceeds to an organization outside RDS. He presented the students with profiles of five different nonprofit organizations with youth components.
The students read about each organization and then voted: Music Rising was the winner. “One of my goals as a music teacher is to show kids how music can connect people and build community. Our support of Music Rising helps kids make that connection—one that will hopefully stay with them as they continue through life.”
Last year’s benefit concert sold out. For ticket information contact Keith Ogden at rockband@rdschool.org. If you would like to donate to the RDS financial aid program contact Randi Protopappas, Advancement Director, Redwood Day School, 534-0804 x236 or www.rdschool.org/Giving/. Music Rising donations can be made at www.musicrising.org
Redwood Day School (RDS) is an independent, coeducational, K-8 lower and middle school located in the heart of Oakland, California. Redwood Day School cultivates an intimate, diverse community where children develop inquisitive minds, build confidence in their individual gifts, and contribute as responsible members of society. Since 1963, RDS has transformed from a tiny school of 12 students into a thriving community with over 330 students. RDS faculty and administration are leaders in the new direction of education in the East Bay. For more information go to www.rdschool.org or call (510) 534-0800.
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