By Diego Hernandez, 11th Grade Modern Music Student
Some students at P.K. Yonge may believe that Modern Music—better known as Rock Band– is a class in which students hang out with their friends and sit on their phones. This is far from the truth.
In reality, Rock Band-Modern Music is a hands-on class where students learn how to play the instruments of their choice. Students not only improve their musical abilities, but they also develop essential leadership skills by collaborating with their peers to form bands and perform. These performances can include either original material or covers of popular songs. This teamwork helps students learn communication, time management, and problem-solving skills—all of which extend beyond the music world and are useful in other areas of life.
Beyond just playing guitar, keys and drums, students in Modern Music are introduced to sound engineering, stage setup, and the use of professional audio equipment. These technical skills provide valuable real-world knowledge, preparing students for possible careers in performance, music production, or audio engineering. The class gives students the chance to experience what it’s like to be behind the scenes at live events, giving them a well-rounded view of the music industry.
This is most evident during the end-of-year performance, R-Evolution. During this event, students have the chance to showcase everything they’ve learned throughout the year. It’s an exciting and fun way to celebrate their progress, where students perform on stage, dance, and enjoy the energy of a live audience. This performance is a highlight for many students, marking the culmination of their hard work in the class.
Many local Gainesville bands, such as Breakfast 4 Dinner, Boat Stuff, and Get Bent, have emerged from the Rock Band class. These bands got their start in the supportive, low-pressure environment of the class, which allowed them to experiment and grow without the fear of failure. While their early performances were not perfect, the experience and mentorship they received through Rock Band gave them the tools they needed to improve. Today, these bands perform at local venues and have become staples of the Gainesville music scene.
For students who are inspired to pursue music professionally, the class provides an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience. Many schools do not offer a program like this, making it a rare and special opportunity for students at P.K. Yonge. It’s consistently recommended by students who are currently taking the class or have previously been enrolled.
To wrap things up, Modern Music is open to everyone, regardless of prior musical experience. Even if you simply want to try something new, the class can help develop leadership and communication skills, while offering a fun and engaging way to explore music and teamwork.
Come check out our R-Evolution show on May 16th from 5-10 pm at P.K. Yonge PAC/ Front circle.
