Are You With The Band? The Scoop on the Rock Band Club

Originator of the “Rock Band” club, Bishop McNally teacher Mr. Kim Hoar believes students can learn valuable lessons while rockin’ out.

Bishop McNally High School in Calgary has a Rock Band club!

At Bishop McNally High School in Calgary, Rock Band is on the minds of many students. Ever since this past September, students have been playing this addictive video game at school during lunch hours.

If you’ve never played Rock Band, you’re missing out. It’s basically a spin off of Guitar Hero, but with additional instruments, including the drums and a microphone. The object of the game is to have as much fun as you can, while hitting all the notes, chords and beats with the guitar and drums, and all the right pitches while singing.

The idea to start a Rock Band club originated with Bishop McNally teacher, Mr. Kim Hoar, who believes great lessons can be learned by playing the game, such as team building and music appreciation. As well, he says, “Sometimes you just gotta have fun.”

Last year, he decided to send a letter to Terry DiMonte, from Q107 radio station in Calgary, requesting an announcement be made on air, hoping for any possible donations from the public. The school ended up receiving two used PlayStation 2’s, a Guitar Hero game and equipment, speakers and a full Rock Band set. After the broadcast, Terry decided to stop by Bishop McNally for a tour of the school. Pleased with what he saw, Terry ended up handing over $500 of his own money, which was used to buy a second full Rock Band set. Thus began the Rock Band club.

One of the members of this club is Nial, a grade 10 student. “[I go] Monday to Thursday, every chance I get,” he says. Specifically, Nial loves the music that he’s able to play, his favourite song being Blackened by Metallica. “I would recommend a lot of people, anyone, to join in on the fun.”

An average of 20 people per day give what little lunch time they have for this fun game. A few select classes like Mr. Dan Batherson’s educational support class, come in every once in awhile for a go, taking turns on the guitar, the drums and, of course, singing on the mike. It’s a nice change from your average class work!

Students at Bishop McNally are very fortunate to have teachers looking out for them and willing to sponsor fun, yet educational learning experiences such as the Rock Band club. Thanks, Mr. Hoar and rock on!