While not as fun as actually going to OCHSA, being an OCHSA parent has its perks. Example: Getting to attend Ochella — OCHSA’s own musical festival. This year’s 3rd annual benefit concert in support of the Red Cross was held after school last Friday (June 8th) and featured 16 live bands on two different stages, a DJ and a bunch of clubs with food and activities, including a chalk art area.
I didn’t stay for the whole thing, or see all 16 bands, but what I witnessed while I was there was an amazing amount energy and talent. How fun! It kind of made me nostalgic for my own high school days, especially when A Ska Band played its set, which included covers of The Specials and The Clash.
We went to see A Ska Band because its guitar player (a senior at OCHSA) is my son’s guitar teacher. He mentioned they were playing and since it was after school on a Friday, I was able to grab my son from his elementary school (he starts OCHSA in August as a 7th grader) and get back in time to see them play. It was a great opportunity for him to see his teacher and mentor in his true element, up on stage, behind a mic, guitar in hand, doing what he does best — playing! It was very fun and I felt so proud of these kids…they’re awesome. My son was impressed too and I loved that it kind of put into context the result of all the lessons and practicing. In the end, you can play music for enjoyment and to entertain people and you get to be a part of something really cool.
His teacher is a great kid, a nice guy, a good student, a phenomenal instructor, and just got accepted to a highly regarded college. In other words, a positive role model for my son and getting to know him has been another benefit to being part of the OCHSA community.
Besides A Ska Band, there were sets by Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Two Guys With Instruments, Bunny, The Gentlemen, Sojourner, Mirrored, The Sends, A Thousand Vines, The Unrefined, Hotel, Jake Wright & the Relics, The Asymmetrics, Anthesis, Fox Hollow, and Satya.
I'm a mom, a writer, and apparently a blogger with two children who attend Orange County School of the Arts. I crave good information and LOVE to ask questions. But now I have all this stuff in my head. Oh well, it's okay because I love to chat and share. Go ahead and pick my brain.
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