On Saturday, Nov. 9, a crowd gathered in the Performing Arts Center at Stoughton High School as the auditorium lights dimmed and a spotlight flickered on. The musician, Megan Slankard, stepped onto the stage with an acoustic guitar in her hand, leaned into the microphone, and the concert began. The event wasn’t just about music; it aimed to raise money for the Stoughton High School music department.
“Before the Pandemic hit […] there was one band that [the opera house] brought in that I really got connected with, and that led to being more involved with a number of bands through some fan support things,” said Alfred Skerpan, lead coordinator of the SHS School of Rock. “And, you know, I thought, ‘Oh, that would be a cool thing to do and have that as a fundraiser for something or another.”
One thing led to another, and eventually, he approached the music department. From there, they decided that the money raised would be allocated to the general fund for the department. “This could be a fun thing for students and for the department, and they were on board with it,” Skerpan said.
The event had two parts: a workshop and then a concert. Hours before the show, the artists hosted a workshop for the general public to learn about the music-making process and ways to create something while still being passionate about it. They talked about their ideal locations for writing music, how their life experiences influenced their music, keeping a healthy balance with music writing, and taking care of their physical health. The musicians also demonstrated their equipment and allowed high school students to try out their instruments and play along.
The concert featured two acts. Slankard opened the night, captivating the audience through her witty storytelling and strong vocals. Her songs showcased the musician’s strong handling of a guitar through dynamic writing and her impressive vocal control. Despite performing solo, her presence filled the stage. Next, Betsy Ade and The Well-Known Strangers (BAWKS) followed her and closed out the event. Even with two acts, the musicians were able to make a lasting and distinct impression on the audience. When it was time for BAWKS to perform, they had a different approach to introducing themselves. Unlike Slankard, who introduced herself through jokes and easy conversation, BAWKS immediately started to jam out, inviting the audience to their section of the concert. As the band went through its list of songs, it was fascinating to see how they composed them. Each band member had moments to shine. One standout moment came when BAWKS invited an SHS student who attended the workshop to join them on stage for a song.
That moment was one of the highlights of the whole event. Not only did it showcase one of our talented students, but it also showed the collaboration of music and how people can connect through their passion.
