Shaun Ward, bass player with 'The Loose Bananas'.
THE Rosses Community School is well-known for its many versatile talents in music. The first Rock Night recently hosted in the school showcased the many talented bands in the school at present, with a lot of top class original material.
The event was organised as part of the BEO schools rock competition (www.beoireland.com) and was a huge success.
Singer and guitarist, Alison Graham in third year started the night with two solo songs, Jetlag by Simple Plan and Wherever you Go by The Calling. As a third year music student, Alison is no stranger to the stage giving a confident, relaxed performance.
Next up was the first band of the evening Sabotage. A popular local band, Sabotage were recently successful in reaching the finals of Opportunity Knocks in Donegal Town.
Chris Kelly, the lead singer also performed on lead guitar, supported ably by Mark Boyle on electric guitar, Dominic Sweeney on drums and Chris’s brother Michael Kelly on bass guitar. The lads created an electric atmosphere with their rhythmic choices augmented by impressive musical lead melodies.
Influenced by rock giants Metallica and Jimi Hendrix, Sabotage delivered an original song entitled Crucifix followed by Radio Nowhere by Bruce Springsteen and Brewing up at Storm by The Stunning.The Nameless were next up contributing their sound to the mix.
Talented first year student Matthew Rodgers displayed his considerable drumming skills, while singer Liam McGee delivered the songs including San Dieg Song (The Coronas), Dam It and the original song Liar.
Wojciech Hordyniec played bass with Dylan Rodgers on electric guitar. The music was highly energetic throughout reflecting many, many hours of band rehearsal, resulting in a high quality sound of musical unity and enjoyment.
Matthew Rodgers stayed on drums for the next musical outfit. Joined by his brother Ryan Rodgers on vocals and lead guitar and bassist Damien Walsh, the lads are also known as Not that Famous.
It was obvious from the outset these lads were very comfortable and confident in each others’ company. Musically challenging, their repertoire was delivered with ease and conviction.
The band delivered impressive original material.
Songs performed were Fortune Faded, So Long (original), the full band composed the song – chords came first, then lyrics for the chorus, verse then full song; Umbrella, Mad Hatter (original), and Chelsea Dagger.
Finally, the rock evening came to a close with the popular band The Loose Bananas. The band is made up of Shaun Ward (bass), Michael Sweeney (guitar), Conor Mc Kelvey (drums), Matthew Ogelsby (guitar) and Ciaran Martin (lead vocalist).
The band played a number of popular numbers including Folsom Prison Blues (Johnny Cash), Love Machine (Girls Aloud), Bet you look good on the dance floor (Arctic Monkeys) and Plans (original song composed by group).
The highlight of the evening was the rocked up version of the School Anthem, sung by James Gallagher.
The song was written by students of the school in 2009 and reflects the rich musical tapestry that has become synonymous with the area.
The lyrics are carefully chosen in both the Irish and English languages to reflect on the positive school atmosphere that is tangible in the school community.
MC’s for the evening were the lovely Orflaith Mc Dowell and Sara O’Baoill, who added their unique sense of humour to the evening.
Joe Rodgers was responsible for establishing and maintaining the excellent sound quality for the night as well as the colourful lighting providing the ideal setting for the night.
Thanks to teacher to Ms Edel McLaughlin for co-ordinating the event along with the student committee led by Shaun Ward of The Loose Bananas.
A most enjoyable and refreshing evening of high quality rock music was enjoyed by all who attended on the night. Go raibh mile maith agaibh uilig. Maith sibh!
Alison Graham, singer and guitarist.
For extensive pictorial coverage see the Donegal News on Monday, April 16.